A splashy refresh is giving the compact utility vehicle up to 488 kilometres range and a NACS charging port

Nissan has unveiled the redesign of its flagship electric vehicle: the Leaf.

The 2026 Nissan Leaf is a marked departure from previous editions of the model boasting longer range, more charging flexibility and, eventually, two battery size options.

Calling the vehicle the, “simplest, most intuitive EV yet” from Nissan, the Japanese automaker says it will be available in Canada in the fall.

Pricing has yet to be announced, but the vehicle comes with in the battery sizes: 52-kWh battery pack and a 75-kWh battery pack.

The latter will give 488 kilometres in range and will be available in Canada first, followed by the smaller battery.

The 2026 model will be made in Japan and, therefore, exempt from tariffs between Canada and the U.S.

New tech

The 2026 Nissan Leaf features new and different technology from its predecessors.

Liquid cooled lithium-ion batteries powered the vehicle while interior navigation and system controls are managed by two 14.3-inch display screens. The batteries also rely on purpose-built cold weather technology that gathers heat waste from the drive motor and the on-board charger to preserve range in the winter.

The EV boasts two charging ports — one on either side of vehicle — with one dedicated to the passenger-side NACS port and the other, driver-side, J1772 charge port.

It can charge at up to 150 kWh and is the first version of the vehicle to offer Plug & Charge.

Sleek design

The 2026 Leaf is classified by Nissan as an XSUV – Compact Class.

“We have completely reconstructed the values of the next-generation LEAF,” said Tase Nobutaka, the program design director at Nissan, in a press statement.

“We made it simple and clean, yet with a more energetic feeling. We ensured the all-new LEAF has a dynamic shape, testing it time and time again to reach our ambitious aerodynamic targets.”

The vehicle comes in seven colours: Seabreeze Blue Pearl with Black roof, Coulis Red Pearl with black roof, Everest White Pearl Tricoat with black roof, Boulder Gray Pearl with black roof, Deep Ocean Blue Pearl, Everest White, Gun Metallic and Black Diamond Pearl.

As well the vehicle holds an easter egg: two vertical rectangles paired with three horizontal rectangles.

“This references the company’s name, with “2-3” pronounced ‘ni-san’ in Japanese,” says the automaker.

“The graphic is seen in the headlights and tail lamps, the wheel designs and subtly incorporated into the cabin, to reference the company’s history and identity.”

And, now, its future.