
The Nissan LEAF is widely known for being one of the first electric vehicles on the market. It put Nissan on the market as one of the pioneering brands in the push for electrification. However, being first doesn’t always mean you’re one of the best, and the same is true for the Nissan LEAF.
From its first generation to the current LEAF on the market, the main sore point that buyers have regarding the LEAF is its maximum driving range. That’s set to change with the upcoming 2026 Leaf, expected to arrive later this year. At the New York Auto Show, Nissan senior vice president and chief planning officer Ponz Pandikuthira told automotive magazine Car and Driver that the new model will offer over 480 km of driving range—a significant leap from the current version, which is EPA-rated at just 240 km in its base form and 341 km for the SV Plus. The version we get here in the Philippines is fitted with a 40 kWh battery that delivers 240 km.

Another major focus for the new Leaf is its styling—and it's come a long way from its modest 2010 debut. While it's about 150 mm shorter than the current model, the design is more upright and heavily optimized for aerodynamics, highlighted by a sleek front end and a flowing roofline. It also aligns more closely with Nissan’s new design language, echoing the look of the Ariya.
Other changes include 19-inch wheels, a panoramic moonroof, and—at least in the U.S.—a NACS charging port. This means the LEAF will be capable of utilizing Tesla chargers. This model will be built in England at Nissan’s Sunderland plant, which is rapidly becoming the brand’s flagship EV hub. It’s set to launch in Europe later this year.

There’s no official word yet on whether the 2026 LEAF will make its way to Southeast Asian markets. However, given that the current LEAF is already available here, there’s reason to be hopeful that Nissan will continue offering its electric hatchback in our region.
For now, though, check out the Nissan LEAF and other Nissan vehicles on the AutoDeal Car Guide.
Latest News
-
Kia shares more about the PV5 electric van — Here’s what we know / News
Kia’s first electric van, the PV5, is getting closer to launch. With orders now open in Korea, more details about this practical and flexible van have been shared.
-
BYD’s latest seven-seater PHEV SUV set to debut in Australia / News
BYD’s biggest SUV yet is coming: the 2026 Sealion 8 PHEV is set to make its debut in Australia next year.
-
A minor Mitsubishi Triton update might be headed to the Philippines soon / News
Mitsubishi Triton could get a minor update in PH soon, with 2026 variants already listed in LTO records.
Popular Articles
-
Cheapest cars under P700,000 in the Philippines
Jerome Tresvalles · Sep 02, 2024
-
First car or next car, the Ford EcoSport is a tough package to beat
Jun 18, 2021
-
Car Maintenance checklist and guide – here’s everything you need to know
Earl Lee · Jan 12, 2021
-
Most fuel efficient family cars in the Philippines
Bryan Aaron Rivera · Nov 27, 2020
-
2021 Geely Okavango — Everything you need to know
Joey Deriquito · Nov 19, 2020
-
Family cars in the Philippines with the biggest trunks
Sep 20, 2023
-
Head to head: Toyota Rush vs. Suzuki XL7
Joey Deriquito · Oct 28, 2020
-
Why oil changes are important for your car
Earl Lee · Nov 10, 2020
-
2021 Kia Stonic — What you need to know about it
Joey Deriquito · Oct 16, 2020
-
Top 7 tips for buying a used car in the Philippines
Joey Deriquito · Nov 26, 2020