Nissan unveils transformative update to its incredibly affordable EV that could change the game
Published on Jul 21, 2025 at 10:39 AM (UTC+4)
by Molly Davidson
Last updated on Jul 21, 2025 at 4:15 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
The Nissan Leaf has always been a practical, affordable entry into the EV world. But for 15 years, one major flaw held it back: a battery that couldn’t handle extreme heat or cold.
That’s finally changed.
The new third-generation Leaf ditches its outdated air-cooled battery for a fully liquid-cooled system – a move that could make it one of the most reliable budget EVs on the road.
If Nissan keeps the price down, this might be the Leaf’s most important update yet.
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Liquid cooling is a gamechanger for the Nissan Leaf
Older Leafs relied on passive air cooling to manage battery temperature – a method that left performance and charging speeds at the mercy of the weather.
In summer, the pack would overheat. In winter, charging could crawl to a halt.
The new battery with liquid cooling solves that.
It actively regulates heat, keeping the battery in its optimal zone no matter the conditions.
In colder climates, it can even draw warmth from the onboard charger to keep things running smoothly.
This improvement brings real-world gains.
The Leaf’s top-range 75 kWh model now offers up to 303mi – a big jump from the previous max of 226mi.
It also charges faster, hitting 80 percent in just 35 minutes on a 150 kW fast charger – a big improvement over the last-gen Leaf, which took about an hour.
A smaller 52 kWh version will also be available, giving buyers flexibility based on budget and range needs.
All eyes will be on the price of the Leaf
Nissan has also restyled the Leaf with a crossover-inspired liftback design. But the biggest change is still the one you don’t see.
Early reactions are enthusiastic.
“This is gonna sell if priced right,” one person commented on a Nissan Reddit thread.
Another added, ‘On paper, this Leaf looks like a good alternative to other EVs.’
Official pricing for the 2026 Nissan Leaf won’t be announced until the fall, but early buzz suggests it could stay in the sweet spot.
With thermal issues finally solved, the new Leaf doesn’t just drive better – it makes more sense than ever for people in all climates.
It’s looking like Nissan’s quiet achiever could be about to step into the spotlight.
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Molly Davidson is a Junior Content Writer at Supercar Blondie. Based in Melbourne, she holds a double Bachelor’s degree in Arts/Law from Swinburne University and a Master’s of Writing and Publishing from RMIT. Molly has contributed to a range of magazines and journals, developing a strong interest in lifestyle and car news content. When she’s not writing, she’s spending quality time with her rescue English staffy, Boof.
