A prototype for the next-generation Nissan Leaf has been spotted by Paultan spy photographers, which is expected to arrive in production form later this year as a 2018 model.

The test mule appears to retain the doors and roof of the current Leaf, although it comes with new front and rear styling. Influences from the IDS Concept can be seen beneath the “trash bag” camouflage, including the prominent V-motion grille.


The new Leaf also scraps the current car’s vertical headlights and taillights in favour of something more conventional, with both appearing to be LED-type units. Another detail that is partly visible here is the possible floating-roof design, which is also another cue seen on the IDS Concept.

Nissan could also offer different capacity battery packs to customers, all of which should outperform the current car’s 30 kW unit. The batteries will power an electric motor that drivers the front wheels, although it is not certain if the current car’s 107 hp electric motor will be carried over as well. Other improvements in the new car include the likely fitment of Nissan’s ProPILOT autonomous driving technology.