The 2018 Nissan Leaf is in works and a prototype model has just been caught test driving wearing a disguise.
Some of the styling cues in the new Leaf such as the angular headlamps, V-motion grille and taillights seem to be inspired by the Nissan IDS autonomous electric concept car, which was previewed in 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. It is also expected to feature the “floating roof” design, which is present in the recently launched Nissan Murano crossover and the Micra subcompact.
On the tech side, the 2018 Nissan Leaf is reported to offer two battery options; the 60-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery which is the same size as the 30-kwh unit, and a 40-kwh battery. The exact EPA ratings have not been revealed yet, but the next-gen Nissan Leaf is most likely to offer a range between 200 and 250 miles.
The new Nissan Leaf is also expected to boast self-driving functionalities using the Nissan ‘ProPilot’ technology, which allows the car to drive itself on the highway under certain conditions.
Nissan will officially reveal the 2018 Leaf this fall at some motor show and it will arrive at the dealerships later this year or by the start of 2018.