New Nissan Leaf Model Faces Challenges at the Start
The new electric Nissan Leaf model, which is intended to return the brand to leading positions in the electric vehicle market, has already encountered serious production difficulties. Car production will be significantly reduced from September to November due to delays in battery supply.
Production Cuts and Their Reasons
The new Leaf is assembled at the Nissan plant in Japan’s Tochigi prefecture, but starting next month and throughout October, production will be sharply reduced. It is planned to produce thousands fewer cars than initially anticipated.
According to Nikkei Asia, batteries for the Leaf are supplied by the company AESC, but production capacity is not keeping up with growing demand. This is leading to a deficit that could limit the car’s availability at dealerships. For a model of such strategic importance, this is a serious obstacle right at the start of its life cycle.
Technical Specifications and Platform
The Leaf is built on the CMF-EV platform, which is also used in the larger Ariya. The base version for the American market is equipped with a 52 kWh battery that powers a single electric motor on the front wheels with an output of 174 hp and torque of 254 lb-ft (345 Nm).
A version with a larger 75 kWh battery is also offered, delivering 214 hp and 262 lb-ft (355 Nm) of torque. The stated range for this version is 303 miles (488 km).
Pricing and Market Prospects
Besides the USA, the new Leaf will be available in Japan and Europe, with further expansion to other markets. A key factor in the model’s success is its starting price. Nissan has confirmed that prices for the 2026 Leaf will start from $29,990, making it the most affordable electric car in the country. This price is only slightly higher than the previous model, which was produced for a decade. Furthermore, the company plans to release an even cheaper version, although its price has not yet been announced.
Initial production problems could affect the pace of Leaf supply to key markets, especially in the context of growing competition among electric vehicles. However, an aggressive pricing policy and technical specifications could compensate for these difficulties if Nissan manages to quickly resolve supply chain issues. The model’s success will largely depend on how quickly the company can ramp up production and meet demand.