Skip advert
Advertisement

Nissan Leaf to increase range up to 250-miles

Nissan is set to offer a choice of Leafs with different batteries increasing the electric car's range up to the 250-mile mark

The UK’s best-selling electric car, Nissan’s Leaf, will be able to go further on each charge from 2016 as Nissan is set to offer a 30kw battery in addition to the current 24kw unit.

The extra battery capacity will enable the car to cover around 150-160 miles per full charge, up from the 80-100 miles expected out of existing Leafs. But Nissan won’t be stopping there – an all-new Leaf, due to be unveiled in 2017, is expected to offer a variety of battery options beyond 30kw, with top-of-the-range models offering a range of around 250 miles.

Advertisement - Article continues below

A Nissan insider told us that the plan was to have a range of Leafs with different battery outputs, meaning different range, performance levels and prices. “Expect the next generation Leaf to mirror any other car with a wide range of engine options, but ours will all be electric powered,” we were told.

A Nismo Leaf is not out of the question, with Nissan’s performance arm already having produced the Leaf-based all-electric Nismo RC racer. The 30kw version of the Leaf is likely to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, before going on sale alongside the 24kw version early next year.

Now take a look at our top 10 best electric cars to buy now...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Steve Fowler has previously edited Auto Express, Carbuyer, DrivingElectric, What Car?, Autocar and What Hi-Fi? and has been writing about cars for the best part of 30 years. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best electric cars 2026
Best electric cars - header image, April 2026 update

Best electric cars 2026

Thinking about making the switch to an electric car? Here are the best EVs that should be on your shortlist, and why…
Best cars & vans
7 May 2026
Car Deal of the Day: New Brit-built Nissan Leaf is great value at £296 a month
Nissan Leaf - front action

Car Deal of the Day: New Brit-built Nissan Leaf is great value at £296 a month

It hasn’t officially launched in the UK just yet, but the leasing offers are already arriving. It’s our Deal of the Day for 20 February.
News
20 Feb 2026
Cars that changed the world: the 50 most important and influential modern motors
Cars that changed the world: the 50 most important and influential modern motors

Cars that changed the world: the 50 most important and influential modern motors

The automotive landscape has changed dramatically over the past 30 years. To celebrate, we name the 50 models that we think illustrate the transformat…
Best cars & vans
4 Feb 2026
New Nissan Leaf: British-built EV enters production in Sunderland
Nissan Leaf - front

New Nissan Leaf: British-built EV enters production in Sunderland

On sale now, the sleek new Leaf is one of the very few models to qualify for the full £3,750 grant from the UK Government
News
16 Dec 2025

Most Popular

New BYD Ti7 is China’s answer to the Land Rover Defender, and it’s coming to the UK
BYD Ti7 - front

New BYD Ti7 is China’s answer to the Land Rover Defender, and it’s coming to the UK

A new, high-end, high powered seven-seat SUV is coming from the Chinese brand, with punchy pricing
News
19 May 2026
New Kia EV1 to arrive in 2028, and Hyundai Ioniq 1 won’t be far behind
Kia EV1 - front (watermarked)

New Kia EV1 to arrive in 2028, and Hyundai Ioniq 1 won’t be far behind

The Renault Twingo rival will use a bespoke EV architecture that’s being jointly developed by Kia and Hyundai
News
20 May 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Renault 5 has retro style for under £200 a month
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Renault 5 has retro style for under £200 a month

Prices have dropped for the best-selling Renault 5, and it’s our Deal of the Day for 20 May.
News
20 May 2026

Find a car with the experts