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

Car Deal of the Day: hello £290 a month Nissan Leaf, goodbye range anxiety
Nissan Leaf - front action

Car Deal of the Day: hello £290 a month Nissan Leaf, goodbye range anxiety

Our Deal of the Day for 7 June is the new, super-sleek evolution of Nissan’s electric family hatchback
News
7 Jun 2026
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
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 Ford Fiesta ST confirmed as fast Fords are ‘non-negotiable’
Fiesta ST vs Polo GTI vs i20 N - Ford Fiesta ST cornering

New Ford Fiesta ST confirmed as fast Fords are ‘non-negotiable’

Fast Ford fans rejoice, as the top-brass confirm that ST and maybe even RS models are firmly part of the plan
News
7 Jun 2026
Radical new Citroen C4 Picasso successor will be boxy, practical and futuristic
Citroen C4 Picasso - exclusive image

Radical new Citroen C4 Picasso successor will be boxy, practical and futuristic

Citroen is going back to what it does best: new MPV will be boxy, practical and family-friendly
News
8 Jun 2026
Forget Bugatti, Chery's Tiggo 4 is a car I didn't want to give back
Opinion - Chery Tiggo 4

Forget Bugatti, Chery's Tiggo 4 is a car I didn't want to give back

Forget Bugatti, Mike Rutherford is seriously impressed with Chery's Tiggo 4
Opinion
7 Jun 2026

Find a car with the experts