Nissan teases the third-generation electric Leaf

Nissan arguably kickstarted the mainstream electric car conversation over a decade ago, and now the company is preparing to unveil its latest chapter: the all-new, third-generation Nissan Leaf. Ahead of its full debut expected later this month, the company is offering glimpses into a vehicle that carries a significant legacy. The original Leaf was a gamble, a true representation of Nissan's ethos to "do what others don't dare to do," and the automotive world is watching to see if this new iteration can redefine expectations for electric cars once more.

With the original Nissan Leaf hitting roads in 2010, the company isn't exactly new to the electric vehicle game. Nearly 700,000 units have found homes worldwide, collectively traveling approximately 28 billion kilometers.

Nissan wants this third-generation model to stand as a compelling option against traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles. A lot of focus in the development of the all-new Nissan Leaf has been on its aerodynamic efficiency, a critical factor for maximizing the range of electric cars. The new model achieves an impressive drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.26 for variants destined for the US and Japan. European versions, featuring a unique wheel and door mirror design, get an even lower 0.25 Cd.

A lower Cd value means the car has less air resistance, directly translating to improved energy efficiency and in turn longer driving range. Nissan engineers achieved these figures through clever design elements, including flush door handles, an active grille shutter that closes at higher speeds, optimized wheel designs, a flat underfloor to smooth airflow beneath the car, and a sleek fastback silhouette.

According to Nissan, even the panoramic glass roof is a functional component that contributes to performance. It allowed designers to reduce the vehicle's height by 0.47 inches at critical air detachment points, enhancing its slippery profile, while remarkably preserving ample headroom inside.

The roof gets the latest electrochromic technology that allows occupants to adjust the glass's transparency at the touch of a button, controlling the amount of light entering the cabin and eliminating the need for traditional sunshades that often compromise rear headroom. An additional infrared reflective coating helps to reduce heat from the sun.

The all-electric Leaf will be built on Nissan's CMF-EV platform specifically engineered for electric vehicles. That enables a completely flat floor within the cabin in contrast to the central tunnel often found in combustion-engine cars (which typically accommodates the exhaust system and driveshaft). That enables more open and airy environment for all occupants.

With the official global launch of the third-generation Nissan Leaf coming later this month, these initial insights paint a picture of an evolved electric car. Nissan appears to be carefully balancing sleek, modern aesthetics with the practical considerations essential for a family vehicle. The original Leaf earned its status as one of Nissan's "heartbeat models" by venturing into uncharted territory as the world's first mass-market electric car. This new iteration has some serious shoes to fill in.

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