Latest news with #NobutakaTase
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Nissan showcases next-generation LEAF with behind-the-scenes video series
NISSAN Motor Co., Ltd. has unveiled a behind-the-scenes look at the development of its all-new LEAF electric vehicle through a newly released three-part video series. The short films highlight the vision and work of the teams behind the planning, design, and engineering of what is described as a truly third-generation electric vehicle. Having sold nearly 700,000 units globally since the LEAF's debut in 2010, Nissan has drawn heavily on over a decade of experience and customer feedback in shaping the latest model. Across those years, owners of the pioneering electric vehicle are estimated to have collectively driven close to 28 billion kilometres, providing a rich foundation of data and real-world usage that informed the creation of the next-generation LEAF. Described by Nissan as one of its core 'heartbeat models,' the LEAF remains a symbol of the company's bold innovation strategy. Since its launch as the first mass-market electric vehicle, it has been a global ambassador of Nissan's commitment to doing what others shy away from, combining technological innovation with practical design to redefine what an EV can be. The new LEAF has been developed with a clear goal: to provide a genuine and compelling alternative to internal combustion vehicles. According to Richard Candler, Vice President of Global Product Strategy, the intention was not only to appeal to early adopters but to offer a product with broad, everyday appeal. The design had to strike a careful balance—sleek and emotionally resonant, yet grounded in functionality to suit modern families. Aerodynamic efficiency has been a key focus for the design and engineering teams, who collaborated closely to refine both form and function. The result is a striking, fastback silhouette that achieves a drag coefficient of just 0.26 in markets such as the United States and Japan. European variants, thanks to bespoke wheel and mirror designs, push this figure even lower to 0.25 Cd. This performance is further enhanced by a number of aerodynamic features, including flush-fitting door handles, an active grille shutter, a flat underfloor, and an integrated rear liftback designed to function like an airfoil. Program Design Director Nobutaka Tase explained that every design decision was made with aerodynamics and energy efficiency in mind. He noted that the panoramic glass roof, which features dimming technology, played a crucial role in reducing the vehicle's height by 12 mm at critical points where airflow detaches from the car's body. This subtle adjustment improves aerodynamic performance while maintaining generous interior headroom. The glass roof utilises electrochromic technology, enabling drivers to control the transparency of the panel and manage sunlight without the need for traditional sunshades, which can often compromise interior space. A heat-reflective coating provides further protection, helping to maintain cabin comfort in all seasons. Inside, the adoption of Nissan's CMF-EV platform ensures a spacious, open cabin feel, aided by a flat floor that enhances both comfort and utility for passengers. The result is a bold, forward-looking electric car that does not sacrifice practicality for style. The all-new LEAF is set for a global reveal later this month. Nissan's video series will continue to provide insights into the development of this important model as anticipation builds ahead of its official debut.
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Nissan Reveals Next-Gen LEAF with Behind-the-Scenes Videos
NISSAN Motor Co., Ltd. has unveiled a behind-the-scenes look at the development of its all-new LEAF electric vehicle through a newly released three-part video series. The short films highlight the vision and work of the teams behind the planning, design, and engineering of what is described as a truly third-generation electric vehicle. Having sold nearly 700,000 units globally since the LEAF's debut in 2010, Nissan has drawn heavily on over a decade of experience and customer feedback in shaping the latest model. Across those years, owners of the pioneering electric vehicle are estimated to have collectively driven close to 28 billion kilometres, providing a rich foundation of data and real-world usage that informed the creation of the next-generation LEAF. Described by Nissan as one of its core 'heartbeat models,' the LEAF remains a symbol of the company's bold innovation strategy. Since its launch as the first mass-market electric vehicle, it has been a global ambassador of Nissan's commitment to doing what others shy away from, combining technological innovation with practical design to redefine what an EV can be. The new LEAF has been developed with a clear goal: to provide a genuine and compelling alternative to internal combustion vehicles. According to Richard Candler, Vice President of Global Product Strategy, the intention was not only to appeal to early adopters but to offer a product with broad, everyday appeal. The design had to strike a careful balance—sleek and emotionally resonant, yet grounded in functionality to suit modern families. Aerodynamic efficiency has been a key focus for the design and engineering teams, who collaborated closely to refine both form and function. The result is a striking, fastback silhouette that achieves a drag coefficient of just 0.26 in markets such as the United States and Japan. European variants, thanks to bespoke wheel and mirror designs, push this figure even lower to 0.25 Cd. This performance is further enhanced by a number of aerodynamic features, including flush-fitting door handles, an active grille shutter, a flat underfloor, and an integrated rear liftback designed to function like an airfoil. Program Design Director Nobutaka Tase explained that every design decision was made with aerodynamics and energy efficiency in mind. He noted that the panoramic glass roof, which features dimming technology, played a crucial role in reducing the vehicle's height by 12 mm at critical points where airflow detaches from the car's body. This subtle adjustment improves aerodynamic performance while maintaining generous interior headroom. The glass roof utilises electrochromic technology, enabling drivers to control the transparency of the panel and manage sunlight without the need for traditional sunshades, which can often compromise interior space. A heat-reflective coating provides further protection, helping to maintain cabin comfort in all seasons. Inside, the adoption of Nissan's CMF-EV platform ensures a spacious, open cabin feel, aided by a flat floor that enhances both comfort and utility for passengers. The result is a bold, forward-looking electric car that does not sacrifice practicality for style. The all-new LEAF is set for a global reveal later this month. Nissan's video series will continue to provide insights into the development of this important model as anticipation builds ahead of its official debut.
The Advertiser
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2026 Nissan Leaf EV revealed in more detail
Ahead of its launch on June 18, Nissan has revealed some details about the third-generation Leaf, which is adopting an SUV-like design. The new electric vehicle (EV) is due in Australia during 2026. Nissan revealed the new Leaf's front profile at the end of March, showing off the car's rounder shape, taller ride height, and aerodynamic front end. According to Nobutaka Tase, the Leaf program's design director, the new model is the "most aero efficient car we've ever made" thanks to its fastback-style body, active grille shutters, flat underbody, flush-fitting door handles, and "optimised" wheel design. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's also an e-dimming panoramic glass roof, which Tase-san claims allowed the team to lower "critical air detachment points by 12mm". In the US and Japan the most efficient Leaf variants will have a coefficient of drag of 0.26, while European models bring that number down to 0.25 as they have unique wing mirror and alloy wheel designs . Richard Candler, vice president in charge of global product strategy, says the Leaf is "icon for us" and is "one of our core heartbeat models". In order for the new Leaf to be a "credible alternative to combustion engine vehicles" it will be able to do "300 to 500km between stops". According to Mr Candler the "average refuelling stop is around 14 minutes, and in that time [the new Leaf] can add over 250km of charge with seamless plug and charge capability". The current Leaf is hamstrung by its CHAdeMO charger, ports for which are getting harder to find at public charging stations, and a passively air-cooled battery that struggles to keep things at the right temperature in extreme climates, potentially lead to high levels of battery degradation. Under the skin, the new Leaf employs the CMF-EV architecture that underpins the Ariya electric crossover. The platform, rebranded as AmpR Medium, also serves as the basis of the Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech. This should mean the adoption of active cooling systems, and the use of popular charging ports, like CCS in Europe and Australia. The Ariya is available with 65kWh and 90kWh battery packs, and a selection of drivetrains, starting with a 160kW/300Nm front-wheel drive setup and topping out with a 290kW/600Nm all-wheel drive dual-motor system. Depending on the drivetrain and battery pack combo, the Ariya's WLTP driving range is between 360km and 500km. By way of comparison, the second-generation Leaf has a 110kW/320Nm motor paired to a 39kWh battery in its base trim, offering a WLTP driving range of 270km. The e+ variant has a beefier 160kW/340Nm electric motor, larger 62kWh battery, and a WLTP range of 385km. Since the original Leaf's launch back in 2010 around 700,000 have been sold worldwide. At one stage it was the world's best-selling EV ever, but it has since been overtaken by the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Collectively all of the world's Leaf models have covered an estimated 28 billion kilometres. The new Leaf will go on sale in Australia in 2026. Local models will likely be sourced from Nissan's factory in Sunderland, UK. MORE: Everything Nissan Leaf Content originally sourced from: Ahead of its launch on June 18, Nissan has revealed some details about the third-generation Leaf, which is adopting an SUV-like design. The new electric vehicle (EV) is due in Australia during 2026. Nissan revealed the new Leaf's front profile at the end of March, showing off the car's rounder shape, taller ride height, and aerodynamic front end. According to Nobutaka Tase, the Leaf program's design director, the new model is the "most aero efficient car we've ever made" thanks to its fastback-style body, active grille shutters, flat underbody, flush-fitting door handles, and "optimised" wheel design. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's also an e-dimming panoramic glass roof, which Tase-san claims allowed the team to lower "critical air detachment points by 12mm". In the US and Japan the most efficient Leaf variants will have a coefficient of drag of 0.26, while European models bring that number down to 0.25 as they have unique wing mirror and alloy wheel designs . Richard Candler, vice president in charge of global product strategy, says the Leaf is "icon for us" and is "one of our core heartbeat models". In order for the new Leaf to be a "credible alternative to combustion engine vehicles" it will be able to do "300 to 500km between stops". According to Mr Candler the "average refuelling stop is around 14 minutes, and in that time [the new Leaf] can add over 250km of charge with seamless plug and charge capability". The current Leaf is hamstrung by its CHAdeMO charger, ports for which are getting harder to find at public charging stations, and a passively air-cooled battery that struggles to keep things at the right temperature in extreme climates, potentially lead to high levels of battery degradation. Under the skin, the new Leaf employs the CMF-EV architecture that underpins the Ariya electric crossover. The platform, rebranded as AmpR Medium, also serves as the basis of the Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech. This should mean the adoption of active cooling systems, and the use of popular charging ports, like CCS in Europe and Australia. The Ariya is available with 65kWh and 90kWh battery packs, and a selection of drivetrains, starting with a 160kW/300Nm front-wheel drive setup and topping out with a 290kW/600Nm all-wheel drive dual-motor system. Depending on the drivetrain and battery pack combo, the Ariya's WLTP driving range is between 360km and 500km. By way of comparison, the second-generation Leaf has a 110kW/320Nm motor paired to a 39kWh battery in its base trim, offering a WLTP driving range of 270km. The e+ variant has a beefier 160kW/340Nm electric motor, larger 62kWh battery, and a WLTP range of 385km. Since the original Leaf's launch back in 2010 around 700,000 have been sold worldwide. At one stage it was the world's best-selling EV ever, but it has since been overtaken by the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Collectively all of the world's Leaf models have covered an estimated 28 billion kilometres. The new Leaf will go on sale in Australia in 2026. Local models will likely be sourced from Nissan's factory in Sunderland, UK. MORE: Everything Nissan Leaf Content originally sourced from: Ahead of its launch on June 18, Nissan has revealed some details about the third-generation Leaf, which is adopting an SUV-like design. The new electric vehicle (EV) is due in Australia during 2026. Nissan revealed the new Leaf's front profile at the end of March, showing off the car's rounder shape, taller ride height, and aerodynamic front end. According to Nobutaka Tase, the Leaf program's design director, the new model is the "most aero efficient car we've ever made" thanks to its fastback-style body, active grille shutters, flat underbody, flush-fitting door handles, and "optimised" wheel design. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's also an e-dimming panoramic glass roof, which Tase-san claims allowed the team to lower "critical air detachment points by 12mm". In the US and Japan the most efficient Leaf variants will have a coefficient of drag of 0.26, while European models bring that number down to 0.25 as they have unique wing mirror and alloy wheel designs . Richard Candler, vice president in charge of global product strategy, says the Leaf is "icon for us" and is "one of our core heartbeat models". In order for the new Leaf to be a "credible alternative to combustion engine vehicles" it will be able to do "300 to 500km between stops". According to Mr Candler the "average refuelling stop is around 14 minutes, and in that time [the new Leaf] can add over 250km of charge with seamless plug and charge capability". The current Leaf is hamstrung by its CHAdeMO charger, ports for which are getting harder to find at public charging stations, and a passively air-cooled battery that struggles to keep things at the right temperature in extreme climates, potentially lead to high levels of battery degradation. Under the skin, the new Leaf employs the CMF-EV architecture that underpins the Ariya electric crossover. The platform, rebranded as AmpR Medium, also serves as the basis of the Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech. This should mean the adoption of active cooling systems, and the use of popular charging ports, like CCS in Europe and Australia. The Ariya is available with 65kWh and 90kWh battery packs, and a selection of drivetrains, starting with a 160kW/300Nm front-wheel drive setup and topping out with a 290kW/600Nm all-wheel drive dual-motor system. Depending on the drivetrain and battery pack combo, the Ariya's WLTP driving range is between 360km and 500km. By way of comparison, the second-generation Leaf has a 110kW/320Nm motor paired to a 39kWh battery in its base trim, offering a WLTP driving range of 270km. The e+ variant has a beefier 160kW/340Nm electric motor, larger 62kWh battery, and a WLTP range of 385km. Since the original Leaf's launch back in 2010 around 700,000 have been sold worldwide. At one stage it was the world's best-selling EV ever, but it has since been overtaken by the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Collectively all of the world's Leaf models have covered an estimated 28 billion kilometres. The new Leaf will go on sale in Australia in 2026. Local models will likely be sourced from Nissan's factory in Sunderland, UK. MORE: Everything Nissan Leaf Content originally sourced from: Ahead of its launch on June 18, Nissan has revealed some details about the third-generation Leaf, which is adopting an SUV-like design. The new electric vehicle (EV) is due in Australia during 2026. Nissan revealed the new Leaf's front profile at the end of March, showing off the car's rounder shape, taller ride height, and aerodynamic front end. According to Nobutaka Tase, the Leaf program's design director, the new model is the "most aero efficient car we've ever made" thanks to its fastback-style body, active grille shutters, flat underbody, flush-fitting door handles, and "optimised" wheel design. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's also an e-dimming panoramic glass roof, which Tase-san claims allowed the team to lower "critical air detachment points by 12mm". In the US and Japan the most efficient Leaf variants will have a coefficient of drag of 0.26, while European models bring that number down to 0.25 as they have unique wing mirror and alloy wheel designs . Richard Candler, vice president in charge of global product strategy, says the Leaf is "icon for us" and is "one of our core heartbeat models". In order for the new Leaf to be a "credible alternative to combustion engine vehicles" it will be able to do "300 to 500km between stops". According to Mr Candler the "average refuelling stop is around 14 minutes, and in that time [the new Leaf] can add over 250km of charge with seamless plug and charge capability". The current Leaf is hamstrung by its CHAdeMO charger, ports for which are getting harder to find at public charging stations, and a passively air-cooled battery that struggles to keep things at the right temperature in extreme climates, potentially lead to high levels of battery degradation. Under the skin, the new Leaf employs the CMF-EV architecture that underpins the Ariya electric crossover. The platform, rebranded as AmpR Medium, also serves as the basis of the Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech. This should mean the adoption of active cooling systems, and the use of popular charging ports, like CCS in Europe and Australia. The Ariya is available with 65kWh and 90kWh battery packs, and a selection of drivetrains, starting with a 160kW/300Nm front-wheel drive setup and topping out with a 290kW/600Nm all-wheel drive dual-motor system. Depending on the drivetrain and battery pack combo, the Ariya's WLTP driving range is between 360km and 500km. By way of comparison, the second-generation Leaf has a 110kW/320Nm motor paired to a 39kWh battery in its base trim, offering a WLTP driving range of 270km. The e+ variant has a beefier 160kW/340Nm electric motor, larger 62kWh battery, and a WLTP range of 385km. Since the original Leaf's launch back in 2010 around 700,000 have been sold worldwide. At one stage it was the world's best-selling EV ever, but it has since been overtaken by the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Collectively all of the world's Leaf models have covered an estimated 28 billion kilometres. The new Leaf will go on sale in Australia in 2026. Local models will likely be sourced from Nissan's factory in Sunderland, UK. MORE: Everything Nissan Leaf Content originally sourced from:
West Australian
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
2026 Nissan Leaf revealed in more detail
Ahead of its launch on June 18, Nissan has revealed some details about the third-generation Leaf, which is adopting an SUV-like design. The company revealed the new Leaf's front profile at the end of March , showing off the car's rounder shape, taller ride height, and aerodynamic front end. According to Nobutaka Tase, the Leaf program's design director, the new model is 'most aero efficient car we've ever made' thanks to its fastback-style body, active grille shutters, flat underbody, flush-fitting door handles, and 'optimised' wheel design. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . There's also an e-dimming panoramic glass roof, which Tase-san claims allowed the team to lower 'critical air detachment points by 12mm'. In the US and Japan the most efficient Leaf variants will have a coefficient of drag of 0.26, while European models bring that number down to 0.25 as they have unique wing mirror and alloy wheel designs . Richard Candler, vice president in charge of global product strategy, says the Leaf is 'icon for us' and is 'one of our core heartbeat models'. In order for the new Leaf to be a 'credible alternative to combustion engine vehicles' it will be able to do '300 to 500km between stops'. According to Mr Candler the 'average refuelling stop is around 14 minutes, and in that time [the new Leaf] can add over 250km of charge with seamless plug and charge capability'. Under the skin, the new Leaf employs the CMF-EV architecture that underpins the Ariya electric crossover. The platform, rebranded as AmpR Medium, also serves as the basis of the Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech . The Ariya is available with 65kWh and 90kWh battery packs, and a selection of drivetrains, starting with a 160kW/300Nm front-wheel drive setup and topping out with a 290kW/600Nm all-wheel drive dual-motor system. Depending on the drivetrain and battery pack combo, the Ariya's WLTP driving range is between 360km and 500km. By way of comparison, the second-generation Leaf has a 110kW/320Nm motor paired to a 39kWh battery in its base trim, offering a WLTP driving range of 270km. The e+ variant has a beefier 160kW/340Nm electric motor, larger 62kWh battery, and a WLTP range of 385km. Since the original Leaf's launch back in 2010 around 700,000 have been sold worldwide. At one stage it was the world's best selling EV ever, but it has since been overtaken by the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y . Collectively all of the world's Leaf models have covered an estimated 28 billion kilometres. The new Leaf will go on sale in Australia in 2026. Local models will likely be sourced from Nissan's factory in Sunderland, UK. MORE: Everything Nissan Leaf
7NEWS
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
2026 Nissan Leaf revealed in more detail
Ahead of its launch on June 18, Nissan has revealed some details about the third-generation Leaf, which is adopting an SUV-like design. The company revealed the new Leaf's front profile at the end of March, showing off the car's rounder shape, taller ride height, and aerodynamic front end. According to Nobutaka Tase, the Leaf program's design director, the new model is 'most aero efficient car we've ever made' thanks to its fastback-style body, active grille shutters, flat underbody, flush-fitting door handles, and 'optimised' wheel design. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's also an e-dimming panoramic glass roof, which Tase-san claims allowed the team to lower 'critical air detachment points by 12mm'. In the US and Japan the most efficient Leaf variants will have a coefficient of drag of 0.26, while European models bring that number down to 0.25 as they have unique wing mirror and alloy wheel designs . Richard Candler, vice president in charge of global product strategy, says the Leaf is 'icon for us' and is 'one of our core heartbeat models'. In order for the new Leaf to be a 'credible alternative to combustion engine vehicles' it will be able to do '300 to 500km between stops'. According to Mr Candler the 'average refuelling stop is around 14 minutes, and in that time [the new Leaf] can add over 250km of charge with seamless plug and charge capability'. Under the skin, the new Leaf employs the CMF-EV architecture that underpins the Ariya electric crossover. The platform, rebranded as AmpR Medium, also serves as the basis of the Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech. The Ariya is available with 65kWh and 90kWh battery packs, and a selection of drivetrains, starting with a 160kW/300Nm front-wheel drive setup and topping out with a 290kW/600Nm all-wheel drive dual-motor system. Depending on the drivetrain and battery pack combo, the Ariya's WLTP driving range is between 360km and 500km. By way of comparison, the second-generation Leaf has a 110kW/320Nm motor paired to a 39kWh battery in its base trim, offering a WLTP driving range of 270km. The e+ variant has a beefier 160kW/340Nm electric motor, larger 62kWh battery, and a WLTP range of 385km. Since the original Leaf's launch back in 2010 around 700,000 have been sold worldwide. At one stage it was the world's best selling EV ever, but it has since been overtaken by the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Collectively all of the world's Leaf models have covered an estimated 28 billion kilometres. The new Leaf will go on sale in Australia in 2026. Local models will likely be sourced from Nissan's factory in Sunderland, UK.
