The electric vehicle (EV) landscape has dramatically changed since the Nissan Leaf first appeared in 2010, alongside global events like Iceland’s volcanic eruption and the debut of the Apple iPad. Back then, the Leaf was a novelty; now, it enters a crowded market of 60 million EVs worldwide, including 1.6 million in the UK alone.
Nissan’s latest iteration, the Mk3 Leaf, is set to launch in 2026 and must prove its value against strong competitors like the Kia EV4 and Skoda Elroq. The Elroq has already earned a standout reputation, receiving a 4.5-star review for its efficiency, range, drivability, and comfort—making it the current benchmark in the competitive C-segment EV class.
The new Leaf faces the challenge of convincing buyers it offers a superior experience, especially given that the automotive world has evolved from the original Leaf’s modest 124-mile range and limited charging infrastructure to today’s sophisticated EV ecosystem.
The stakes are high : the success of the Mk3 Leaf will determine whether Nissan can reclaim leadership in the EV market, or if it will remain in the shadow of rivals that have already set a high bar.
