Props should be given to Nissan for leading the electrification charge with the Leaf. The early Nissan electric car was a progressive move that has since revolutionized the auto industry. But for as prescient as Nissan was, it has woefully lagged behind in developing more electric models in the years since the Leaf was first introduced back in 2010.

Now, Nissan plans to launch an EV crossover for the US market according to Automotive News. From everything it must have learned from the years of Leaf production, this should feature industry-leading technology, range, and features.

On Sale By 2021

Unfortunately, we will have to wait until the end of 2021 to find out. Nissan is said to be developing eight new EVs on a new platform for the global market. Nissan dealers were recently given a preview at which time they were told the new five-seat crossover would have a 300-mile range and 0-to-60 mph times of under five seconds. 

Those figures are keeping right up with other EV crossovers currently in the works from a number of other manufacturers like the Tesla Model Y, and Ford’s Mustang-inspired EV crossover.

The images dealers saw look similar to the IMx concept shown at the 2017 Tokyo Auto Show. With the upcoming 2019 Tokyo show in October, Nissan will unveil another crossover concept said to be much closer to a production-like IMx. Details of the batteries and the battery arrangement were not discussed at the dealer meeting.

“Futuristic” EV

Many in attendance told Automotive News that the crossover had a futuristic look to it and that there is nothing that looks like this on the market today. If it looks like the concept we would agree.

Others said the dashboard had no buttons except for a blinking “Start” button. Once the button was pushed an instrument display comes to life containing touch-sensitive buttons.

Nissan’s Electric Car Path

In many ways, Nissan forged a path with the Leaf back in late-2010 that it has dared not to tread since. Though initial sales were a bit slow, interest and sales picked up. Initial sales barely hit 10,000 in the US, but by 2014 Nissan sold over 40,000 Leafs before settling down to between 10,000 to 15,000 annually.

A new version was introduced in 2017 and sales have started increasing again. During the first version’s run, Nissan did little to improve its range and technology. Now many competitors like the Chevy Bolt have better numbers, which surely prompted Nissan to finally update the sedan. 

Last year sales increased for the first time since 2014 and are bettering many previous years’ sales. Worldwide Nissan has sold over 400,000 Leafs, hitting over 70,000 in 2018 outside of the US.