Report: The new Nissan LEAF could spawn a crossover model

Nissan may have kept their LEAF project to a small scale, but so is not the plan for the next generation model as AutoCar learned Nissan could spawn a new crossover based off of the new LEAF.

This seems like a sensible move given that any crossover today is pretty much a hot topic and one produced at the same affordable level as the original LEAF could make treehuggers go wild with joy.

The second generation LEAF is supposedly due for a launch sometime in 2017 with a concept surfacing next year. The standard LEAF should take form as a five-door hatchback, like the current model, while the crossover is expected to be that, but with higher ground clearance and a more commanding view of the road.

Thanks to improvement to technology both with electric motors and batteries, a range of 249 is anticipated from the new LEAF. Given that a crossover model will be larger and heavier, it could sport a shorter total maximum range since it’s unknown whether or not the crossover version will get a more powerful battery or motor.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoCar

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1SFxy4p