Nissan delays launch of long-range Leaf amid scandal

Nissan was apparently preparing to launch the long-range Leaf with a 60 kWh battery pack at the LA Auto Show, but it has now delayed the unveiling amid the Carlos Ghosn scandal.

A version of the Leaf with a 60 kWh battery pack to enable over 200 miles of range has been planned for years, but it suffered a few delays.

It was expected to be launched with the next-generation Leaf last year, but the Japanese automaker said that it was instead coming later.

With the launch of 2019 Leaf in the US earlier this year, Nissan said that the longer-range version will be available “in the future”.

It was rumored to be the product unveiling for Nissan at the LA Auto show this year, but it has now reportedly been delayed (via Reuters):

“While the automakers have stressed that operations and business are proceeding as normal, Nissan has postponed the launch of its high-performance Leaf electric car “to ensure that this important product unveiling could receive the coverage it merits”, a Nissan spokesman said.”

The company appears to fear that the current scandal involving its chairman Carlos Ghosn, who was arrested for financial misconduct earlier this month, would overshadow the launch of the new version of the Leaf.

Following the allegations and his arrest, Ghosn has been suspended or removed from his multitude of roles at Nissan, Renault, and Mitsubishi.

Some previously leaked information showed that the new 60 kWh battery pack would enable ‘over 225 miles’ of range, 100 kW fast-charging, and more.

Further whisperings surrounding the vehicle’s details are that it will use LG Chem battery cells instead of Nissan’s own cells, and that it will finally come with an active battery temperature management system.

Last month, some dealer documents also showed that the new Nissan Leaf with a 60 kWh battery pack could start at just $36,000.

Electrek’s Take

If I understand the situation correctly, only the launch of the vehicle is delayed and not the actual production nor availability of the car, unlike what some publications are reporting.

It’s not that big of a deal though it is a little disappointing.

We are at the LA Auto Show this week and we would have liked to get all the details on a new version of the Leaf.