2026 Nissan LEAF propulsion system recognized in Wards list

Nissan LEAF 2026 named to Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems for its innovative 3-in-1 powertrain, 214 hp output and up to 303 miles range.

The new third-generation Nissan LEAF is once again making headlines. Set to launch in the U.S. this fall, the model has already earned recognition, with its propulsion system named among the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems 2025. For Nissan, the honor carries historical weight — nearly 15 years ago, the first LEAF was the first mass-market EV to receive the same award.

The Wards prize evaluates not only efficiency and innovation but also power, torque, refinement, and real-world performance. In 2025, nine of the ten winners were electrified models, with just one traditional combustion engine. Against this backdrop, the LEAF’s achievement feels natural: 214 horsepower, 261 lb-ft of instant torque, and up to 303 miles of EPA-estimated range. With 150 kW fast charging, the battery can be replenished from 10 to 80 percent in about half an hour.

Among the key upgrades is a liquid-cooled 75-kWh battery, a first for the LEAF, replacing the older passive cooling approach. U.S. models feature dual charging ports — NACS for fast charging and J1772 for Level 2 — enhancing compatibility across networks. Engineers have also designed a compact 3-in-1 unit that integrates the motor, inverter, and reducer, improving efficiency and reducing weight.

The U.S. market will see the car this fall, with prices starting at $29,990 for the S+ version. That makes the LEAF the most affordable EV in its class: the Chevrolet Equinox EV begins at $34,995, the Hyundai Kona Electric offers less range, and the Volkswagen ID.4 carries a significantly higher price. Nissan is clearly positioning the LEAF as the balance of accessibility and innovation.

Media reactions underline these strengths. Outlets like MotorTrend and Autoblog highlight major progress in range and driving comfort, though some reviewers note it is still not the sportiest option. German reports emphasize daily comfort and a WLTP range close to 600 kilometers, confirming the car’s improved long-distance capability.

For Nissan, the LEAF is more than just a model update — it’s a building block in the Ambition 2030 strategy. The company plans 19 new EVs by the end of the decade and is investing heavily in solid-state batteries, aiming for the first commercial launch in 2028. In this context, the LEAF plays a vital role in the brand’s long-term vision of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.