Tokyo motor show – Next Nissan Leaf previewed by autonomous concept

Nissan’s mysterious caption alongside the image reads “Nissan’s future vision of auto intelligence and electrification is coming to Tokyo Motor Show 2015”. With a Zero Emission badge at the base of the A-pillar, it’s safe to assume that the, as yet unnamed, concept is an electric vehicle.

The company is also looking to expanding the Leaf into a sub-brand, offering additional models and body styles as more consumers embrace electrified vehicles worldwide. The darkened rendering reveals an illuminated “V-motion” front grille and boomerang-shape daytime running lights, consistent with Nissan’s latest design language and the wild Gripz concept that was unveiled last month in Frankfurt.

The upcoming version of the electric premium hatchback which is due for 2017 is expected to employ next generation batteries to stretch its range from the current 250 km to an impressive 400 km.

The teaser could preview a potential design direction for the next-generation Leaf, expected to arrive on the market by 2017.

The Nissan Leaf has been one of the most practical pure electric family cars on sale.

Piloted Drive, as the system is named, will initially be offered in Japan.