Experts have called a new electric car that will be eligible for the Government’s £3,750 discount one to watch in 2026. The brand new Nissan LEAF has picked up the prestigious Company Car and Van ‘Car to Watch’ prize just weeks before deliveries are expected in February. 
The third-generation LEAF model is a complete reworking of the iconic model, with the chassis switching from a hatchback to a compact SUV. The new LEAF can be equipped with a 52kWh or 75kWh battery and a range of between 271 and 386 miles.
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READ MORE: Tesla fights back against budget Chinese EVs as Elon Musk launches cheaper car The model is set to pack 215hp and 355Nm of torque, meaning the vehicle can reach 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds and top speeds of 100mph. Andrew Walker, Editor of Company Car and Van, praised the model for its affordable price tag, range and handling.
He said: “We’re delighted to include the all-electric Nissan LEAF in our annual list of award winners. The car that started it all has a new lease of life for 2026.
‘‘The British-built LEAF arrives to stiff competition and whilst it may not rewrite the rulebook as it once did, a combination of generous pricing, an excellent maximum range, clever tech and decent handling make it our Car to Watch for 2026.’’
The new LEAF is set to be built in the UK, with construction of the vehicle set for the brand’s Sunderland factory. Last November, the Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed that the new Nissan LEAF would be eligible for the government’s Electric Car Grant.
The £3,750 discount means the LEAF can be picked up for £32,249, putting it just a bit pricier than the similar Renault 4. 
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James Taylor, managing director of Nissan GB, said: ‘‘A big thanks to the team at Company Car & Van for recognising the talents of our fantastic British-built LEAF electric car and awarding it their Car to Watch in 2026. We couldn’t agree more with their assessment.
“Together with our other fully electric models – including the all-new Micra and Ariya, plus the Townstar and Interstar vans – Nissan has a rapidly expanding electric portfolio with real appeal to company car fleets and we look forward to welcoming new customers to our brand.”
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