New Nissan Leaf goes on sale

The Nissan Leaf, which caused a sensation as the first modern, completely electric car from a major maker when it went on sale in 2010, is out to show in its first major redesign that it can reconnect with consumers, the USA Today reports.

The next generation revealed Tuesday night will come with a lower price than other major electric cars and partial self-driving technology that comes standard.

The Japanese automaker also smoothed out some of the more distinctive styling features from the older version, placing the new Leaf squarely amid mainstream design.

But the Leaf, which started the electric-car revolution as a 2011 model by showing up at about the same time as Chevrolet's plug-in hybrid Volt years ago, is no longer alone on the auto industry's menu of affordable electric vehicles, placing more pressure on the redesigned model. 

The 2018 Leaf could appeal to mainstream car buyers with predictable commutes. Its battery range will be about 150 miles, 40 miles more than the previous model. Yet the Leaf still falls short of the Chevrolet Bolt's 238 miles and the Tesla Model 3's 220. That could limit the Leaf's appeal as Nissan seeks to recapture its reputation as an electric car leader.

Nissan won't wait long to offer a better battery, however. The Japanese automaker said it would offer a new Leaf model with longer range and more horsepower at a higher price for the 2019 model year.