The Nissan Leaf, as we all know, is a bland-looking hatchback that looks better suited to the golf course or the circus. The monkeys need to ride in something, after all. And when you compare it to that certain other EV out there, let's call it the Model S, the Leaf looks all the more lame. Sure, the Tesla Model S and the Nissan Leaf are nowhere even close in price, but the fact is Tesla proved that an EV can look damn amazing. Nissan proved it can also look like shit.

Fortunately, Nissan has fully realized this and it's planning for the next-gen Leaf to feature more mainstream styling and even a new battery that'll double its range. Supposedly, the next Leaf, due in 2017, will incorporate Nissan's latest styling cues, like those in the new Murano. However, the hatchback design will remain, but it won't look as EV-like. Mamoru Aoki, Nissan's global design chief, stated that "the current Leaf is aiming too much at an EV-like appearance. Tesla doesn't look EV at all. The Model S just looks nice, very sport, sleek, but very authentic." Expect the new Leaf to have a V-shaped front fascia and a floating roof featuring blacked-out pillars.