Nissan Micra EV Introduces Affordable Electric Mobility to Debut Later This Year

Apr 19, 2024 01:31 AM EDT

NISSAN CAR AUTOMOBILE AUTO VEHICLE — (Photo : PIXABAY/ DayronV)

The Micra is ready to conquer the EV market. Nissan officially unveiled the new Micra EV, the brand-new model in the company's lineup, following years of rumors. The company has long been hinting at a replacement for the Micra. This new EV, which was previously shown at the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, is intended to provide consumers with an economical and environmentally beneficial driving choice.

Nissan's Latest Entry to EV Market

Electrek reported over two years ago, that Nissan announced plans for an all-new electric vehicle, with design by Nissan and engineering and manufacturing by Renault utilizing a shared platform. This model was set to be an entry-level option within the Alliance's ambitious investment of 23 billion euros or $24.5 billion over five years to bolster its electric vehicle initiatives.

Recent developments indicate Nissan's continued commitment to this strategy, with the company unveiling its latest business update aimed at streamlining costs and bringing affordable electric vehicles to market.

Nissan's upcoming electric car represents the brand's latest endeavor to cater to the increasing demand for affordable electric vehicles. While specifics haven't been fully disclosed by Nissan, it's anticipated that the car will leverage the AmpR Small Platform, already employed in the Renault 5.

Based on the Renault's shown ability to get a range of up to 249 miles on a 52kWh battery, it is possible that the Nissan Micra EV would perform similarly. Nissan has stated that it will employ a variety of strategies to reach its bold target of reducing the price of its forthcoming electric cars by thirty percent.

This strategy involves developing electric vehicles in families, integrating powertrains, leveraging next-generation manufacturing techniques, group sourcing, and pioneering battery innovations. By concentrating efforts in these key areas, the automaker anticipates that its electric vehicles will attain price parity with their gas-powered counterparts by 2030, if not earlier.

Last Year Teaser

Two years ago, Autoweek reported on Micra EV's teaser, unveiling the profile of a small four-door with minimal overhangs and a contrasting black roof. The teaser video showcased large, ring-shaped LED daytime running lights, while the taillights were expected to follow a similar ring shape. The headlights were speculated to be narrow rectangular pixel units, intersecting the LED rings, as indicated by the teaser image.

In terms of range, Nissan hinted that the Micra successor's platform would aim for up to 248 miles of range. The CMF B-EV platform was set to support 250,000 vehicles annually under the Nissan, Renault, and Alpine brands. Interestingly, Mitsubishi models were not slated to adopt this platform, hinting at Nissan's distinct strategy for its subsidiary brand.

Furthermore, Autoweek shared its thoughts on Micra EV. The publication anticipates the Micra to debut in Europe in 2024, but questions linger regarding Nissan's willingness to introduce the car in Canada or the US. Similar to Volkswagen's reluctance to bring the ID.3 hatchback to the US market despite its success in Europe, the prospects for small cars in the US have been tepid in recent years.

However, in terms of pricing, the Micra is projected to be positioned below the Leaf and could pose a challenge to models like the Mini Cooper SE Electric. Given the unpredictable nature of the 2024 EV market, there may well be a demand for a compact electric hatch positioned below the Leaf in North America.