Nissan announces a substantial array of investments and concrete plans to accelerate its electrification strategy, much of which has been long speculated but now officially confirmed. Three new models are planned, comprising two CUVs and a revamped Leaf, with production slated for Nissan’s Sunderland facility in the UK. To support these plans, Nissan is reportedly considering the construction of an additional gigafactory at its Sunderland site to facilitate mass production.
Nissan’s official confirmation of previously leaked information came swiftly on the heels of earlier reports from just a few days prior. The bullet factors observe.
- The fully electric Qashqai model, marketed as Rogue Sport in the United States.
- Although the Juke’s US market run ended in 2018, this eco-friendly electric variant of the crossover continues to be available worldwide.
- The Hyundai Kona Electric, a game-changing option for those seeking an affordable and eco-friendly ride?
- Three distinct EV options are inspired by the Hyper City, Hyper Punk, and Chill Out concepts, respectively.
- Nissan announces its third deliberate gigafactory in Sunderland as part of its ambitious “EV36Zero” manufacturing strategy.
What’s bothering you exactly? Initially, it appears that Nissan’s “Chill Out” concept, as depicted above, served as the basis for the all-new Leaf, which had previously functioned as a working prototype at this stage. Nissan appears poised to make significant headway in its electric vehicle (EV) lineup. Solely, Nissan plans to introduce electric variants of its popular Qashqai and Juke models, alongside a potential Leaf-inspired crossover.
Located at the heart of the household, the Hyper City plays a pivotal role as the primary inspiration for the Qashqai EV’s design. The Hyperback is a compact crossover that appears to be an almost identical analogue of the Juke. As it stands, the even more compact Chill Out has been identified as the launchpad for the all-new Leaf. I’m intrigued by the potential of the Juke alternative, given the innovative Hyper Punk concept’s unbridled creativity.
By 2030, Nissan is committed to a fully electric lineup across its European market offerings, solidifying its position at the forefront of the industry’s electrification drive. It seems likely that the company will continue its efforts to market and sell internal combustion engine vehicles worldwide. Currently, the Ariya stands out as an aggressively stylish electric vehicle, a testament to Nissan’s lingering design prowess – and a beacon of hope that its future EVs can boast distinctive aesthetics.
As part of immediate efforts, various UK authorities initiatives are being introduced to support Nissan’s plans, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak weighing in, stating that “Nissan’s investment is a significant vote of confidence in the UK’s automotive industry, which already contributes a substantial £71 billion annually to our economy.” This venture will undoubtedly secure Sunderland’s future as the UK’s leading hub for electric vehicle innovation and manufacturing.
Check out Nissan’s latest press release for an update on its newest developments.
Electrek’s take
After a decade-long hiatus following the initial success of the iconic Leaf, Nissan’s electrification efforts have finally gained momentum with the game-changing Ariya, marking a significant step forward in their EV journey. While Nissan’s commitment to an electric future remained somewhat ambiguous, echoing the mixed signals often emitted by its Japanese peers.
As evidenced by recent announcements, Nissan’s commitment to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) is unequivocal. As Volkswagen plans to introduce an all-electric mannequin range in Europe by 2030, this appears a straightforward yet significant step forward. The telling indication lies in Nissan’s decision to electrify two of its most popular models, the Juke and Qashqai, a strategic move that underscores their commitment to sustainability.
Mass-market nameplates have a strong allure for customers obsessed with crossovers, comprising the core of the car market’s buying base. If Nissan were to confirm it’s building an electrified Patrol (also known as Armada), this move would likely signal a focus shift towards the premium end of the market – at least, for a mass-market automaker.
Nissan boasts a long-standing heritage in the UK, despite its European presence gradually diminishing in recent times. Nissan does not sell sedans or hatchbacks in core European markets, instead offering a five-model lineup that typically includes the Qashqai, Juke, X-Trail, Leaf, and Ariya. As ageing constraints loom, Nissan’s dwindling European inventory of internal combustion engine-powered passenger vehicles now shares platforms exclusively with Renault.
The UK’s substantial investment in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing capabilities is a highly encouraging development, marking the beginning of an exciting era not only for Nissan on the continent but also beyond.
