Nissan has opted to discontinue its Titan full-size pickup from the US market, instead focusing on a strategy that leverages its mid-size truck offerings as a key growth driver. As Nissan’s next-generation Frontier faces a prolonged delay, speculation is growing that the automaker might resurrect the model as a mid-size electric vehicle (EV) pickup instead.
According to a recently circulated memo from a provider, Nissan has decided to prolong the production run of its current-generation Frontier by an additional two years.
Nissan has announced that it will continue producing the Frontier at its Canton, Mississippi facility until the end of model year 2029. The previous technology had a lifespan that was 17 years longer before receiving its initial significant upgrade in 2021.
A leading source close to the matter revealed that despite lacking concrete evidence, it is believed that Nissan’s decision to revamp its product lineup stemmed from its preparation to manufacture new electric vehicles at its Canton facility, with both Nissan and Infiniti models set to roll off the production lines.
Nissan reportedly doesn’t require a high-profile model launch during its electric vehicle (EV) transition, according to an industry source.
Despite the availability of resources, there was no possibility of redesigning the Frontier.
Nissan has confirmed plans to launch a mid-size electric pickup truck in 2025, which will compete directly with the Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevrolet Silverado EV.
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According to a recent report, instead of launching its next-generation pickup in 2027 as previously planned, Nissan might revive the Frontier as a mid-size electric pickup truck.
Nissan has surpassed the one million milestone in electric vehicle (EV) sales, a feat achieved just 12 years after introducing its iconic LEAF model.
Despite its initial triumph, the LEAF’s progress has stalled, as nearly every other manufacturer has released more advanced electric models boasting longer ranges, cutting-edge technology, and enhanced charging capabilities.
The Japanese automaker launched its second all-electric mass-market car, the 2023 Nissan Ariya, which debuted in the US market in late 2022 and has already surpassed sales of the LEAF.
Meanwhile, Nissan is undergoing a major renovation at its Canton plant to produce innovative electric vehicle models, following a $500 million investment announced in February last year.
By 2026, Nissan plans to start production of two primary electric sedan models according to its scheduled manufacturing timeline through that year. Several electrical crossovers are expected to occur over the next two-year period.
David Johnson, Nissan’s North American senior vice chairman, told the publication that Canton will likely serve as North America’s electrification hub for the next five to six years. Noting that “that’s where we’re going to bring in the new platforms and new technology,” he emphasized the significance of this location in driving Nissan’s electric vehicle strategy.
Regarding a mid-size electric pickup truck, Nissan’s Advisory Board Chairman Tyler Slade noted in an earlier statement this year:
The Frontier Hardbody has been a stalwart member of Nissan’s lineup for decades. It’s reasonable to consider carrying a portable power bank as part of your daily toolkit.
As demand surges for mid-size electrical pickups akin to the Nissan Frontier, sellers are keenly seeking out these versatile vehicles. Electrical vans offer significant advantages over their gas-powered counterparts, he noted.
Typically, vans have the poorest fuel efficiency among all vehicle types. Making them electrical would significantly reduce operational costs.
Nissan remains tight-lipped on speculation surrounding the increasing rumors. Notwithstanding delays in pickup orders, the market is afforded the opportunity to mature, allowing an electric frontier to reach the bottom line, generating sufficient revenue to sustain operations, according to Sam Fiorani, Vice President of AutoForecast Solutions.
Electrek’s Take
Nissan’s foray into electric vehicles may help the brand regain its position as an industry leader or at least maintain its competitiveness in the emerging era of electrification. In the first half of this year, Nissan sold 34,139 Frontiers compared to 4,234 LEAFs and 5,195 Ariya electric vehicles through June.
Rising demand exists for compact electric vehicle (EV) pickups, presenting an opportunity for Nissan to meet this need by introducing an electrified Frontier model.
As the electric vehicle landscape continues to evolve, the battle for supremacy in the full-size market is heating up, with Ford’s F-150 Lightning, General Motors’ Chevy Silverado EV, and Tesla’s Cybertruck vying for dominance.
When the Frontier is overdue for renewal, an electric model is the most sensible option available. As the market rapidly adapts at a pace exceeding even the most optimistic forecasts, all indications suggest this momentum will continue unabated.
What’s your take on a pair of compact Nissan electric pickups, anyway? Would you consider purchasing an electric Frontier? Tell us within the feedback.
