The subsequent electrical SUV you purchase from Nissan may truly be a Ford. Nissan is contemplating partnering with Ford or one other main automaker on an electrified model of the Rogue SUV.
Nissan appears to Ford and others for its new electrical SUV
After its tie-up with Honda fell via earlier this yr, it appears like Nissan remains to be in search of assist for its upcoming electrical and hybrid automobiles.
Nissan is reportedly already in talks with a number of main auto manufacturers about collaborating on its upcoming hybrid electrical SUV.
Two sources near the matter informed Automotive Information that Nissan is in discussions with Ford and Stellantis to provide a brand new electrified crossover SUV primarily based on the Rogue.
The electrified Rogue would use Nissan’s newest e-POWER hybrid system, launched earlier this yr. Nissan’s third-gen hybrid system nonetheless makes use of a small gasoline engine to cost the battery, along with a battery-powered electrical motor.
Nissan stated the up to date system achieves 15% higher gas economic system on highways and produces fewer emissions than the earlier era. It’s additionally considerably quieter, a bonus.
In line with one of many sources, the potential tie-up might lengthen to creating electrical automobiles, however doesn’t must. “It’s not a quid professional quo,” the supply stated, including {that a} deal might nonetheless occur that doesn’t contain totally electrical automobiles.
Nissan spokesperson Brian Brockman confirmed the corporate is “exploring choices” to broaden native automobile and powertrain manufacturing within the US to fulfill the upper demand for hybrid fashions.
Regardless of the discussions, Brockman stated, “Presently, we’ve got no agreements in place concerning manufacturing at our US vegetation.”
Nissan plans to introduce the brand new Rogue, powered by its third-gen hybrid system, in late 2026. It’s anticipated to be assembled at Nissan’s Smyrna, Tenn., plant because the automaker appears to revamp gross sales within the US.
Within the meantime, the brand new 2026 Nissan LEAF is arriving at dealerships with “the bottom beginning MSRP of all new EVs presently on sale within the US,” beginning at $29,990.
Whereas the brand new LEAF is an improve in virtually each approach, with elevated vary, quicker charging, and a brand new crossover design, Nissan is discontinuing its different electrical SUV, the Ariya. Nissan is not going to supply the Ariya as a 2026 mannequin yr within the US to allocate assets for the brand new LEAF, because it appears to chop prices.
Electrek’s Take
Though nothing is confirmed, a partnership between Nissan and Ford, and even Stellantis, may make sense. Nissan doesn’t promote a single plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or gentle hybrid within the US, whereas Ford and Stellantis have discovered success.
Ford’s F-150 Hybrid stays the best-selling full-size hybrid pickup within the US, whereas the Maverick Hybrid is the main midsize hybrid pickup.
By July, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Cherokee 4xe had been the highest two hottest plug-in hybrids within the US. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and Dodge Hornet ranked fourth and fifth.
If Nissan needs a much bigger piece of the US market, partnering with Ford or Stellantis could also be its finest guess. On the very least, as a short-term answer to remain aggressive.
