Nissan to introduce new EV version of popular petrol model – drivers rejoice as car firm says motor will cost the same
NISSAN will introduce a new EV version of one of their popular petrol models.
The next-generation Nissan Juke will arrive in the second-half of the decade and boast fresh styling based on the bold Hyper Punk concept.
The Japanese automobile manufacturer is aiming for the new EV model to cost the same as the current one, which starts from around £21,000.
However, the firm has admitted that it will be a challenge.
Nissan has yet to reveal firm details about the machine but it will be built at their Sunderland plant.
Up to £1.19billion will be invested to design, engineer and build the next-generation EV versions of the Juke and Qashqai in the UK.
The Nissan Leaf successor will also be built in Sunderland.
All three future cars are set to use the Renault–Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-EV platform – a bespoke electric architecture designed for C- and D-segment machines.
As a result, it’s suggested that the Juke could potentially grow in size, with the current machine using the CMF-B platform designed for smaller B-segment cars.
The company has yet to give a timeline for the launch of the next Juke but after the current model was launched in 2019, a successor could be expected around 2027, according to Autocar.
But due to the uneven adoption of electric cars and the differing speed of transition in various markets, some flexibility around a release date is to be expected.
The Hyper Punk concept was first shown at this year’s Tokyo motor show, and is intended to preview the future design direction for Nissan’s future electric-only cars.
It is described as “functional and styling”, blending virtual and physical features.
Nissan European research and development chief David Moss said that they would retain distinct characters.
He also noted that they would feature different wheelbases.
“As the size of the car grows you change its ride and handling characteristics, or if it sits in a different segment you might change the suspension,” Moss added.
“The beauty of developing three EVs [simultaneously] is the first thing you can look at is where do we want to commonise, and where don’t we?
“It’s all based around customer expectations and values.”
However, Nissan recently faced backlash after they implied the latest Qashqai model is more of an EV than a hybrid.
The industry giant saw two ads pulled by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) after viewers complained it wasn’t made clear that petrol was still needed to power the electric motor.
Elsewhere, an ultra-rare Nissan could sell for an eye-watering seven-figure sum.
Dubbed a “unicorn” for truly being one of a kind, the iconic supercar has been tipped to fetch up to $1million in Australia – which is the equivalent to £500k.