Nissan is preparing an electric version compact Micra hatchback. It is expected that the novelty will be presented at the end of this year. The Micra EV will be unveiled in the Nissan line as the most affordable electric car.
Reports that Nissan is preparing an affordable electric model appeared a few years ago. At the time, the company said that the new electric car would be developed by Nissan and manufactured by Renault on the alliance's common platform.
Nissan recently adopted a new business plan, Arc, aimed at “significantly reducing the costs of next-generation electric vehicles” through partnerships and joint technology development. According to the plan, the Japanese automaker will present 5 new electric cars.
The company last year invested US$3.8 billion in its Sunderland plant, which will produce the electric Juke, Qashqai and Leaf successor.
Also, Nissan is already working on the electric Micra EV, which is expected to debut this year. The novelty will take the role of the brand's most affordable electric car. The car will reportedly share the same AmpR platform used by the Renault 5. The Nissan Micra is also expected to have a range of 400km and a 52kWh battery.
It is said that the new product from Nissan may be offered with a smaller battery by 40 kWh, which will result in a lower cost. Auto Express journalists reportthat the Micra EV will have a design similar to crossover Ariya.
Nissan has said it aims to cut costs for its new electric models by 30%. The automaker expects its electric vehicles to reach price parity with gasoline-powered cars by 2030.