Guide to Nissan Electric Cars

Today the competition in the family electric vehicle category may have heated up with the likes of KIA and MG introducing affordable alternatives, but Nissan still holds status as a trailblazing electric car manufacturer. Nissan’s EV models - LEAF and ARIYA - offer a great range, a comfortable, quiet drive and sleek design. Read on to learn more about Nissan’s electric cars.

Who is Nissan?

Nissan was founded in 1911 under the name Kaishinsha Motor Car Works and led the industry forward as Japan’s first automobile manufacturer. In 1928, the holding company Nihon Sangyo was founded. Nissan made its debut on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1933 as an abbreviation of the company name.

The first car produced was the DAT, which launched in 1914 under a subsidiary of Nissan. The Datsun, named the son of DAT, was launched in 1931. The start of Datsun’s international success came in the form of the Austin 7, which was produced by Nissan under the Austin trademark.

In the late 1950s Nissan began to expand into worldwide markets, and by 1970 had become one of the world’s largest automobile exporters. In 1999 Nissan partnered with Renault to form the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

What was the first Nissan EV?

Nissan launched the LEAF electric car in 2010, announcing its aim to be the world leader in zero-emission vehicles. The brand formed partnerships with more than 90 governments, cities and organisations around the world not only to develop and produce EV and lithium-ion batteries but also to promote sustainable mobility.

Thanks to the popularity of the LEAF, Nissan became the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer. The LEAF was the world’s best-selling electric car from 2011 to 2014, and again in 2016.

Nissan LEAF

Marketed as “The 100% electric family car”, the Nissan LEAF requires no further introduction. This iconic electric vehicle from Nissan was the first of its kind – an electric vehicle built for everyday use by everyday people.

Nissan LEAF is a five-door hatchback which gives drivers up to 239 miles of range. With 150PS and a max torque of 320NM, it can reach 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds. The LEAF e+ has 217PS with a max torque of 340, and can hit 62mph in 6.9 seconds.

The Nissan LEAF is packed with hi-tech features to make your drive easier and more enjoyable:

• Use the Nissan ProPILOT Assist to maintain distance from other cars and stay in the centre of your lane.
• Make the most of driver awareness technologies such as around-view monitors.
• Intelligent Mobility features intuitively improve your drive, lowering high beams for oncoming cars for example.
   

The NissanConnect Infotainment system links with your smartphone so you can navigate, play music, and much more using your go-to apps. Similarly, the NissanConnect Services app links your smartphone to your car. You can set the temperature before you get in and make the most of many other features of the app.

With five comfortable seats and a 435 litre boot capacity, the Nissan LEAF EV is a popular car for the whole family. There are now two generations of the LEAF. Gen 2 has a sleeker design, more tech features a,nd a bigger battery than Gen 1.

Nissan ARIYA

Launched in 2020, the ARIYA is Nissan’s first electric SUV. Promising “control in all conditions”, the all-wheel drive ARIYA offers balance, power and a smooth ride in all weather.

The Nissan ARIYA boasts up to 326 miles of range. It has a choice of two batteries – two or all-wheel drive. The vehicle also comes with rapid charging up to 217 miles in 30 minutes. It can reach 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds with optional Sport Mode. e-4ORCE's advanced powertrain and braking technologies control each wheel separately for a smooth ride on any terrain in any weather.

The range of built-in tech features make driving easy. From driver-assist technologies to keep you in lane to a helping hand parking, let the ARIYA take the stress out of driving. ARIYA even has a built-in Alexa, so you can control your infotainment with voice commands.

As a recent release from Nissan and its flagship electric EV, we can expect big things from the ARIYA.

Nissan JUKE Hybrid

The Nissan JUKE Hybrid is an SUV released in 2010. It combines an electric motor with a petrol engine to offer 20% better fuel economy and 25% more power than the petrol version.

The Juke Hybrid offers an electric drive mode for city driving to cut emissions, with up to 67% of your urban journey in the electric setting. You can also select the ECO mode for fuel efficiency.

Other than the hybrid features under the hood, the JUKE is much the same as its petrol counterpart in style and features. Sharp lines, dramatic lights, and bold colors mean it stands out on the road, while hi-tech features make for an easy driving experience.

Nissan’s part in making electric cars mainstream has earned it a reputation as a market leader in electric vehicles. The LEAF and ARIYA offer hi-tech features, sleek designs, and modern thinking. It’s easy to see why Nissan’s electric cars are popular with people looking to make the switch.

Want to read about more electric vehicles from Japanese automotive manufacturers steeped in history? Try our guides to Toyota and Mazda EVs.