The Renault-Nissan alliance has invested heavily in the new CMF-EV architecture engineered specifically for electric vehicles. Therefore, it doesn’t come as a surprise more zero-emissions models are in the pipeline to spread out the development costs. Following the Ariya and Megane electric crossovers, a smaller vehicle is allegedly coming, according to a new report published by Auto Express.
The British magazine claims Nissan is working on a Juke-like EV with a choice between a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive model and a more expensive, dual-motor derivative equipped with AWD. It would follow the same strategy used by the larger Ariya, with a potential coupe-like body style arriving later in the life cycle.
By having a completely flat floor and moving the hardware related to the air conditioning system under the hood, the Juke EV (name not confirmed) will have a more spacious interior than the conventionally powered crossover. Expect Nissan to maximize wheelbase by shaving off the front and rear overhangs as much as possible to maintain a similar footprint as the standard Juke.
The report goes on to say the all-electric Juke would inherit the 63-kWh battery from the Ariya without offering the optional 87-kWh pack available in the larger electric SUV. Charging at up to 100 kW will be supported, while a full charge should provide enough juice for approximately 250 miles (402 kilometers) of range in the WLTP cycle.
A cheaper entry-level model could happen, featuring a smaller battery and consequently less range. The new model has its work cut out for it given the stiff competition in the small electric crossover segment. It would have to fight the Hyundai Kona Electric, Peugeot e-2008, Opel/Vauxhall Mokka-e, and other models.
It’s not clear at this point when the Juke EV will be launched, Auto Express doesn’t explicitly say, although we’re not expecting it to hit the market before 2023.
Source: Auto Express
