The Ariya won’t be Nissan’s sole electric crossover for much longer as the Japanese automaker has started the teaser campaign for a new high-riding vehicle with zero emissions. It will ride on the same CMF-EV architecture developed exclusively for electric vehicles, including a Renault Megane E-Tech Electric crossover due in 2022.
The new Nissan crossover will be assembled at the Sunderland factory in the UK as part of a £1 billion investment in an EV hub that will also include a Gigafactory right next to the plant. Next-generation batteries are being promised, which in theory means we should expect a longer range compared to the Leaf hatchback reports say the new crossover will replace. However, that hasn’t been confirmed by the company.
Based on the teaser image, the new model will have a swoopy side profile in the same vein as the Ariya, complete with large wheels and the short overhangs you’d expect from a dedicated EV. We’re noticing the lack of side mirrors and door handles, which could be a sign the silhouette previewed here belongs to a concept rather than the production-ready model.
Dramatic styling for the LED headlights and taillights is partially noticeable, giving the electric crossover a special look that distances from the Ariya. The predominantly white body with a contrasting black roof will likely be reserved for upper-spec models to match a similar two-tone design for the wheels. A teaser image of the interior has not been provided, but we’re expecting a flat-floor layout given the CMF-EV underpinnings.
While the Sunderland-built crossover will cater to the European market, Nissan plans to manufacture the EV at other locations to create a global model. In the UK, the factory is being retooled to support a production capacity of 100,000 units per year. It’s unclear when the model will go on sale, but we’re not expecting it sooner than 2022-2023.
Source: Nissan
