Nissan has revealed the Ariya, a pure-electric crossover with a range of up to 310 miles on a charge. Available with a choice of two battery packs, the Ariya is Nissan’s next generation EV and expected to be a crucial model for the Japanese firm.
Final figures are still subject to homologation, the 310 mile headline range is expected from the Ariya’s 87 kWh battery in two-wheel drive configuration. There are set to be five models to be launched, in a very similar style to Ford’s Mustang Mach-E – a model which looks to be a key rival for the Ariya.
Details are below, though there will be a 63 kWh battery available in either two-wheel drive or e-4ORCE all-wheel drive, plus the Ariya 87 kWh, also available in 2WD or AWD configuration. The fifth model is a Performance version of the Ariya 87 kWh e-4ORCE.
All models will be rated to tow up to 1,500 kg – an unusual feature EVs. The above battery capacities quoted are usable figures, with gross capacities of 65 kWh and 90 kWh respectively.
Charging sees a 7.4 kW AC on-board charger fitted as standard to 63 kWh models, though this is bumped up to a 22 kW AC on-board charger to enable three-phase charging on 87 kWh versions. In a first for Nissan, European models will get a CCS inlet, and this can support maximum speeds of 130 kW to allow for ultra-rapid charging. This is thanks in part to a liquid cooled battery temperature management system.
Three driving modes are fitted – Standard, Sport, and Eco – with e-4ORCE models having a Snow mode added thanks to its all-wheel drive system.
Nissan clearly has confidence in its new e-4ORCE set-up, since it is pitching it as the ‘spiritual offspring of the Nissan GT-R’s ATTESA E-TS torque split system and the Nissan Patrol’s intelligent 4×4 system’.
Both of these are rightly famed within the sports car and off-road markets respectively as being some of the best around, so for Nissan to create a version that looks to continue that work on in its electric vehicles says a lot about the e-4ORCE’s development.
Technology developed for the Leaf naturally comes across to the Ariya, with elements such as ProPILOT drivers assistance systems, and ePedal which allows for ‘one-pedal’ driving much of the time.
The interior is another step forward for Nissan, with a large 12.3-inch instrument panel and 12.3-inch central display both considerably larger than offerings in previous models. They are housed in a single panel for a premium look, and laid out in a ‘wave’ configuration so that key information – such as speed, range, navigation etc – is immediately to hand, whilst a swipe will bring additional systems to the fore.
The minimalist cabin should be extremely spacious considering the Ariya’s footprint. Packaging has been opened up thanks to electric vehicle components, plus Nissan’s slim profile ‘Zero Gravity’ seats help maximise legroom.
There’s an innovative slide-out table in the centre console, as well as a storage box, to make the space more practical as a mobile workspace. This is of particular use for EV drivers when charging.
Voice controls using natural commands, instigated by ‘Hello Nissan’ or ‘Hey Nissan’ continues the premium theme, and 4G connectivity built-in allows for access to cloud data for improved learning.
Over-the-Air updates are possible for the first time on a Nissan, and a dual memory bank system even allows for updates to be downloaded on the move. These are downloaded to a secondary memory bank to the one in use, until it’s completed, when the Ariya switches over to the updated system.
NissanConnect connected car systems allow for familiar EV functions such as remote control of air conditioning, battery check, and charging controls.
The Ariya is particularly important for Nissan, as although the Leaf remains a key EV for both the company and the electric vehicle market, it is no longer the class leader as rival models have caught up. With the crossover/SUV markets continuing to go from strength to strength – alongside the EV market – it’s crucial to have a model with a presence in both.
As well as that, the Nissan Qashqai is widely credited with kick starting the crossover market as a mainstream car type, and Nissan will be hoping for similar success with the Ariya.
UK prices and specifications are yet to be announced, and the final WLTP efficiency figures still need to be set in stone. However, all the below information will be broadly accurate once the Nissan Ariya goes on sale.
Nissan Ariya 63 kWh 2WD:
Range – 223 mile range
Power – 160 kW (217 ps)
Torque – 300 Nm
0-62 mph – 7.5 seconds
Charging – CCS: 7.4 kW AC; 130 kW DC
Nissan Ariya 63 kWh e-4ORCE AWD:
Range – 211 mile range
Power – 205 kW (278 ps)
Torque – 560 Nm
0-62 mph – 5.9 seconds
Charging – CCS: 7.4 kW AC; 130 kW DC
Nissan Ariya 87 kWh 2WD:
Range – 310 mile range
Power – 178 kW (242 ps)
Torque – 300 Nm
0-62 mph – 7.6 seconds
Charging – CCS: 22 kW AC; 130 kW DC
Nissan Ariya 87 kWh e-4ORCE AWD:
Range – 285 mile range
Power – 225 kW (306 ps)
Torque – 600 Nm
0-62 mph – 5.7 seconds
Charging – CCS: 22 kW AC; 130 kW DC
Nissan Ariya 87 kWh Performance e-4ORCE AWD:
Range – 248 mile range
Power – 290 kW (394 ps)
Torque – 600 Nm
0-62 mph – 5.1 seconds
Charging – CCS: 22 kW AC; 130 kW DC
