Japanese automaker Nissan has unveiled the third generation of its Juke small SUV, but this time as an all-electric model built on the CMF-EV platform made by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.
Unveiled at the company’s Vision Event held on Tuesday in Japan, the new electric Juke will play a significant role in Nissan’s European electrification strategy.
Massimiliano Messina, chairman of Nissan, said the company is looking to bring greater choice to consumers and says the next generation of vehicles will accelerate its transition to zero-emission mobility.
The announcement appears to have been more about the car’s geometric-inspired design and Nissan’s vision for European electrification, as there are very few specifics available for the Juke.
Nissan did reveal, however, that the Juke will offer vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.
Set to be built at Nissan’s Sunderland Plant in the United Kingdom – which is already home to production of the Nissan Leaf – the first trial phase of Juke production is expected to get underway in the coming weeks.
Given that the new Juke will be built at the same factory as the Leaf, some are guessing that it will also mimic the 52kWh/75kWh battery options of its iconic older sibling, which was upgraded last year to a potentially similarly sized EV crossover.
“Juke has always stood for bold design and a willingness to challenge convention,” said Clíodhna Lyons, region vice president for product, brand, and marketing strategy, Nissan AMIEO.
“With this third generation, we are bringing that spirit into the electric age. As our first fully electric JUKE, it will help us reach new customers while expanding choice across our electrified range.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.