NISSAN ARIYA DEBUTS, BMW IX3 REVEALED AND TESLA MODEL Y STANDARD RANGE CANCELLED

EV Channels Review

The Nissan Ariya electric crossover has officially debuted, promising up to 300 miles of range and a starting price around $40,000. While the production model closely resembles the concept, it introduces subtle differences. The Ariya is built on a new platform shared with Renault and Mitsubishi, marking a significant departure from the Leaf. It offers two battery sizes (63kWh and 87kWh usable) and front-wheel or all-wheel drive options, with the performance-oriented all-wheel-drive version achieving 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Key features include dual 12-inch screens, haptic feedback buttons, and a sophisticated liquid thermal management system for the battery, addressing past Leaf issues. However, the vehicle's late 2021 arrival in the US, coupled with potential expiration of federal tax credits and a starting price that will likely exceed $40,000 with options, raises concerns about its competitiveness against rivals like the Volkswagen ID.4. The phasing out of CHAdeMO charging in favor of CCS in North America and Europe is also a significant development, impacting current Leaf owners.