Nissan could build next-generation Nismo EV on Leaf platform

Nissan has said that it is ‘studying demand’ for an all-electric Nismo performance model as part of its next-gen EV push.

Speaking at the new Nissan Leaf launch in Copenhagen, Partha Bhagawati, its European product lead confirmed to EV Powered that the Japanese carmaker is looking into building a replacement for its poor-selling Ariya Nismo as it looks to electrify 50% of its vehicle line-up by 2030.

The Leaf’s modular CMF-EV platform is shared with the Ariya, meaning a potential Nismo model could be fitted with Nissan’s dual-motor, all-wheel drivetrain e-4ORCE powertrain, which is capable of generating up to 429bhp and 442lb ft of torque.

“We’re still studying customer demand for an all-electric Nismo model, but nothing has been decided right now,” explained Bhagawati. “The Leaf’s platform is definitely capable of being used for a performance model, as we’ve already done that with the Ariya – if there’s a need for it, we will do it.”

Bhagawati tempered expectations, saying that since the new Leaf is designed to be an all-purpose EV geared towards daily driving, then any future Nismo model is unlikely to carry the groundbreaking Leaf nameplate.

“The Leaf is a mass-market EV, and unlike the original which we designed as a secondary car, we believe this latest-gen will be the primary vehicle in the household,” he explained. “When you add performance to any EV, it comes at the cost of range. If we were to do anything, we would need to maintain that balance.”

For reference, this latest third-gen Leaf has a range of up to 386 miles when specced with the larger 75kWh battery.

Bhagawati’s comments have opened up speculation that should a new Nissan EV get the Nismo treatment, it could adopt a famous name from the Japanese brand’s back catalogue such as GT-R or 370Z.

The rumour mill has suggested that an all-electric Nissan Micra Nismo could also be under consideration. Nissan’s smallest EV is based on the same platform as the award-winning Renault 5, whose underpinnings are shared with the Alpine A290 hot hatch.

When asked about the possibility of a Micra Nismo, Bhagawati replied: “we can’t comment on any future line-ups, but we are closely monitoring what our EV customers want.”