Nissan Micra EV Revealed With The Electric Mini In Its Crosshairs

Given its diminutive size, a U.S. launch is unlikely. That's a shame, as there's a lot to like about the new Micra - enough to make it a viable alternative to subcompacts sold here like the Mini Cooper and Fiat 500e.

Platform Shared With The Modern Renault 5

The new Micra represents the sixth generation of the nameplate, with the previous generation having been out of production since 2023. It measures just under 157 inches, making it similar in size to the aforementioned Cooper. The only body configuration is the four-door model shown here. Despite the small size, the car still offers a reasonable 11.5 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats. The rear seats are split-folding, though Nissan hasn't said how much extra space is added when the seats are flat.

Underpinning the car is the AmpR Small EV platform developed by Nissan's alliance partner Renault, which also uses it in the Renault R5 and Alpine A290 hatchbacks. The Micra will also share those models’ production line at a plant in Douai, France. The platform features premium elements like multi-link rear suspension and even bi-directional charging. It also helps keep the Micra relatively light for an EV, with the lightest model tipping the scales at roughly 3,086 pounds.

2026 Nissan Micra Side ViewNissan
Powertrain options include a standard 40-kWh battery powering a single front motor rated at a peak 121 horsepower. An available 52-kWh battery pairs with a more powerful 148-hp motor. Respective range estimates are 192 and 253 miles, based on the WLTP test cycle used overseas. Smaller range estimates would likely result under the stricter EPA test cycle.

When it comes to charging, DC fast charging at rates of up to 100 kW is possible for the 52-kWh battery and 80 kW for the 40-kWh battery, Nissan said. The automaker also estimates that a 15–80 percent charge in 30 minutes will be possible when using a suitable charger. A heat pump is standard.

Sharp Design Inside And Out

The exterior design, with its round daytime running lights and upright, almost SUV-like proportions, is sure to make the vehicle stand out in busy urban environments - as will the standard 18-inch wheels.

Inside, the dash is kept uncluttered by moving many physical controls to the steering wheel and combining the digital gauge cluster and infotainment screen into a single angled panel. Both screens measure 10.1 inches.

As a nod to Nissan’s Japanese origins, the designers also added an outline of Mount Fuji into the storage space between the front seats. The infotainment system is Nissan’s own NissanConnect, which features Google built-in as well as support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Several electronic driver-assist features are included as standard, though Nissan hasn't provided a breakdown. However, the automaker has confirmed that its ProPilot automated driver-assist system for highways will be available.

Nissan. Financial Times. Future of the Car summit-5Nissan
The new Micra arrives at a time when Nissan is in the midst of a major turnaround, currently being overseen by CEO Ivan Espinosa, who took over the reins on April 1. The plan calls for cost cuts of 500 billion yen (approximately $3.4 billion) by fiscal year 2026, involving reductions in fixed and variable costs - including plant closures and potentially up to 20,000 job losses worldwide.

While no plant closures are planned in the U.S., Nissan has scaled back some EV production plans here and has warned that there may be reduced shifts. However, the Trump administration’s new tariffs may lead to Nissan moving some production from overseas to the U.S.