Nissan Ariya takes on Tesla Model Y

Nissan has revealed the all-new Ariya electric crossover, which has its eyes set on the same customers as the Tesla Model Y. The long-range version boasts an WLTP range of 500km thanks to an 87kWh battery, making it an attractive fleet car. The standard-range model has 63kWh worth of lithium ion cells in its underbody, enabling you to travel some 350km.

Two-wheel drive is the standard, but both battery pack sizes can be combined with Nissan’s intelligent four-wheel drive. In that case they carry the e-4ORCE badge or the e-4ORCE Performance badge. Power output ranges from 160kW to 290kW, underlining the Ariya’s relatively high market positioning.

Interestingly, Nissan equips this Ariya with the DC fast charging system that is customary in Europe, namely CCS (Combined Charging System). It moves away from the ChaDeMo standard, which still dominates the Japanese market and is used by the Leaf today. It is unknown whether the Leaf will also transition to CCS.

Nissan furthermore claims its ProPilot driver assistance package now works smoother and more intelligently as it uses navigation and road data. It slows the vehicle down automatically when you approach a corner, for instance.

The Ariya is also the first Nissan model with firmware over the air (OTA) updates. The technology automatically updates various software inside the vehicle – specifically, software that controls the multimedia system, electric and electronic architecture, chassis, climate system and EV settings – without having to take the vehicle to a service centre.

Nissan also promises a plethora of digital services and an unrivalled user-friendliness. Expect the Ariya to reach European showrooms by early 2021 and carry competitive price-tags.

Photo credit: Nissan, 2020