Dare to be Different: Nissan’s EV Collection
As the world marks World EV Day on 9th September and we celebrate our 90th anniversary and the milestone of selling one million EVs, we are recognising the electrification journey we've been on, and looking at what is in store on the road ahead. Electric mobility with purpose has been part of Nissan's history since 1947, through to producing the LEAF, the world's first ever mass market EV in 2010, all the way to our flagship electric crossover Ariya.
There is no better way of demonstrating Nissan's pioneering EV spirit than looking back through our most daring and eye-catching EV cars and concept cars. These demonstrate the huge potential EVs have in making our lives better, and what Nissan – and indeed the EV industry as a whole – could achieve.
Launched in 2020, the RE-LEAF was designed to provide aid to areas affected by natural disasters and extreme weather events. With modifications such as the ability to navigate debris-filled roads and weatherproof charging sockets, this was a model capable of coming to the rescue of those most in need.
The LEAF NISMO RC was also introduced in 2011 to demonstrate the potential and capabilities of all-electric motorsport models. The car represented Nissan's commitment to sustainability on the track, a decade before our entrance into Formula E.
From the track to the city, the Nissan Land Glider sought to show the world just how easy urban driving could be. With its unique cocoon-like structure and four-wheel stability, this daring model showed the world what EVs of the future – operating in bustling metropolises – could look like!
Back in 2016 – long before the pandemic and the work-from-home revolution – Nissan showcased to the future of working from anywhere with the e-NV200 WORKSPACe – the world's first all-electric mobile office! The electric van was repurposed to feature amenities crucial to remote working, including a fold-out desk, wireless internet and even a coffee machine! Coupled with its speedy charging capabilities, this concept proved the ability to work on-the-go at any time, in any location.
However, it wasn't all work and no play, as the e-NV200 Winter Camper proved. This model featured an integrated kitchen, fridge and folding bed to aid users in their winter adventures. Boasting insulated glass and multiple tuning upgrades to help navigate treacherous road conditions, the Winter Camper showed off the ability of EV users to spark their own winter wanderlust without ever having to fear their model letting them down.
If it is tasty treats you are after, Nissan's EV concepts have still got you covered! The e-NV200 Ice Cream Van concept was designed for World Clean Air Day in 2019 as a means of proving there could (and should!) be an alternative to the older, largely diesel-run traditional ice cream vans. Boosted by wind and solar energies, this model quite literally took the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) out of ice cream with a more sustainable, circular route, all the way from sky to scoop!
Powering through to today, Nissan's Pole to Pole Expedition Ariya e-4ORCE may not be a concept car, but is exploring where no EV has gone before and is showing the true potential of our models. The modified Ariya, designed to withstand all types of terrain and conditions, is currently blazing a trail from Pole to Pole crushing any misconceptions on what EVs can achieve.
Ultimately, these cars and concepts are just a taste of Nissan's versatility in model creation. They prove just how far Nissan – and EVs in general - can go in the future. They prove the ability they have to impact society in a positive and effective way. As we celebrate World EV Day 2023, the milestone of selling one million EVs globally, and our 90th anniversary, we can't wait to see what brilliant, ground-breaking EVs will continue to be produced in the years to come.