Electrifying the future Nissan range is seen as “a matter of time” by the brand’s Director of zero-emission business unit, Gareth Dunsmore.
Speaking to Autocar, the automaker’s official opened up the possibility of combining its best-selling crossovers and SUVs with an electric powertrain, and while the current EVs are built on dedicated platforms, the “next step is a platform fit for EVs from day one.“
“We’re leaders in crossovers and a leader with Leaf and we will combine those two in the future“, Dunsmore said. “I hope EV stands up within that [platform] and people see it as environmentally friendly, fun and cost-efficient.“
However, Nissan’s foray into electric vehicles won’t stop with crossovers and SUVs, as the manufacturer is considering the addition of a small EV as well: “We have a range of options; some people want smaller vehicles and we’ll look at that.“
Further details on the new zero-emission family of vehicles coming from Nissan remain unknown, but the next-gen Juke is tipped to debut in 2017, with an assortment of four-cylinder petrol and diesel units. These will be joined by a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a range-topping 1.6-liter turbo, expected to be taken from the Renault Clio RS 220 and mated to a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The X-Trail, or the Rogue as it is known in North America, is in its third generation, since 2013. It rides on the Renault-Nissan CMF platform and incorporates new styling cues. Inspired by the Hi-Cross Concept, the SUV is offered with a selection of petrol and diesel units, connected to either a 6-speed manual, six-speed auto or a CVT, while a hybrid is on sale in Japan, since 2015.
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