- Nissan asked Ampere to develop its next A-Segment EV, targeting European markets.
- The model will be sold alongside the slightly larger Nissan Micra which is expected in 2025.
- Ampere accelerates development of EVs, expecting the market to grow after the slowdown.
Ampere, Renault Group’s dedicated EV division, held a presentation in France, marking one year since its inception with some intriguing announcements. Chief among them: the development of a new A-segment EV for Nissan, which will be closely aligned with Renault’s upcoming Twingo. In other words, Nissan’s dipping a toe back into Europe’s small-car market, but this time, it’s electric.
According to Ampere, Nissan has tasked them with “exploring the development of its next A-segment EV,” aiming to leverage Ampere’s focus on “cost reduction roadmap and reduced development time.” The target? An affordable EV that doesn’t skimp on what customers expect in terms of performance or features.
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The new entry-level Nissan will ride on the AmpR Small platform. The same architecture underpins the Renault 4 E-Tech crossover, the Renault 5 E-Tech supermini, and the Alpine A290 hot hatch. It is also expected to serve as a base for the Nissan Micra in 2025, and the Renault Twingo in 2026.
Makoto Uchida, the CEO of Nissan, confirmed the brand’s intent to re-enter the A-segment in Europe, more than a decade after the discontinuation of the Nissan Pixo. The largely forgotten urban dweller was based on the Suzuki Alto, and remained on sale between 2009 and 2013.
As reported by Autocar, the talks between Ampere and Nissan are at an early stage. Still, the Nissan CEO promised that the new EV will “deliver the convenience and advanced functionality that customers experience but in a small size and at an attractive and affordable price.”
Uchida added that the fully electric successor of the Nissan Micra supermini hatchback (B-Segment) is on track for a launch next year, making it clear that the urban EV will be a different model. The Micra was previewed last year by the sporty Nissan Concept 20-23, following a bunch of revealing teasers from 2022.
More EVs Coming Soon
Ampere acknowledged the recent EV slowdown, but pledged to “accelerate to catch up with the leaders and widen the gap with its peers in Europe”. The company estimates that the EV market will grow annually by around 25 percent in the next five years, and wants to take advantage of that growth.
Currently, Ampere manufactures the Renault 5 E-Tech, 4 E-Tech, Megane E-Tech, and Scenic E-Tech in France, but a number of EVs are expected to debut in the coming years.
In 2025, Alpine will introduce the production version of the A390 sports fastback. Nissan will show the Micra supermini and the next-gen Leaf compact crossover. Mitsubishi has also confirmed a yet-unnamed compact electric SUV, based on the Renault Scenic E-Tech.
In 2026, Renault will introduce the production version of the new Twingo. Ampere will also start production of the first LCV based on the FlexEVan platform.
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More importantly, Ampere will show the next generation of compact EVs in 2028. These will bring greater efficiency and sustainability, alongside a 40% cost reduction compared to current models. The Renault Embleme FCEV concept that debuted in Paris earlier this month serves as a preview of things to come.
2028 is also the target year for the “next technology leap” in battery chemistry. Ampere’s new cobalt-free battery packs are expected to combine the density of NCM (Nickel, Manganese, Cobalt) with the cost and safety of LFP (Lithium, Iron, Phosphate), while charging in less than 15 minutes.
Finally, Ampere announced the launch of a dedicated entity called Advanced China Development Center. A new team base in China, will work “very closely” with local partners, aiming to reduce development times of future EVs. Last June, Renault confirmed they will collaborate with an engineering partner from China for the development of the new Twingo, following failed talks with the VW Group.
