Nissan has commented about the possibility of adding an electric powertrain to its top-selling crossovers and SUVs.
While the current EVs, such as the Nissan Leaf, are built on dedicated platforms, the brand’s Director of zero-emission business unit, Gareth Dunsmore said that 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.”
There are no more details on the new zero-emission vehicles coming from Nissan, but the next-generation Juke is expected to debut in 2017. This will come with a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel units. A plug-in hybrid powertrain and a range-topping 1.6-liter turbo, tipped to be taken from the Renault Clio RS 220 and mated to a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox are also expected.
The X-Trail is in its third generation, and 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 has been available in Japan, since 2015.