Range-Extended Nissan EV Coming Next Year

Nissan Gripz Concept (Credit: © Nissan)

Nissan was a pioneer in the world of modern EVs, as its Leaf helped spearhead the segment and it remains one of the best-selling electric-only vehicles on the road. Now, according to a report from Motoring.com.au, it appears as if the Japanese automaker is set to spread its wings into a new realm of electric cars.

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I am talking about the world of range-extended EVs, like the BMW i3 and the Chevrolet Volt. These vehicles are set up like nearly any other EV, but they each have a small-displacement gasoline engine – a 1.5-liter four-pot in the case of the Volt and a 650 cc two-cylinder in the i3 – that acts as a generator once the batteries are depleted. Unlike hybrid vehicles, this engine has zero connection to the drive wheels, as it simply feeds juice to the motors.

I know the first thing that is going through your head: a Leaf with a generator. This is what I initially thought to, but the report claims that Yoshi Shimoida, Nissan’s Deputy General Manager, EV and HEV engineering division, ruled out the Leaf getting any sort of gasoline-fueled engine, effectively eliminating it from contention here.

Chances are that we’ll either see an all-new vehicle or the electrification something that is currently a gasoline-only model. This brings to light recent rumors of an EV version of the Nissan Juke. I think these two reports crossing paths is about as much a confirmation that the Juke will be the company’s first-ever range-extended EV.

Unfortunately, Nissan has been otherwise tight-lipped about this upcoming model, as the only other info is that it’ll arrive soon and that we’ll learn its name in 2016.

We’ll keep an eye on these reports and bring you any additional information as soon as it’s available. Chances are that we’ll; start seeing test mules of this new rig and some info will leak out, so I hope to have more info soon.