Fifteen years after launching the Leaf—the first mass-market EV in the U.S.—Nissan is gearing up for a comeback in the electric space with a brand-new, scalable EV platform. After pioneering the modern electric vehicle movement, the brand watched competitors speed ahead. But now, with a flexible new architecture and a focused U.S. strategy, Nissan is looking to reclaim its place among EV leaders.
The new platform, designed to underpin up to five electric models, is tailored for compact and adjacent segments. These will include both Nissan- and Infiniti-branded vehicles and potentially a lifestyle-focused electric pickup. Speaking with Automotive News, Nissan Americas product planning chief Ponz Pandikuthira emphasized the platform’s versatility and the potential for cross-manufacturer partnerships to reduce production costs.
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At the heart of this platform is a new generation of more efficient electric motors paired with improved, lower-cost lithium-ion batteries. While Nissan is developing solid-state battery tech for later in the decade, this current platform will rely on conventional cells to deliver more accessible EVs sooner. Production will take place at Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi plant, with the first models—two crossovers—arriving as early as 2028.
Nissan Surf-Out Concept
Originally, Nissan had planned to launch with a pair of electric sedans, aiming to replace the Altima and Maxima by mid-2026. But consumer trends told a different story. With sedans continuing to fade in popularity—especially those priced above $45,000—the company retooled its EV plans to prioritize crossovers, a segment that continues to dominate U.S. sales.
The upcoming electric crossovers are designed with longer wheelbases than the current Rogue but offer interior space comparable to the larger Pathfinder. The Nissan-branded version blends ruggedness and tech-forward design, featuring cues from the old-school Pathfinder and Xterra, including a squared-off rear and a triple-slot light signature on the hood. Its Infiniti sibling will skew more toward luxury, offering premium touches for upscale buyers.
But Nissan’s vision doesn’t stop at crossovers. A unibody electric pickup—first hinted at in 2021—remains under consideration. Geared toward weekend warriors rather than traditional truck buyers, this light-duty model would emphasize ride comfort and cargo flexibility rather than brute towing power. While it hasn’t been given the green light yet, Nissan sees potential in this growing niche of environmentally conscious adventurers.
Nissan Hyper Urban Concept
The lifestyle EV truck would be slightly smaller than the Rivian R1T and could hit the market around 2030. If it moves forward, it might be sold alongside a new hybrid version of the Frontier, which is currently being studied. This model would likely use a parallel hybrid setup to offer all-wheel drive and improved efficiency without going full electric.
As for sedans, Nissan is pumping the brakes. With consumer interest soft and political uncertainty around EV incentives, plans for electric replacements to the Altima and Maxima have been paused. Though the automaker had expected to end Altima production by late 2025, those plans have now been extended through at least 2027. The gas-powered sedan will soldier on while Nissan reevaluates whether hybrids or other segments might provide a better return on investment.
That said, the brand isn’t abandoning the segment entirely. The recently updated Sentra now offers more premium features, with top trims capable of covering much of the Altima’s market share. It’s a smart hedge as Nissan waits for battery costs and EV incentives to better align with the entry-level sedan segment.
Ultimately, Nissan’s new EV platform is a chance at reinvention. With crossovers leading the charge and a possible lifestyle pickup in the wings, the automaker seems ready to play to its strengths while keeping one eye on the shifting American market.
Source: AutoNews
