Meet the wacky Nissan Juke EV. But why are its Aussie launch chances looking so slim?
The all-new third-generation Nissan Juke EV has been unwrapped in Japan as the car-maker’s fourth EV, but the radical BYD Atto 2 and Jaecoo J5 rival will be off-limits for Australian buyers.
Built to replace the first two generations of the 1.5 million-selling Nissan Juke, the new all-electric small SUV is the latest model to be based on Nissan’s CMF-EV platform, which is shared with the latest Leaf SUV.
The latest Nissan electric car was unwrapped as part of a recent function outlining the car-maker’s long-term vision for the future.
READ MORE: As Australia swelters, Nissan reveals a solar-powered version of the Ariya EV
READ MORE: Range extender overhaul: Nissan Qashqai goes all e-POWER for 2026 as pricing shifts upward
READ MORE: Nissan Frontier Pro coming to Australia: Plug-in hybrid ute will fight the BYD Shark 6 and lead a China-sourced electric new model attack
Inspired by the radical 2024 Hyper Punk concept, the new Juke features angular surfacing and brash frontal styling that pick up where the already-bold small SUV left off.
Originally, the third-generation Juke EV was supposed to replace the current model, but an updated version of that Mk2 car with a hybrid powertrain will now live on.
Beneath the skin, as well as sharing its powertrain, the new Juke is expected to be offered with the Leaf’s 52kWh or 75kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, for a range of more than 620km, with the fastest versions producing 160kW.
Despite being locked in for a global launch early next year, in Australia we’re unlikely to ever see the striking new Juke EV.
According to reports, the new small SUV EV will be off-limits following the decision to drop the UK-built Juke and US-made Pathfinder from local showrooms by Nissan Australia.
Instead, sources suggest the brand is considering filling the void with Chinese-made Dongfeng-Nissan models, including the mid-size NX8 SUV that, at 4870mm long, is more of a Tesla Model Y rival.
Another model that is claimed to have potential locally is the N7 sedan, which is a larger alternative to the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal, and could arrive with lower pricing while offering more space.
First up though, Nissan is importing the Frontier Pro PHEV ute from China. It should be here within 12 months.
