After years of rumours and spy shots, Nissan has finally unwrapped its all-electric Micra replacement — though you won’t actually find the word “Micra” on the boot. Officially unnamed for now, this compact EV will take the baton from one of Nissan’s most recognisable badges, entering production in 2026. And if it looks familiar, that’s because it shares more than a few tricks with its French cousin, the Renault 5.
More Than Just a Renault 5 Twin
While the new Nissan is based on the same CMF-BEV platform as the reborn Renault 5, Nissan insists this isn’t just a copy-paste job with a different badge. Yes, under the skin it’s largely the same, but Nissan’s designers have given it a softer, friendlier face and a more rounded body compared to the sharp, retro-edged Renault.
In fact, the electric Micra channels the spirit of the old model nicely — compact, approachable, and a little playful. It’s very obviously aimed at urban drivers who want something small enough to zip through city streets, but with enough tech and range to handle the occasional longer trip too.
Compact Size, Serious Potential
Details are still thin, but the dimensions suggest this will stay true to the Micra’s original brief as a proper supermini. Expect it to go toe-to-toe with rivals like the MINI Cooper Electric and Peugeot e-208. Thanks to its shared architecture with the Renault 5, battery options are likely to range from around 40kWh to 52kWh, offering driving ranges of 200–250 miles depending on the version.
Performance won’t be headline-grabbing, but that’s not really the point here. Think nimble, not neck-snapping. Still, instant electric torque and a lightweight chassis should make it fun to thread through traffic or fling around a roundabout.
It’s Electric, But It’s Still a Micra
Nissan is keen to keep the Micra’s DNA alive. The original model won fans thanks to its simplicity, reliability, and affordability — not because it tried to be something it wasn’t. Expect the electric version to stick to that ethos.
Early glimpses of the interior hint at clean, uncluttered design with plenty of shared Renault switchgear. Expect a digital dashboard, touchscreen infotainment, and the latest driver-assistance kit, though don’t be surprised if the base models keep things minimal to hit an aggressive price point.
Built for Europe
One thing’s clear — this is a car built with Europe in mind. Nissan will build it in France alongside the Renault 5, and it’s been designed specifically to meet the demands of European city drivers. Think tight parking spots, narrow roads, and people who actually still want small cars.
With many brands going bigger and heavier with each EV generation, Nissan is making a conscious choice to offer something compact and practical — exactly what the Micra has always done best.
When Can You Buy One?
Nissan says production will kick off in 2026, so don’t expect to see them on the road just yet. Pricing isn’t confirmed, but with the Renault 5 expected to start around £25,000, it’s likely the Nissan will sit close to that figure, possibly undercutting the French car to appeal to first-time EV buyers.
It’s not the boldest EV to be announced this year, but that might be its strength. While everyone else chases range records and supercar rivalling performance figures, Nissan is quietly building the kind of small, honest electric hatchback that could end up being exactly what people actually want.
And if you squint, there’s definitely still a bit of old-school Micra charm hiding under the sharper new styling.
