Japanese automaker Nissan confirmed it will reuse the Pixo name for an all-new electric city car, slated for release in late September. The Pixo is positioned below the Micra line, becoming an imported product in the company's European electric vehicle range.
Nissan's small electric vehicle belongs to the A-segment, developed on the platform of the Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric, a partner within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Renault will handle Pixo production, running concurrently with the Twingo at the French manufacturer's plant. This is part of the cooperation agreement between the two companies, which also includes the new Micra project, an evolution of the Renault 5.
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The Nissan Pixo is developed based on the Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric prototype. Photo: Renault |
The Nissan Pixo is developed based on the Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric prototype. Photo: Renault
Nissan unveiled information about the Pixo through a short video. The model will officially launch on this coming 23/9. The Japanese automaker stated the Pixo will "bring a fresh, exciting personality to the small electric vehicle segment."
Nissan added that the Pixo is "created for modern urban life", combining "compact size, intuitive technology, and distinctive Nissan design."
While detailed specifications have not been released, the Pixo will likely feature a configuration similar to the Twingo. This includes an 80 horsepower front electric motor paired with a 27,5 kWh battery pack, allowing the vehicle to travel approximately 250 km on a full charge. Similar to the Micra, the Pixo is expected to be competitively priced against its Renault sibling, with an estimated starting price of around 23,000 USD.
Previously, Nissan hinted at using an established name for its new city car, while earlier reports suggested the company was considering the name Wave. However, Pixo has a history in Europe; it was previously used for a version developed from the Suzuki Alto (Indian market) and sold in the UK from 2009 to 2013. At that time, the Pixo was among the cheapest cars on the UK market, with a starting price of 8,000 USD.
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Nissan unveils the new Pixo electric car model. Photo: Nissan |
Nissan unveils the new Pixo electric car model. Photo: Nissan
Sources from Autocar indicate the new car's design will have a retro feel, reminiscent of Nissan's Pike series from the 1980s. This nostalgic aesthetic is also reflected in the classic video game graphics style used in the introductory video.
The new Pixo will be an introductory model in Nissan's expanding electric vehicle lineup in Europe, alongside the Micra, the new generation Leaf, and the larger Ariya model.
Minh Vu (according to Autocar)
