Japanese automotive giant Nissan is reportedly developing a budget-friendly electric vehicle (EV) that could disrupt the affordable EV market across Europe. Priced under £20,000, the yet-to-be-named model—nicknamed the “Baby Juke”—is expected to challenge rivals like the Dacia Spring and Citroen e-C3, offering an SUV-inspired design at a hatchback price point.
Built on Renault Group’s Ampere Small platform—the same architecture underpinning the upcoming Renault Twingo E-Tech—the compact EV will stretch under four metres in length, making it a nimble and efficient choice for urban drivers.
Philippe Brunet, head of Powertrain and EV Engineering at Renault’s Ampere division, confirmed the reuse of the modified platform. “The car is less than four metres long. This is the same e-architecture, and we redeveloped the battery, new e-powertrain, and the top hat (new body). We did this in two years,” Brunet told Auto Express.
The EV will feature a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery—a safer, longer-lasting alternative to standard lithium-ion packs—making it a practical and low-maintenance option for everyday users. Its design, heavily influenced by the popular Nissan Juke, is expected to resonate with younger buyers and urban commuters alike, combining rugged aesthetics with modern electric performance.
Production of the model will be carried out at Renault Group’s Novo Mesto facility in Slovenia, which also manufactures the Twingo. The choice of a European manufacturing site reflects Nissan’s strategy to sidestep potential tariffs on vehicles imported from China, particularly in the post-Brexit and protectionist era.
With a market debut expected around the same time as the Twingo E-Tech’s 2026 release, the Nissan EV could be a game-changer for those seeking a stylish, eco-friendly car without the hefty price tag.
Key Highlights:
- Starting price: Under £20,000
- Built on Renault’s Ampere Small platform
- Less than four metres in length
- LFP battery for enhanced safety and durability
- Production based in Slovenia to avoid European import tariffs
- SUV-inspired design reminiscent of the Nissan Juke
This move by Nissan signals an aggressive push into the low-cost EV market—one that could redefine entry-level electric mobility across Europe.
