Nissan Electric Vehicles Throughout Time

In recent years, due to environmental concerns, economic concerns, and pertinent legislation, the market for electrified vehicles (EVs) has exploded. Most would believe that the market for EVs is a recent thing, but Nissan has been manufacturing electric vehicles since 1949. If you are looking at getting an EV in or around Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Glendale, your Nissan EV dealer is Avondale Nissan, but let’s have a look back and explore how Nissan EVs began and where they are today.

TAMA, Circa 1947

Going back as far as 1947, Nissan was on the cutting edge of electric vehicles when they developed the TAMA, their first ever EV. It was a four-door compact EV, which was released in 1949. Though the TAMA was the first, it wouldn’t be the last.

Prairie Joy

Next up was the Prairie Joy. This was a first in the EV industry as it was the first EV to use a Lithium-Ion battery. Nissan tested it in harsh polar conditions, and it proved itself in six years without breaking down. The Prairie Joy was a quiet emission-free vehicle that allowed researchers to get close to wildlife for observation purposes.

Hypermini, Circa 2000

Several decades into EV development, in 2000 Nissan released the ultra-compact Hypermini, a super-amazing commuter-for-two EV that could reach a top speed of 100 km per hour (62 mph) with a range of 100 km (about 71 miles) on a single charge.

Leaf, Circa 2010

Just a decade later, Nissan would produce the LEAF, a fully-electric, compact sedan which was their first mass-market, mass-produced electric vehicle. LEAF owners have reached an 8 billion-mile, EV milestone globally since its release with over half a million LEAF vehicles sold around the world.

Turning Over a New LEAF, Circa 2018

Nissan’s newly imagined, newly designed LEAF was released in 2018. This LEAF was sleek, powerful, and more fun than before with a newly set standard in EV development for the new generation of electric driving.

Formula E, Circa 2018

Taking things to a whole new level, Nissan released the Formula E, an electric racecar developed by Nissan with the distinction of being the first Japanese automotive manufacturer to enter the cutting-edge Formula E series. Electric racing vehicles represent some of the best engineering for the EV market with vehicles that can travel 322 km/h (200 mph).

ARIYA

One powerful production car, the Nissan ARIYA can hit 0-60 in 4.8 seconds. The latest model in the Nissan lineup is turning heads all over the world. The ARIYA is Nissan’s promise of Intelligent Mobility with an open interior and available dual motor e4ORCE AWD with revolutionary comfort every time you drive. The 2024 ARIYA boasts of up to 389 horsepower with a 265–304-mile range on a single charge.

If you are interested in the latest Nissan LEAF or ARIYA, check out our inventory of new and used vehicles at Avondale Nissan. If you need help in financing, our Finance Team is onsite to help. You can begin by completing our online application or contact us with your questions about how you can get behind the wheel of a new Nissan EV today.