Nissan confirms 3 new EVs and its next gigafactory location
Nissan is announcing a major series of investments and plans for electrification today, many of which have been long rumored but are now being concretely defined. In summary, plan on two new CUVs and a brand-new version of the Leaf, all three of which will be produced in the UK at Nissan’s Sunderland plant. In support of those plans, Nissan will also be adding another gigafactory at Sunderland to enable production.
Today’s news was originally reported earlier in the week prior to the official announcement, but Nissan has made things official today. The bullet points follow.
- An EV version of the Qashqai (marketed as Rogue Sport in the US)
- An EV version of the Juke (the Juke was discontinued in the US in 2018, but is still sold globally)
- A “replacement” for the Nissan Leaf EV
- These three EVs will be based on the Hyper Urban, Hyper Punk, and Chill Out concepts, respectively.
- A third planned gigafactory at Sunderland as part of Nissan’s “EV36Zero” manufacturing plan
A few things stand out here. First, it does appear that the Nissan “Chill Out” concept (pictured at the top of this article) will be the basis for the new Leaf, which had kind of been the running theory at this point. Second, it sounds like Nissan will be going positively crossover-crazy with its EV portfolio. Not only will there be an EV Qashqai and EV Juke (along with a probably crossover-ish Leaf replacement), the Leaf appears to be going CUV, too.
The Hyper Urban is the largest of the family, so that’s where you’ll see the Qashqai EV draw from. The Hyper Punk is a compact crossover, and that seems like the most natural analog to the Juke. As for the even smaller Chill Out, we’ve established that’s going to be the starting point for the new Leaf. Personally, I’m very curious how the Juke replacement will turn out, because the Hyper Punk concept is absolutely wild.
Nissan seems to be mostly in on electrification, and has reiterated that it plans to have a 100% electric portfolio for sale in Europe by 2030. Presumably, it does plan to continue selling ICE vehicles globally. Right now, the only competitive EV the brand offers is the surprisingly popular Ariya, a car that to me confirms Nissan still has some real design chops — and gives me hope that these future EVs will be distinctively styled.
As part of today’s news, various UK government initiatives in support of Nissan’s plans are also being announced, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak even weighed in, saying, “Nissan’s investment is a massive vote of confidence in the UK’s automotive industry, which already contributes a massive £71 billion a year to our economy. This venture will no doubt secure Sunderland’s future as the UK’s Silicon Valley for electric vehicle innovation and manufacturing.”
For more on today’s news, check out Nissan’s press release.
Electrek’s take
Nissan has taken its time electrifying since the first Leaf dropped well over a decade ago, though the Ariya was a big step in the right direction. But like many Japanese automakers, it wasn’t clear how devoted Nissan really was to an electric future, or if it just wanted to latch onto a perceived fad.
I think with today’s news, it’s fair to say Nissan is banking on BEVs for its future. With an electric-only model lineup planned for Europe by 2030, that’s a reasonable conclusion to draw. But the stronger signal here is that the company is banking on electrifying two of its most popular models — the Juke and Qashqai. These are mass-market nameplates that have high appeal to crossover-obsessed customers who make up the middle of the vehicle market. If Nissan said it was building an electrified Patrol (aka Armada), by contrast, that would signal a greater focus on the high end of the market (at least, for a mainstream carmaker).
Nissan also has a long history in the UK, though the company’s presence in Europe has been fading in recent years. It no longer sells any sedans or hatchbacks in major EU markets, with essentially a 5-model portfolio on offer in most markets (Qashqai, Juke, X-Trail, Leaf, Ariya). The Leaf is aging out, and Nissan’s remaining ICE passenger vehicles in the EU are all platform-shared with Renault.
A major investment in EV manufacturing capacity in the UK is welcome news, and could herald a new era for Nissan on the continent — and beyond.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Electric vehicles’ share of the market continues to climb in America’s second city, with BEV registrations up more than 50% in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the same period last year. Great news, but charging hasn’t up – but a new plan from Chicago Department of Transportation aims to build up enough infrastructure for the city to keep up.
In a bid to keep up with the rapid growth of EVs, Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT is currently seeking public feedback on a plan called “Chicago Moves Electric Framework.” The city’s first such plan, it outlines initiatives that include a curbside charging pilot through the city’s utility, ComEd, and expanded charging access in key areas throughout the city.
Unlike other such plans, however, the new plan aims to focus on bringing electric vehicle charging to EIEC and low income communities, too.
“Through this framework, we are setting clear goals and identifying solutions that reflect the voices of our residents, communities, and regional partners,” said CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney. “By prioritizing equity and public input, we’re creating a roadmap for electric transportation that serves every neighborhood and helps drive down emissions across Chicago.”
Neighborhoods on the south and west sides of Chicago experience a disproportionate amount of air pollution and diesel emissions, largely due to vehicle emissions according to CDOT. Despite that, most of Chicago’s public charging stations are clustered in higher-income areas while just 7.8% are in environmental justice neighborhoods that face higher environmental burdens.
“Too often, communities facing the greatest economic and transportation barriers also experience the most air pollution,” explains Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “By prioritizing investments in historically underserved areas and making clean transportation options more affordable and accessible, we can improve both mobility and public health.”
The Framework identifies other near-term policy objectives, as well – such as streamlining the EV charger installation process for businesses and residents and implementing “Low-Emission Zones” in areas disproportionately impacted by air pollution by limiting, or even restricting, access to conventional medium- and heavy-duty vehicles during peak hours.
The Chicago Moves Electric Framework includes the installation of Level 2 and DC fast charging stations in public locations such as libraries and Chicago’s Midway Airport, “supporting not only personal EVs but also electric taxis, ride-hail and commercial fleets.”
Chicago has a goal of installing 2,500 public passenger EV charging stations and electrifying the city’s entire municipal vehicle fleet by 2035.
Electrek’s Take
I hate to sound like a bed-wetting liberal here, guys, but Chicago is getting EVs absolutely right with big utility incentives on both vehicles and infrastructure, a governor willing to stand behind smart environmental policy, and a solid push for more and better infrastructure in the areas where they’ll do the most good. They’re even thinking of the children.
Here’s hoping more cities follow suit.
SOURCE: ComEd, via Smart Cities Dive; featured image by EVgo.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
With a fully-enclosed, G-Wagen-inspired body and an 80 mile electric range, the Bodo G-Wagon golf cart is the NEV you need when you decide it’s time to get serous one-upping the rest of the Palm Beach country clubbers.
If you love the look of the $230,000 Mercedes-Benz G580 off-roader, but think the 579 hp, 6,800 lb. electric 4×4 is probably overkill for occasional trips to the golf course and country club, this G-Wagen-inspired golf cart might be just what you’re looking for.
The shiny black 2024 Bodo G-Wagon sold at Mecum Auctions last month for $31,900, which seems like it might not be a lot of money to the sort of person who decides to take a flyer on a goofy, limited-use EV that ships with real, metal doors, power windows, heating and air conditioning, fully digital instrument cluster and infotainment, and a “posh,” caramel leather interior.
It even has windshield wipers, power steering, and a rear-seat entertainment system that’s built into the front headrests!
It’s really nice in there
Under the hood, the Bodo packs a 15 kW (20 hp) electric motor drawing power from a 10 kWh li-ion battery that won’t deliver a scorching 0-60 mph time (it only goes 35), but will deliver you and your buddies from one end of any golf course in North America and back several times over, thanks to the G-Wagon’s 80 mile range.
The official Mecum Auctions listing goes into a bit more detail, and I’ve included it here, in case it gets deleted after a while and you’re just finding this for the first time in 2027:
Be the envy of any country club or golf community showing up with this 2024 Bodo G-Wagon Golf Cart. Perhaps more appropriately known as an E-Wagon, this baby G-Wagon is powered by a 15kW motor with a 10kWh lithium battery. Boasting an 80-mile range and a 35 MPH top speed, the Bodo is an enclosed, luxury golf cart that pampers occupants with heating and air conditioning, rear-seat entertainment, power windows, power locks and a posh, caramel-colored interior. With the Bodo fitted with power steering and 4-wheel power disc brakes with brake boost, drivers will think they’re in a full-size G-Wagon, thanks to the multiscreen entertainment cluster, the rearview camera, windshield wipers, turn signals, running lights and so much more.
Finished in black with the right amount of brightwork, the overall vibe is one of jaw-dropping, smile-inducing fun. While the Bodo would be an excellent choice for any golf community, it should also prove to be hugely popular around a race track or car condo community as well, or maybe even a neighborhood with its own airplane runways. Over the past decade in particular, the demand for unique, luxury golf carts has been on the rise, and understandably so. The number of luxury communities with specific interests in sports, aero and auto has also been on the rise, with people buying homes in these exclusive locations to better engage with like-minded people. All too often a golf cart is the perfect way to get around these gated neighborhoods, and this one is enclosed, comes with the amenities of a full-size car and is infinitely more stylish.
You can check out a few more photos of the 2024 Bodo G-Wagon golf cart that sold at Mecum, below – and if you want one for yourself, you’re in luck! I found this brand-new 2025 “G600 E-Wagon” (in white) for $23,900 at Gulf Carts in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Head on down to the comments and let us know if you buy it.
G-Wagon golf cart gallery
SOURCE | LOTS MORE PHOTOS: Mecum Auctions.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Best of all? Contractors won’t call you unless you give them your number. Get started here.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
-
Sports3 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports1 year agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports2 years agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business3 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway