Electric Car Sales enjoy a record in December - is it time for an EV with the new Nissan Ariya Nismo?

Is it time for an EV with the new Nissan Ariya Nismo after record electric car sales in December?

Statistics are crucial for pushing the electric car agenda. When the Government announced the ZEV Mandate consultation  many were quick to point out that this is because the whole narrative is not working. The general public are quick to believe some of what the media and press are throwing out, especially when it comes with negative connotations.

But moving toward lithium-ion battery technology is not something which was ever going to be a simple or quick undertaking. For a nation which has spent many years in the arms of petrol and diesel cars, replacing our engines for batteries and forecourts for charge points was always going to need considered thought, planning and implementation.

We are quick to forget that we are only 5 years into mass-adoption of BEVs; how long did it take for broadband to get popular and more widespread? How many UK citizens jumped into the internet or smartphones? We have to allow greater flexibility on the move towards to zero-emissions. Use critique and not criticism.

The big story of this week (6 January 2025) is that EVs enjoyed a record market share for 2024. As per the SMMT statistics December proved to be a slightly quieter affair compared to 2023, with some 140,786 cars registered of which 43,656 were BEV.

For December, this means that a 31% market share can be attributed to the BEV segment. Overall for 2024 we enjoyed 381,970 EV registrations, which equates to 19.6% market share. While this falls just short of the 22% expected under the ZEV Mandate, the positive news from the Government is that no manufacturers are expected to be subjected to any fines or punishments this year.

As the Government have outlined, there are some flexibilities within the ZEV Mandate which means that manufacturers are able to contribute to the UK’s motoring economy in other ways and this is centred around promoting jobs, opportunities and a substantiable all-electric future.

With non-compliant registrations expected to cost some £15,000 per ICE car and £9,000 per van, many brands were communicating their displeasure and suggesting that future investment and production could fall away from the UK with this sentiment.

While targets need to be adhered to, we do recognise that manufacturers need more support to help these ambitious aims to be achieved. This is a cultural change looking at electricity networks, charging infrastructure, renewable energy, emissions-based tax and parking charges and insurance. To place all the responsibility on the actual manufacturer is grossly unfair.

Nissan continues to be an ambitious manufacturer of exciting electric vehicles

One brand looking to push their vehicles is the Japanese Nissan group. While an early adopter to the alternative fuels with their iconic Nissan Leaf, the group have been noticeably quiet in more recent years, with the Chinese and Korean brands far more prolific in terms of the variety and volume of product being created.

The Leaf was in circulation well before mass-adoption in 2020, with many business and local councils / authorities using this as their preferred option. Based on the time when it was introduced this was actually a phenomenal first attempt, with only the nuances of the Type 1 and CHAdeMO causing frustration.

It was only 2022 before anything new landed, with the Ariya SUV arriving in 2022 over 10 years after the Leaf was launched. To some extent, this allowed other brands to overcome the simplified proposition which the Nissan group had, leading to a fall in popularity and a loss of momentum.

However, Nissan remain ambitious for the future with 2030 being targeted as their all-electric date for all products. The company are suggesting that it will concentrate on advanced autonomous vehicle technology (with the LIDAR systems), solid state batteries (ASSB) for more smaller batteries which will be cheaper, quicker to charge and more efficient plus new mobility services and sustainability.

Introducing the new Nissan NISMO Ariya electric car

One more exciting proposition in the UK is the NISMO Ariya, which will see an EV with rich motorsport heritage. “Dynamic. Agile. Bold” the SUV will offer enhanced handling, traction and performance via the e-4ORCE 4WD technology system.

The Ariya will have optimised front-end with the engineered splitter, ducktail spoiler, iconic diffuser design (with downforce) and Enkei 20” alloys. The sports steering wheel adds a premium finish, with the NISMO designed suede seats and signature red embossing the interior.

The NISMO Ariya will include dual 12.3” integrated display interfaces, HUD, Alex compatibility, LED headlights, heated and folding door mirrors, heated front and rear windscreen, hands-free tailgate, heated front seats, powered front and passenger seat (6-way), climate control, heat pump, front/rear parking sensors, intelligent cruise control, ProPILOT assist, BOSE system, wireless charger and 360 degree around view mirror.

But how does the Nissan Ariya NISMO perform?

This AWD SUV will have a 87 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 5.0 seconds, 124 mph top speeds and 320 kW (or 429hp). Expect a combined winter range of 205 miles with warmer weather allowing for 270 miles – a 240 mile combined.

On charging, the 22kW AC max will allow 4 hour and 45 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 130 kW DC maximum allowing 35 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 415L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 112 mpg. You cannot tow. It also has no V2L or V2G capabilities. The Heat Pump is standard.

Is the new Ariya performance SUV your electric vehicle of choice for 2025?

Either head to the Nissan manufacturer website to pre-order yours today or head to our designated Nissan Ariya section and speak to the electric experts at e-car. Contact us by email [email protected]

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