First look at the Nissan Ariya: a detailed acquaintance and impressions of the owner

You won’t find such an electric vehicle on Nissan’s official website in Ukraine, but there are a lot of them in the sales rankings. This is due to a good ratio of size, battery, power, equipment, and, of course, the price for all of the above. The relatively attractive price is ensured not only by the minimum import duties on electric vehicles in Ukraine, but also by the supply of such Nissan Ariya crossovers from the Chinese market. So what can you buy for more or less $30 thousand?

It is larger and more spacious than it may seem

According to the description of the Nissan Ariya electric car, the manufacturer itself uses the term “coupe-crossover”. Take a look: the upper window line starts from the front pillar, outlines the roof, then smoothly drops down to the trunk; the lower window line runs almost horizontally, but rises slightly upward in the rear. Add a massive lower body and curved door sides, clearly defined wheel arches, a translucent insert instead of a radiator grille, narrow headlights (reminiscent of the Mandalorian helmet), and a solid lantern in the full width of the trunk lid, as is so fashionable in the automotive world today. The design of the Nissan Ariya electric car is really quite original, trying to look dynamic.

Thanks to some design features, the Nissan Ariya electric car resembles the Nissan Qashqai: similar boomerang-shaped turn signals, pointed air ducts on the corners of the front bumper, and the same sill line that starts to rise from the middle of the rear door. However, these hints and the overall design of the Nissan Ariya electric car hide its true dimensions. After all, the length of the Nissan Ariya is about 4.6 meters – that is, it is far from the 4.43-meter Nissan Qashqai, but almost the size of the 4.68-meter Nissan X-Trail. Are you surprised? Here’s something else to be surprised about: the wheelbase of the Nissan Ariya is the largest among the above three – almost 2.78 meters. And to finish with the dimensions: the width of the Nissan Ariya electric car is about 1.9 meters, and its height is 1.65-1.66 meters, depending on the version.

The design of the Nissan Ariya electric crossover successfully hides its size – the dimensions are closer to the Nissan X-Trail than to the Nissan Qashqai. Although visually, the electric vehicle resembles the latter: turn signals, window sill line, and front bumper design. But the Nissan Ariya electric car has many details of its own: an arched roofline, narrow headlights and a translucent insert between them, a solid headlight with curved edges, almost completely closed aerodynamic caps on the wheel disks, etc.

The front of the Nissan Ariya’s cabin is similarly designed: it looks visually simple, but it’s really interesting in the details. Here, the eye rests on the horizontally elongated front panel – this solution is usually used to emphasize the width of the cabin. A copper-colored line pierces the panel: a hint of electrical wires and an electric vehicle nature, as well as the ability to visually hide the ventilation deflectors. A pair of combined 12.3-inch displays and a 2-spoke steering wheel are already “modern classics” for 2020 models.

A closer look reveals even more interesting things. Near the round volume control ring there are buttons for alarm and track switching: just a trifle, but it is a convenient trifle. The front panel is decorated with a wooden insert, on which the climate control buttons are burned as if by fire; similar buttons are also found on the armrest. And here you could expect a DRIVE MODE switch or e-Pedal control settings (all of which are indeed present here); but there are also buttons on the armrest to open/close a hidden electrically operated drawer. By the way, the armrest can also be moved back and forth with the help of an electric drive – and when moved back, it opens up the possibility of moving from the driver’s seat to the passenger’s seat or vice versa.

At first glance, this is just a modern interior of a modern electric car: a massive front panel and minimal decor, large displays and a 2-spoke steering wheel. However, the Nissan Ariya features a lot of interesting “inventions in small things”; hardly any of the above items is actually vital, but together they create the impression of a surprisingly thoughtful and high-tech interior.

The rear of the cabin is all about practicality. Have you forgotten about the generously measured wheelbase? Inside, all these meters and centimeters turn into good legroom, with the added bonus of an almost flat floor. There’s plenty of headroom, too, because the roof is not as steeply sloped back as the outer arched line of the windows would have us believe. In addition, it’s worth noting the folding armrest, heated rear seats, and almost flat floor.

But is the Nissan Ariya crossover a model of practicality among electric vehicles of this class? The trunk offers a considerable volume: from 415 to 562 liters, depending on the type of drive (front or all-wheel drive) and the measurement method, and a large loading bay and side pockets can also be noted. The basic versions of the Nissan Ariya electric car have front-wheel drive; accordingly, there is a lot of free space behind and inside the trunk you can equip a double floor with convenient transformer shelves (I have seen this feature on European versions of the model). The Nissan Ariya electric car, which became the hero of this material, is presented in a version with all-wheel drive – and this means an additional electric motor at the rear. However, even in this case, there is still a small but convenient cubbyhole for placing small items, a charging cable, etc.

The rear part of the Nissan Ariya cabin pleasantly surprises with space and convenience: plenty of legroom, enough headroom, and heated seats. The trunk is also quite large, with an additional niche under the floor for small items. But there is no trunk in front, because there is always an electric motor. And this brings us to the next point…

Nissan Ariya electric car: general design and features of the Chinese version

So, let’s start with the basics. The Nissan Ariya electric vehicle is based on the CMF-EV platform: it’s like a development of the CMF platform, but the CMF-EV version is used exclusively for electric vehicles. One of the features of this platform is a large wheelbase, which is understandable – this is how a large battery can be placed to ensure a long range. By the way, the European specification for the Nissan Ariya electric vehicle offers two Li-Ion batteries: a basic battery with a nominal capacity of 66 kWh (63 kWh is actually used), or an increased battery with a nominal capacity of 91 kWh (87 kWh is actually used); both support a standard 400-volt power supply system.

Another feature of the CMF-EV platform in general and the Nissan Ariya electric vehicle in particular is the ability to create versions with front or all-wheel drive – respectively, with one or two electric motors of different power. And the rest of the design details are quite expected: a load-bearing body, independent front and rear wheel suspensions, etc.

Now, a few words about the features of Nissan Ariya electric vehicles designed specifically for the Chinese market, which are produced at a local plant in partnership with Dongfeng. First, the charging ports are different: while the European version has one combined CCS Combo 2 charging port suitable for AC or DC charging, the Chinese version has two separate GB/T charging ports, and they are located on both sides of the electric vehicle on the front fenders. Secondly, the multimedia system does not support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, although everything else is as similar as possible to the European versions. Finally, the Chinese version of the Nissan Ariya also offers five electric vehicle variants – but the lineup is arranged somewhat differently from the European version of the Nissan Ariya. What exactly are we talking about? See below…

The Nissan Ariya electric vehicle is based on the CMF-EV platform, front or all-wheel drive, with a battery within the wheelbase. The Chinese version of the electric vehicle features charging ports GB/T, located on the right and left front fenders. The all-wheel drive version of the electric vehicle has four driving modes: the usual Sport/Standard/Eco is supplemented by the winter mode Snow. The declared maximum range of 623 km for the Chinese version of the Nissan Ariya is based on a very optimistic cycle CLTC; while the maximum range for the European version of the Nissan Ariya is 500 km – but according to the much more realistic WLTP cycle . Also note the differences in the construction of the range of available variants: the European versions of the Nissan Ariya offer different combinations of batteries and drive type and power; the Chinese versions of the Nissan Ariya offer only one variant with a basic battery (about 65 kWh) and front-wheel drive; the remaining versions have a larger battery (about 90 kWh) and are available with front or all-wheel drive. In addition, the all-wheel drive versions offer 290 kW of power and 600 Nm of torque at once – just like the Nissan Ariya electric car e-4ORCE Performance.

Now a few words about the prices of Nissan Ariya electric cars in Ukraine. Usually, we sell Chinese versions of the electric car, and I personally have not seen a version with a basic battery on sale – Ukraine usually imports a version with an enlarged battery. However, there is a difference in the type of drive and the level of equipment. Although you won’t complain about the latter in any case: 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, two displays, climate control in the front and heated in the rear, electric drive and memory of front seat settings – usually all this is present even in the basic configuration. The maximum equipment adds large 20-inch wheels, more luxurious interior trim, premium audio, and more.

This is how the prices for the Nissan Ariya electric car in Ukraine are formed. The starting price of $27-28 thousand is a version with a large battery, front-wheel drive, and basic equipment. The average price is $30-32 thousand – everything is the same, but the maximum equipment and/or two-tone body painting. The price of $33-35-37 thousand is already all-wheel drive and basic or maximum equipment.

Vitaliy, owner of Nissan Ariya: why he chose an electric car in general and Nissan Ariya in particular

The story of my choice of the Nissan Ariya electric car began with my previous car, a small 7-year-old gasoline crossover. There was an understanding and desire to move up a class, not only in size but also in technology. So at first I was looking at larger crossovers with hybrid engines, but then I decided to go one technological level higher and choose an electric car.

It is clear that among the first options he considered Tesla, namely the Tesla Model Y crossover; however, he did not like the suspension and noise, as well as too much recuperation. He also looked at the Volkswagen ID.4; however, he did not like the glossy plastic interior and the numerous touch buttons. In addition, I considered the ZEEKR 001 electric car; in my opinion, it is very cool, but its large size, Chinese brand, and additional $10-15 thousand to the price of the Nissan Ariya brought this interest to naught.

Thus, everything came down to the Nissan Ariya: I liked the design of this electric car, the pleasant interior in front, sufficient space in the back, optimal dimensions, soft suspension, sufficient recovery, and an adequate price. Yes, this particular Nissan Ariya electric car cost $32.6 thousand – this is the version with all-wheel drive, but not the maximum configuration.

All-wheel drive was mandatory, and I also wanted a black color and a black interior (which is impossible to get in the maximum configuration, which usually has a blue interior) – and this option had to be brought on order. After all, most often Nissan Ariya electric cars are brought to Ukraine with front-wheel drive and in the maximum configuration, but versions with all-wheel drive are much rarer and usually in the maximum configuration, which means they are more expensive. But I was quite satisfied with the initial equipment, but I had requirements for the drive and interior color, so I had to look for and bring such an option for an individual order.

It took a while: we ordered the Nissan Ariya at the end of February, and the electric car actually arrived at the end of June. Usually, deliveries are faster, but this time geopolitics intervened, with another uprising and turbulent sea routes. Therefore, the ship had to sail around Africa and go to Poland, and from there the electric car was brought to me by a truck. So right now, I’m just collecting my first impressions of the car. For example, about the real range – it is 430-550 km (depending on the driving style) on a single full battery charge.

Speaking of charging the battery. Since this is a version of the Nissan Ariya electric car for the Chinese market and it has different charging ports, the car dealership gave me an “adapter” for charging with AC current (an adapter between GB/T and Mennekes ports); I also bought an additional charging cable with a similar transition between ports for $130. As for fast chargers with direct current, their number is gradually increasing in Ukraine today – at least for me, it’s not a problem to find a “fast” charger with a constant DC current and a GB/T port. However, in the absence of electricity, even these charging stations do not work, so you need to carefully plan your charging schedule. But they are really fast: you can charge 40-45% of the battery in about half an hour. Yes, it won’t be cheap – such charging costs 15-17 UAH per 1 kW of energy; but it’s still almost twice as cheap as refueling my previous conventional gasoline car to drive the same distance. And if I charge on conventional AC chargers at home (I have a garage) or in the office parking lot, it’s even several times cheaper – and all this taking into account the much greater power and dynamics offered by the Nissan Ariya electric car.

I recently purchased an alternating current (AC) charger with a maximum current of up to 32A and the usual 220 volts. This charging station for the GB/T port costs $350, supports Wi-Fi for remote control, and also allows you to limit the power (this is important when you have weak wiring and need to reduce the current). With a minimum current of 7A, you can charge with a power of 1.5 kW per hour, which is enough for me to keep the car charged in the range of 30-80% even with periodic power outages. When using this in-house charging, the cost of a full battery charge is 600 UAH – that is, at the level of 10 liters of fuel. And since I use my electric car mainly within Kyiv and a small radius around it (plus or minus 50 km), there is no need to use public charging stations at all.

The car is very comfortable: the soft suspension and good sound insulation do their job. Wide tires and 19-inch wheels combined with a low center of mass (due to the location of the battery under the bottom) add to the feeling of control and stability on the move. And the two electric motors provide a pleasantly smooth acceleration that correlates well with pressing the accelerator pedal – the electric car gains speed with the same smoothness and intensity as the foot presses the pedal. If you “hit the floor”, you are pressed directly into the seat and fly forward with a 0-100 km/h dynamics in 5.2 seconds. But with this driving style, energy consumption can reach 30 to 40+ kW per 100 km.

If we take an average, then for a typical home-to-office trip of 10 km during peak hours (i.e., with a couple of “pulls”), this electric car consistently shows 16-18 kW per 100 km, which is equivalent to 485-530 km on a full battery charge. If the roads are free and the pace of movement is faster, then the energy consumption already reaches 22-23 kW per 100 km, which means that we get 400 km on a single battery charge. However, I don’t even notice this difference, because I don’t charge my electric car every day and just enjoy driving it. These are my impressions of the Nissan Ariya electric car!