The highly anticipated Nissan Ariya electric vehicle has faced another setback, with limited supply expected to reach the U.S. market in 2023. At a recent National Automobile Dealers Association gathering, Nissan informed dealers that the shortage is due to the high cost of battery materials.
Despite eagerness from retailers to receive more units, the exact number of Ariya models allocated for the U.S. has not been disclosed by the company. However, according to an unnamed source, approximately 6,000 units have been earmarked for the current fiscal year ending March 31, 2023.
See also: The 2023 Nissan Ariya electric crossover starts at $44,485
Nissan Advisory Board chairman Tyler Slade, who also works at Tim Dahle Nissan Southtowne in Salt Lake City, says 100 customer inquiries for the Ariya and has begun taking deposits.
āEvery dealer was saying how many customers they have waiting or wanting to order one,ā Slade told Auto News.
Nissan’s US division VP of Sales and Regional Operations, Judy Wheeler, cites cost and scarcity of battery components as reasons for reduced production. Commodity costs have surged, with some prices “tripling and quadrupling.” A dealership source reports surprise at shortage of Ariya supply, with customers eager to buy but unable to obtain a delivery date.
See also: BMW Will Not Offer Over-The-Air Performance Upgrades For Its Electric Vehicles
The Ariya electric vehicle starts at $43,190 for the Engage FWD 63 kWh in the U.S. and includes models like Venture+ FWD 87 kWh ($47,190), Evolve+ FWD 87 kWh ($50,190), Empower+ FWD 87 kWh ($53,690), Premiere FWD 87 kWh ($54,690), Engage e-4ORCE 63 kWh ($47,190), Engage+ e-4ORCE 87 kWh ($51,190), Evolve+ e-4ORCE 87 kWh ($54,190) with the highest priced model being Platinum+ e-4ORCE 87 kWh ($60,190).
