Nissan’s audacious Hyper Punk Concept, recently unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show, is poised to cast its design influence over the forthcoming next-generation Juke, anticipated to make the leap into the electric vehicle (EV) realm.
With plans to expand its electric vehicle lineup to include 19 models by 2030, Nissan positions the future Juke EV strategically below the next-gen Leaf, set to undergo a crossover transformation, and the larger Ariya. Competing with electric counterparts like the Hyundai Kona, Kia EV3, and the Jeep Avenger, the Juke EV aims to retain the distinctive design language of its predecessors.
Although Nissan has yet to release teaser images of the upcoming model, speculation arises from the Hyper Punk Concept’s vertical LED daytime running lights potentially making their way into production, alongside sharp black fender flares and angular surfaces. Similar to the current Juke, the C-pillar may conceal the rear door handles.
Expected to ride on the CMF-B EV architecture, shared with the Renault 5 and Nissan Micra, the Juke EV is likely to offer battery options of 40 kWh and 52 kWh. The spacious configuration of the Juke hints at the potential for a larger battery capacity, positioning it competitively against the Kia EV3, rumored to feature 58 kWh and 77.4 kWh packs. Renault’s chief technology officer, Gilles le Borgne, has confirmed the use of nickel manganese cobalt chemistry for the Juke EV, aligning with the chemistry choice for other upcoming models like the Leaf, Micra, Renault 5, and R4.
While details about the powertrain remain speculative, indications suggest a front-wheel-drive, single-motor model as the most likely configuration. However, the possibility of a flagship model with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup akin to the Ariya is not ruled out, adding an extra layer of anticipation to Nissan’s foray into the electric subcompact segment.