The All-Electric Nissan Ariya SUV: A Complete Guide For India

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

For those keen on an overview of the Indian and global electric vehicle (EV) market, simply scroll down to the end of the article!

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The All-Electric Ariya SUV

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Nissan Motor Corporation, a leading player in the global automotive sector is headquartered in Japan. The company is well known for leading automotive brands, to include, Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun. In 1999, Nissan became part of the global Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. The partnership makes these companies the 3rd largest automotive group in the world after Volkswagen and Toyota.

The all-electric ARIYA crossover SUV, is a new electric vehicle (EV) from the Japanese automotive manufacturer. It is the first all-electric SUV from Nissan. The Nissan ARIYA electric SUV was unveiled at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.  

The mid-sized concept EV crossover is an expansion from the IMx concept unveiled in the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show (IM is the title Nissan uses for future-thinking self-driving and EV propulsion ideas). The Ariya does not use the IM nomenclature. Despite the automotive manufacturers incredible success with the all-electric Nissan Leaf, it took Nissan a decade to launch its second pure electric family car. Nevertheless, it has been worth the wait!

The coupe styled Nissan Ariya electric is available in two EV battery sizes, and as a front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variant. Fantastic, as this increases the broader appeal of the Nissan EV to a larger consumer base. The smaller EV battery (63 kWh) variant is only available as a front-wheel drive.

In terms of practical emission-free electric range, both EV battery sizes have much to offer, depending on the commuting needs of the family or company-car driver. The 63 kWh EV battery has an electric range up to 250 miles (WLTP), while the 87 kWh has a claimed e-range up to 329 miles (WLTP).

Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions, both options remain useful! For the 63 kWh expect a real-world range closer to 215 miles, while for the larger EV battery, 280 miles will be more realistic. More than adequate for city and longer distance motorway driving.

The Nissan Ariya EV incorporates a single-phase (7.4 KW AC) onboard charger for the smaller EV battery and a 3-phase 22 KW AC onboard charger for the larger EV battery. It is certainly logical, as the larger an EV battery, the faster the charging capability, the better! However, given that the majority of homes have single-phase power supply in India, taking advantage of the 22 kW onboard charger will be only for those with access to three-phase EV charging at home, work or at a public destination.

The 63 kWh EV can be fully charged (single-phase) in 10 hours using a dedicated residential EV charger like easee. The 87 kWh can be full charged in 13 hours and 30 minutes using single-phase charging. At three-phase EV charging, the larger battery can be fully charged in 5 hours. Though the Nissan electric car can be charged via a domestic 3-PIN socket, we at e-zoomed discourage the use of a domestic socket to charge an electric car.

We at e-zoomed recommend charging overnight when the electricity prices are lower. We also recommend charging on a regular basis. This way charging times are reduced and regular charging is good for the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. Nissan offers a 8 years/ 100,000 miles warranty for the EV battery.

The Nissan Ariya Crossover also offers DC charging capability. However, DC charging is limited to 130 kW, which is certainly not class-leading. Given the price tag and EV battery size, we would have expected faster DC charging capability. Nevertheless, the Nissan Ariya EV can be charged reasonably fast. For the 63 kWh EV battery it will take up to 35 minutes to charge from 20% to 80%. For the 87 kWh it will take up to 40 minutes.

The exterior coupe styling of the crossover SUV enhances its appeal, in particular for consumers keen on a more futuristic design. The interior is minimalistic, as we now expect to see with most electric cars, with upholstery sympathetic to the environment.  According to Nissan ‘in keeping with the Japanese notion of beauty in subtlety, the Ariya concept interior visuals reflect a timeless, modest sensibility’. 

The EV also offers a host of safety features, to include: ProPILOT with Navi-Link, intelligent driver alertness, intelligent lane keep assist, intelligent blind spot intervention, 360° digitally enhanced around view monitor with moving object detection, traffic sign recognition and more. Also include is a 12.3” TFT Screen.

The EV offers decent practicality, though the rear view is slightly impacted by the more aggressive roofline. The Ariya offers up to 466 L boot space. For the all-wheel drive E-4ORCE, the boot space is smaller.

In terms of performance, the front-wheel drive Nissan Ariya (63 kWh) achieves 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds (max power: 217 PS/ torque: 300 Nm). The all-wheel drive 87 kWh variant is the fastest. The EV can achieve 0-62 mph in 5.7 seconds (max power: 306 PS/ torque: 600 Nm). The top speed of the EV is between 100 mph and 124 mph, depending on the variant chosen. Of course, the electric car also benefits from instant torque.

The Nissan Ariya electric car is not available in India.

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PROS	CONS
Attractive exterior stying	DC charging only up to 130 kW
Available in two EV battery options	22 kW AC onboard charger not standard on all variants
Good zero-emission electric range	Higher trim levels expensive. Cheaper alternatives available

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The All-Electric Nissan ARIYA (credit: Nissan)

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Driving an electric vehicle (EV) is cheaper than driving a petrol or diesel vehicle. As an example, in India, filling a full tank of fuel for the internal combustion engine (ICE) Tata Nexon SUV will cost up to Rs 5,000 (assuming an average cost per litre of Rs 100. The Tata Nexon has a fuel tank capacity of 44 L).

In comparison, the Tata Nexon Pure Electric SUV will cost less than Rs 300 for a full EV battery charge (EV Battery size: 30.2 kWh). In India, the average cost for residential electricity is between Rs 5 to Rs 10 per kWh(unit). Therefore the cost to drive per km (or mile) in a pure electric vehicle is substantially lower than a petrol or diesel vehicle.

At an average one can expect a cost per km of Rs 1 for a zero-emission EV, while for an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle, the cost per km could be up to Rs 7 per km. The annual cost savings achieved by switching to electric driving is significant!

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Vehicle Type:	Crossover (SUV)
Engine:	Electric
Available In India:	No

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Trims (6 Options)
Ariya 63 kWh Advance
Ariya 63 kWh Evolve
Ariya 87 kWh Advance
Ariya 87 kWh Evolve
Ariya E-4ORCE 87 kWh Advance
Ariya E-4ORCE 87 kWh Evolve

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in two battery sizes: 63 kWh/ 87 kWh
Charging:	130 kW DC rapid charging. On board charger: up to 22 kW AC
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	0g (CO2/km)
EV Battery Warranty:	8 years or 100,000 miles

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1660
Width (mm):	1850
Length (mm):	4595
Wheelbase (mm):	2775
Turning Circle (m):	10.8
Boot Space (L):	466

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ARIYA 63 kWh
EV Battery Capacity:	63 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	247 – 250 miles
Electric Consumption (kWh/100km):	N/A
Charging:	130 kW DC rapid charging (20%-80%: 35 minutes). Onboard charger: 7.4 kW AC (10%-100%: 10 hrs)
Top Speed:	100 mph
0-62 mph:	7.5 seconds
Drive:	Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Max Power (PS):	217
Torque (Nm):	300
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Kerb Weight (kg):	1,900 – 2,200
Colours:	10
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

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ARIYA 87 kWh
EV Battery Capacity:	87 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	285 – 329 miles
Electric Consumption (kWh/100km):	N/A
Charging:	130 kW DC rapid charging(20%-80%: 40 minutes). Onboard charger: 22 kW AC (10%-100%: 5 hrs)
Top Speed:	100 – 124 mph
0-62 mph:	5.7 – 7.6 seconds
Drive:	Front-wheel drive (FWD)/ All-wheel drive (AWD)
Max Power (PS):	242 – 306
Torque (Nm):	300 – 600
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Kerb Weight (kg):	1,900 – 2,200
Colours:	10
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

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India Electric Vehicle (EV) Market

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India, like many other countries, is well positioned to benefit from the shift to zero-tailpipe emission electric driving. Road transportation is a major contributor to air pollution (over 30%), choking our towns, cities and villages across India. Diesel vehicles, in particular, diesel trucks and diesel buses, are significant sources for tailpipe emissions. But given the rise in the standard of living, since liberalisation, the demand for privately owned passenger cars has increased at an unprecedented pace, further worsening the air quality. India has more than 3 crores (30 million) cars releasing tailpipe emissions on its roads!

Though we have seen some improvements in air quality during the ongoing pandemic (as a result of lower vehicle traffic), India’s shift to electric driving will be key in achieving long-term higher air quality. Of course, apart from EVs, the continued development of green and renewable energy infrastructure will be key in achieving lower long-term air pollution. India has already demonstrated global leadership in regards to large-scale solar and wind projects! Hopefully, India will replicate the success with zero-emission electric vehicles.

Despite recent announcements and support from local and national government agencies in India, the EV market is still at a nascent stage, well, at least in terms of electric cars and electric vans. Two-wheel electric scooters and three-wheel electric rickshaws (e-rickshaws) have demonstrated a strong uptake, and India is poised to become a global leader in electric scooters and electric rickshaws (e-tuk). In fact, the ubiquitous e-rickshaw commands an impressive 83% of the Indian electric vehicle market. India currently has over 15 lakhs (1.5 million) e-rickshaws, with each EV playing a role in reducing tailpipe emissions on our roads in India.

Sales of passenger electric cars is still at an early stage. In FY2021, though the market witnessed a growth of nearly 110% from the previous year, the absolute volume of cars sold was only 5,905 electric cars. Currently there are less that 15 pure electric car models available on sale in India.

Tata Motors, the biggest automotive manufacturer in India has launched the Tata Nexon electric SUV. Mahindra Electric, another leading Indian automotive manufacturer, has also launched a number of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs), to include, the Mahindra eVerito electric car, Mahindra eSupro electric van and Mahindra e2o Plus compact electric car. International manufacturers, like UK based MG Motors, have also launched the MG ZS electric SUV in India. Also available are the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE SUV and the Hyundai Kona electric SUV.

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Global Electric Vehicle (EV) Market

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Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), more commonly referred to simply as, electric vehicles (EVs) or as plug-in electric cars, have come a long way over the past decade and certainly a long way over the past 100 years.

Electric vehicles came into prominence in the early 1900’s, a time when horse-drawn carriages were the primary mode of transportation.  Archived black and white photographs from that period show famous avenues like Madison Avenue in New York city filled with horse-drawn carriages.  In stark contrast, a similar photograph taken a decade later of Madison Avenue showed not a single horse-drawn carriage.  Instead the avenue was filled with motor vehicles, a new invention at that time. 

We are now witnessing a similar fundamental shift in road transportation, as polluting internal combustion engines (ICE) petrol and diesel vehicles are being replaced by low-emission and zero-emission electric vehicles. In countries like the United Kingdom, a leader in e-mobility, we can expect a comprehensive replacement of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030 (UK will ban the sale of new ICE cars in 2030). The UK is not the only country that has a vision of a mass transition to zero-tailpipe emission electric cars.

Since 2011, the global electric vehicle (EV) market has increased at a year-over-year growth rate of over 50%. In 2020, according to the Global EV Outlook 2021 report, the global stock of electric vehicles (EVs) had surpassed 10 million units . In 2015, the Global stock was just over 1 million units. In 2020, Europe accounted for the largest share of new car registrations of EVs (1.4 million registered electric vehicles), followed by China (1.2 million electric vehicles). In Europe, countries like Norway, Iceland and Sweden continue to show strong leadership in the transition to electric driving. In Norway more than 75% of new cars are electric, followed by 50% in Iceland and 30% in Sweden.

However, this is not just a western phenomenon. A number of countries across the world have announced their support for electric cars, to include India. Pure electric cars are now common sightings in a number of global markets, and EV automotive manufacturers, like California based Tesla Motors are now household brands.

Traditional automotive manufactures have also shown significant commitment to the migration to electric engines, to include Volvo Cars, the Volkswagen Group, Renault, Nissan, Peugeot, Hyundai, Mercedes, Land Rover and many more. Forecast for the sale of EVs suggest up to 30 million electric vehicles to be sold before the end of the current decade.

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