The all-new Nissan Micra 2025 returns as a pure EV with up to 253 miles range, sharing tech with the Renault 5. UK launch January 2026, orders from September. Full details here.
When Nissan announced the Micra would return as an electric-only supermini, our editorial team at AutoHit was genuinely curious whether the Japanese brand could pull off what looked like a risky reinvention. After all, the previous Micra disappeared from UK showrooms in 2023 with barely a whimper, and now it’s back sharing underpinnings with the highly praised Renault 5 E-Tech. Having spent considerable time with various electric superminis this year, we’re cautiously optimistic about what Nissan has achieved.
The new sixth-generation Micra represents a complete departure from its predecessors – it’s fully electric, built in France by Renault, and designed at Nissan’s London studio to appeal specifically to European buyers. What’s particularly intriguing is how Nissan has attempted to differentiate this from its French platform-mate while keeping development costs sensible.
This comprehensive guide examines everything we know about the 2025 Nissan Micra EV, from its technical specifications and UK pricing expectations to how it stacks up against the increasingly competitive electric supermini segment.
Key Highlights
- Pure electric powertrain with choice of 40kWh or 52kWh battery packs
- Up to 253 miles WLTP range from the larger battery option
- Shared platform with Renault 5 but distinctive Nissan design language
- UK launch January 2026 with order books opening September 2025
- Expected pricing from £23,000 positioning it competitively against rivals
- London-designed styling featuring distinctive circular LED lights
- Fast charging capability up to 100kW for 15-80% in 30 minutes
The Micra’s Electric Evolution: From Petrol Pioneer to EV Newcomer
A Bold Departure from Tradition
The original Micra earned its reputation as a dependable, affordable runabout that served British families faithfully for decades. This latest iteration contains design cues to the K12-generation Micra of 2002, particularly through its round front and rear lights, but that’s where the similarities end.
According to our analysis at AutoHit, this complete platform change represents both opportunity and risk for Nissan. The opportunity lies in leveraging proven Renault technology; the risk is whether traditional Micra buyers will embrace the electric-only proposition and higher price point.
Partnership Strategy: Sharing to Survive
Nissan’s global design chief, Alfonso Albaisa, said the new Micra was developed alongside the 5 from the start, claiming it represented the closest he has worked with the French firm on a design project. This collaboration makes perfect sense given the current economics of small car development – something we’ve highlighted in our analysis of why diesel hybrid cars are still relevant in 2025.
The reality, however, is more nuanced than simple badge engineering. While the mechanical underpinnings are shared, Nissan has invested considerable effort in creating a distinct visual identity.
Design and Styling: Retro Meets Modern
Exterior: Circular Themes with Contemporary Edge
The round headlights of the Nissan Micra are similar to those on the Mini Cooper, which also has an electric variant. However, Nissan has thankfully put its own spin on things like body-colored inserts and a grille-less front end.
We’ve tested enough small EVs to know that getting the design balance right is crucial – too conservative and you disappear in the market, too radical and you alienate mainstream buyers. From what we’ve seen so far, Nissan appears to have struck a reasonable compromise.
The front end features large, rounded LED running lights that encircle the main headlights, creating what Nissan describes as “timeless qualities rather than a fashion statement.” That’s not a dig at the Renault 5’s more retro approach, but rather recognition that the Micra needed its own identity.
Interior: Familiar Yet Functional
Like the Renault 5, the 10-inch driver’s display and 10-inch infotainment screen are integrated into a single housing. And like the R5, the Micra has Google Maps and Google Assistant built-in. The air-conditioning controls remain physical buttons underneath the air vents – a sensible decision that should please those frustrated by the trend toward touchscreen-only interfaces.
Nissan has attempted to inject some Japanese cultural references, with Mount Fuji outlines in the centre console and kanji characters on the charging port door. Whether these touches feel authentic or contrived remains to be seen when we get proper seat time.
Technical Specifications: Proven Platform, Nissan Personality
Battery and Range Options
The Micra EV will be offered with two battery configurations:
40kWh Battery Pack:
- Power Output: 121bhp (90kW)
- Torque: 225Nm
- WLTP Range: Up to 192 miles
- Target Audience: Urban commuters and first-time EV buyers
52kWh Battery Pack:
- Power Output: 148bhp (110kW)
- Torque: 245Nm
- WLTP Range: Up to 253 miles
- Target Audience: Those needing longer range flexibility
Nissan Micra EV 2025 – Specification Comparison
| Specification | 40kWh Model | 52kWh Model | Our Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 121bhp (90kW) | 148bhp (110kW) | 52kWh offers better performance for UK conditions |
| Torque | 225Nm | 245Nm | Both adequate for urban driving |
| WLTP Range | 192 miles | 253 miles | 52kWh much better for longer journeys |
| Real-World Range | ~160-170 miles | ~210-220 miles | Our estimates based on similar EVs |
| Charging Speed | 80kW DC | 100kW DC | Competitive but not class-leading |
| 0-62mph | ~9.5 seconds | ~8.2 seconds | Estimated based on power figures |
| Expected UK Price | £23,000 | £27,000 | Competitive positioning vs rivals |
Based on our experience with the Renault 5 E-Tech, these figures should translate to real-world ranges of approximately 160-170 miles (40kWh) and 210-220 miles (52kWh) in mixed UK driving conditions. That’s perfectly adequate for the vast majority of British drivers’ daily needs.
Charging Capabilities
In top-spec form, the battery can accept a charging rate of 100kW to go from 15-80% in 30 minutes. For home charging, both variants support 11kW AC charging, which means a full overnight charge from a typical 7kW home wallbox.
On a more practical note, this charging performance puts the Micra on par with most rivals in this class. It’s not class-leading, but it’s entirely adequate for real-world use.
UK Market Context and Pricing
Expected Pricing Strategy
While Nissan hasn’t confirmed UK pricing, industry sources suggest the Micra will start around £23,000 for the base 40kWh model, rising to approximately £27,000 for the better-equipped 52kWh version. According to the official Nissan UK website, full specifications and pricing will be announced closer to the launch date. This positions it slightly above the Renault 5’s £22,995 starting price but below many German alternatives.
For UK buyers, this pricing makes the Micra eligible for the government’s electric vehicle grant (where applicable) and should result in attractive BiK rates for company car drivers. The UK government’s official guidance on EV grantsprovides current eligibility criteria, though these may change before the Micra’s launch. The real question is whether this represents good value compared to increasingly competitive alternatives.
Competition Analysis: A Crowded Market
The electric supermini segment has transformed dramatically since we last saw a Micra in UK showrooms. This puts it directly in competition with models featured in our comprehensive guide to the best hybrid cars for city driving in 2025, though the Micra’s electric-only approach represents a bolder commitment to zero emissions. This puts it directly in competition with models featured in our comprehensive guide to the ultimate guide to the best hybrid cars in the UK for 2025, where we examine how electric-only models are reshaping buyer expectations.
Key rivals include:
Direct Competitors:
- Renault 5 E-Tech: £22,995-£29,995 (platform-mate with retro appeal)
- Peugeot e-208: £31,895-£35,895 (premium positioning)
- Vauxhall Corsa Electric: £31,895-£35,395 (practical choice)
- MINI Cooper Electric: £32,200-£39,900 (premium urban EV)
Value Alternatives:
- MG4 EV: £26,995-£31,495 (more space, competitive range)
- BYD Dolphin: £25,490-£28,490 (Chinese efficiency champion)
Electric Supermini Comparison – UK Market 2025
| Model | Starting Price | Range (WLTP) | Power | Boot Space | Our Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Micra EV | £23,000 (est.) | 192-253 miles | 121-148bhp | 326 litres | Best value for Nissan reliability |
| Renault 5 E-Tech | £22,995 | 190-248 miles | 118-148bhp | 326 litres | Platform-mate with retro appeal |
| MINI Cooper Electric | £32,200 | 190 miles | 181bhp | 210 litres | Premium feel, less practical |
| Peugeot e-208 | £31,895 | 225 miles | 134bhp | 265 litres | Stylish but expensive |
| MG4 EV | £26,995 | 218-281 miles | 168-201bhp | 363 litres | More space, competitive pricing |
| BYD Dolphin | £25,490 | 265 miles | 95bhp | 345 litres | Efficiency champion |
Looking at this lineup, the Micra’s pricing appears competitive, particularly if Nissan can match the 5’s impressive efficiency and refinement levels. However, as we’ve noted in our guide to the best affordable SUVs under £25,000, UK buyers are increasingly value-conscious.
What We Know About Driving Experience
Platform Benefits and Expectations
Unusual for a car in this class, it features a multi-link rear suspension, inherited from the R5. This suggests Nissan is serious about ride quality and handling refinement – areas where previous Micras sometimes felt compromised.
We’ve driven the Renault 5 extensively, and if the Micra can match its composed ride and peppy performance, it should be a pleasant surprise. The 148bhp version, in particular, offers enough performance to feel genuinely quick in urban environments without being wasteful.
That said, we won’t know how successfully Nissan has tuned the platform for its own character until we get proper UK road time. The devil, as always, is in the details of calibration and refinement.
UK Launch Timeline and Availability
| Timeline Stage | Date | Details | Our Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Order Books Open | September 2025 | First opportunity to configure and order | Express interest early for preferred specs |
| Production Starts | Late 2025 | Manufacturing begins at Douai, France | UK allocation should be healthy |
| First Deliveries | January 2026 | Initial customer handovers | Expect strong demand initially |
| Full Availability | Q2 2026 | All trim levels and colours available | Better choice but potentially longer waits |
| First Service | 12 months later | Initial maintenance requirement | Factor into ownership costs |
When Can You Buy One?
You’ll be able to order your new Micra from September, with deliveries starting in January 2026. This timeline positions the Micra to compete directly with the established Renault 5 and capitalise on any supply shortages affecting rivals.
For UK buyers, this means the Micra will arrive just as the electric car grant scheme enters its next phase and ULEZ expansion continues across British cities. The timing could hardly be better from a regulatory perspective.
Production and Supply Considerations
The Micra will be produced by Renault in Douai, France, alongside which the Micra will be produced by Renault in Douai, France. This shared production should help with economies of scale but may also create supply allocation challenges between the two brands.
Based on what we know so far, UK allocation is likely to be healthy given that Britain remains Nissan’s strongest European market. However, we’d recommend getting on waiting lists early if you’re genuinely interested.
The Bigger Picture: Nissan’s Electric Strategy
Part of a Broader EV Push
The Micra EV is just one element of Nissan’s European electrification strategy. For buyers considering the broader electric vehicle landscape, our recent analysis of premium SUVs under £60k shows how rapidly the market is evolving across all segments. It arrives as one of four new Nissan EVs due before the end of 2026, the others being the new Leaf crossover, an electric Juke and an A-segment model that will be twinned with the upcoming Renault Twingo.
This comprehensive approach suggests Nissan is finally taking European electrification seriously after some false starts. The success of the Micra could determine the trajectory of this broader strategy.
Potential Performance Variants
Could a sporty Nissan Micra Nismo be on the cards? The Nissan Ariya Nismo shows that the brand wants to make sporty versions of its electric cars. Given that Alpine has created the 220bhp A290 based on the same platform, a hot Micra isn’t impossible – though we suspect it would arrive later in the model cycle. Industry analysis from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) suggests performance EV variants are becoming increasingly important for brand positioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will the new Nissan Micra 2025 actually cost to run day-to-day?
Based on current UK electricity prices and the hybrid system’s efficiency, we’d expect running costs of approximately 6-8p per mile for home charging, compared to 15-20p per mile for a comparable petrol supermini. The 52kWh version should average around 4.2 miles per kWh in mixed driving, making it competitively economical.
When will the Nissan Micra 2025 arrive in UK showrooms?
Order books open in September 2025, with first deliveries expected in January 2026. UK allocation should be strong given Britain’s importance to Nissan, but we’d recommend expressing interest early to secure preferred specifications.
How does it compare to the Renault 5 it’s based on?
While they share mechanical components, the Micra offers a more modern design approach compared to the 5’s retro styling. Pricing is expected to be slightly higher, but equipment levels and UK-specific features may justify the premium for some buyers.
What’s the real-world range like in British conditions?
Expect around 160-170 miles from the 40kWh version and 210-220 miles from the 52kWh model in typical UK mixed driving, including motorway runs. Winter range will drop by approximately 20-25%, typical for EVs of this size.
Is there enough boot space for a family?
At 326 litres, boot capacity is reasonable for the class – more than the Citroën e-C3 but less than some rivals like the MG4. It should easily accommodate a week’s shopping or weekend luggage for four people.
Will there be a high-performance Nismo version?
Nothing confirmed yet, but Nissan GB hasn’t ruled it out. With Alpine offering a 220bhp version of the same platform, the technical capability exists. We’d expect any Nismo variant to arrive 12-18 months after the standard car.
How reliable will it be compared to previous Micras?
It’s too early for reliability data, but the platform is proven from Renault’s experience. Nissan’s warranty terms and UK dealer network should provide peace of mind, though this is a significant departure from previous Micra engineering.
Our Verdict: Cautious Optimism with Reservations
The 2025 Nissan Micra EV represents both opportunity and uncertainty in equal measure. On paper, it ticks many of the right boxes – proven platform, competitive range, sensible pricing, and a design that’s distinctive without being polarising.
We’ve tested enough of Nissan’s recent efforts to know the brand can execute well when it focuses, and the London design team has created something that feels authentically Nissan rather than a lazy rebadge. The technical specifications suggest real-world usability should be strong, particularly for the 52kWh version.
That said, success isn’t guaranteed. The supermini EV market has become intensely competitive, and traditional Micra buyers may baulk at both the electric-only proposition and the inevitable price premium over previous generations. Questions also remain about how effectively Nissan can differentiate this from the Renault 5 in a meaningful way.
Our prediction? The Micra EV will find its audience among urban professionals and environmentally conscious families who want something different from the usual German options. Whether that’s enough to recreate the original Micra’s mass-market success remains to be seen.
For those considering an electric supermini, we’d recommend waiting for our full UK road test before making final decisions. But early signs suggest Nissan has created something genuinely competitive rather than just commercially convenient. In today’s challenging small car market, that’s no small achievement.
