2025 Nissan Micra EV: The Return of a European Icon with a Fully Electric Heart

 For over four decades, the Nissan Micra has been a household name across Europe, winning hearts with its compact practicality, affordability, and unpretentious charm. Though largely unknown in the United States, the Micra has long been a staple in cities like Paris, Berlin, and Milan, where its petite dimensions and sprightly demeanor make it ideal for weaving through narrow streets and squeezing into tight parking spaces. After a brief hiatus and amid the ongoing transformation of the automotive industry toward electrification, the Micra is back for its sixth generation—and this time, it’s fully electric. Built on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s AmpR Small platform, the 2025 Micra EV is a heavily reskinned version of the Renault 5 E-Tech, tailored to suit Nissan’s design language and branding while maintaining the solid engineering and packaging of its French sibling. The result is a uniquely Japanese interpretation of a pan-European favorite, bringing with it the heritage of the past and the promise of an electric future.

A Cute but Confident Design Language

At first glance, the new Micra EV radiates approachability. Designed in London with the European market in mind, the styling is playful without being childish. Its most defining design cue is the set of circular LED headlights that pay homage to the third-generation Micra’s iconic “surprised eyes” look, while blending seamlessly with modern LED technology and design standards. These lights are flanked by a main rectangular element that’s flanked above and below by curved LED segments, offering a truly distinctive signature. Equally charming are the circular taillights, which mimic an upside-down “Q” with a protruding light element that adds visual interest to the rear. The body shape closely follows that of the Renault 5, particularly in the roofline, stance, and C-pillar, but the Micra gets its own sculpted detailing. One highlight is the “ice-cream scoop” indentation that starts from the front door and travels toward the rear in a smooth line, mimicking the path of a scoop dragged across a frozen surface. Gloss black trim runs along the lower bodywork, adding a hint of sportiness, while all trims ride on large 18-inch alloy wheels with three different design choices—including a version with aerodynamic wheel covers.

A Cabin That Blends Practicality and Personality

The interior of the Micra EV is where the Renault DNA is most evident—but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The cabin features a wide dashboard adorned with dual 10.1-inch screens: one for the digital instrument cluster and another for the infotainment system. Both screens are angled toward the driver, offering excellent visibility and ease of use. Beneath the central air vents are physical climate controls, a welcome inclusion in an age when everything seems buried in touchscreens. One delightful Easter egg is the molded silhouette of Mount Fuji nestled into the storage area between the front seats—a nod to the car’s Japanese roots. Ambient lighting in the cabin is surprisingly customizable, with up to 48 colors available depending on trim, allowing drivers to create just the right vibe. Storage space is competitive for the segment, with a 326-liter boot that expands to 1,106 liters when the rear seats are folded. Materials vary by trim, offering different upholstery options, but all versions aim for a balance of practicality and visual flair. Additionally, the Micra features integrated Google services, meaning navigation, media, climate control, and voice assistance are all powered by Google's ecosystem, delivering a seamless smart car experience.

Powertrain Options and Range

Under the skin, the Micra EV is powered by a front-mounted electric motor and comes with two battery options. The base configuration features a 40-kWh battery that supplies 121 horsepower (90 kW) and 166 lb-ft (225 Nm) of torque, yielding an estimated range of 193 miles (310 kilometers) on the WLTP cycle. The upgraded variant boasts a 52-kWh battery, producing 148 horsepower (110 kW) and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque, with an extended range of up to 254 miles (408 kilometers). Charging capabilities are competitive: the smaller battery supports up to 80 kW DC fast charging, while the larger one can handle 100 kW, allowing it to recharge from 15 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes. Battery heating and cooling systems come standard, ensuring consistent performance and charging efficiency in various climates. Notably, the Micra also includes vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, enabling it to power external devices, which is especially useful for outdoor activities or emergency situations.

Handling and Ride Comfort

Nissan claims the new Micra offers “best-in-class ride and handling,” and the hardware certainly supports that assertion. Like the Renault 5 E-Tech and even the sporty Alpine A290 hot hatch, the Micra uses a multi-link rear suspension—an unusually sophisticated setup for this segment. Combined with passive dampers, independent front suspension, and a low center of gravity, the Micra should provide both a composed ride and nimble handling. The electric powertrain allows for regenerative braking, with drivers able to toggle between three driving modes: Eco, Comfort, and Sport. Each mode adjusts throttle response, steering weight, and regenerative braking intensity, catering to a wide range of driving styles. Whether navigating tight urban roundabouts or cruising along country roads, the Micra aims to deliver a refined and confident driving experience that matches or even exceeds its gas-powered predecessors.

Compact Yet Spacious Dimensions

At under 157.4 inches in length and less than 70.8 inches in width, the 2025 Micra EV is unmistakably a small car—but one that makes the most of its footprint. With a 100-inch wheelbase, the cabin feels surprisingly roomy for passengers in both the front and rear seats. The compact dimensions make it ideal for dense urban centers where space is at a premium, allowing for effortless parking and maneuverability. Yet, thanks to clever packaging and a low-mounted battery, the interior remains highly usable. This is a car that refuses to compromise on comfort or practicality, even as it adheres to the strict spatial constraints of the B-segment category.

Safety and Technology

Nissan has equipped the Micra with a full suite of safety features, making it one of the most technologically advanced cars in its class. Standard and available features include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360-degree cameras. A learner-friendly ethos also permeates the design; Nissan envisions the Micra continuing its legacy as a popular choice for new drivers across Europe. The electric powertrain, combined with all this tech, makes the Micra a highly forgiving and reassuring car for those still getting used to the road. This safety-first approach, combined with its charming design, is likely to resonate with a wide demographic—from young learners and urban commuters to environmentally conscious drivers seeking a second city car.

Strategic Importance for Nissan

The Micra EV arrives at a critical juncture for Nissan, a company in the midst of a massive restructuring effort dubbed “Re:Nissan.” Following financial losses of over $4.5 billion and plans to lay off 20,000 employees and shutter seven factories by decade’s end, Nissan is betting big on its EV lineup to reinvigorate the brand. Alongside the next-generation Leaf—now a compact crossover—the electric Micra is part of a European-centric product strategy that emphasizes efficiency, affordability, and brand heritage. The company has already confirmed that the electric Juke will follow in 2026, likely inspired by the bold styling of the Hyper Punk concept. An electrified successor to the Renault Twingo is also planned, with Nissan expected to launch its own version shortly afterward. These cars represent more than just model updates—they are lifelines in an increasingly competitive global EV landscape.

Why It Won’t Come to the U.S.

Despite its numerous strengths, the 2025 Micra EV will not be sold in the United States. Nissan has largely pivoted away from small cars in North America, focusing instead on SUVs and crossovers. The Versa and Altima sedans will be discontinued after 2025, while the Leaf is set to morph into a small SUV. This leaves only the Sentra and the Z coupe as the remaining traditional cars in Nissan’s U.S. lineup. Hatchbacks have historically struggled in the American market, and at just under 157 inches long, the Micra is simply too small to generate sufficient interest stateside. That said, Micra fans in Canada may get lucky, as previous generations were available there, often serving as budget-friendly commuter cars or learner vehicles.

Final Thoughts: A Supermini That Packs a Punch

The 2025 Nissan Micra EV is a thoughtfully crafted electric hatchback that honors its past while fully embracing the future. Built on proven Renault engineering but wearing unmistakably Nissan styling, it offers up to 253 miles of electric range, quick charging, clever interior design, and a driving experience that promises to be both fun and practical. It’s packed with features typically reserved for more expensive cars, from 48-color ambient lighting to Google-powered infotainment and multi-link suspension. Most importantly, it delivers all of this in a charming, compact package that’s perfectly suited to the demands of European urban life. For Nissan, this car is more than just another EV—it’s a symbol of resilience, reinvention, and renewed commitment to small-car excellence. As the company works to recover from years of financial difficulty and strategic missteps, the new Micra could very well be the small car that makes a big difference.

Price and Availability

While Nissan has yet to announce official pricing, industry insiders expect the Micra EV to start at approximately $25,000–$27,000 for the base model and around $30,000–$32,000 for the long-range version, depending on trim and market incentives. Sales will begin across Europe by late 2025, with production handled by Renault at its Douai plant in northern France. Early impressions suggest that the Micra EV could be a strong contender in Europe’s increasingly crowded small EV space, going head-to-head with models like the Peugeot e-208, Opel Corsa Electric, and Volkswagen ID.2.

Whether as a learner car, an eco-friendly city cruiser, or a fashionable urban runabout, the 2025 Nissan Micra EV is a fresh, fun, and future-ready revival of a beloved nameplate. It’s good to see the Micra back—and better than ever.