Nissan Ariya: Now £6,000 Cheaper to Qualify for Electric Car Grant

The Nissan Ariya electric SUV has become more affordable, now priced under £37,000 thanks to a recent £6,000 price reduction. This move comes as Nissan seeks to align with the new Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme, enhancing accessibility for environmentally conscious consumers.

Key Highlights of the Price Adjustment

• New Pricing Structure: The entry-level Nissan Ariya, now available for just £33,500, is part of Nissan's strategy to make electric vehicles (EVs) attractively priced for a broader audience.
• Model Variants: The cheapest variant, dubbed the Shiro edition, features exclusive pearlescent white paint and comes equipped with a shorter-range 63kWh battery pack. However, for those looking for a more extensive range, the larger 87kWh model is available for £35,500, still within grant eligibility.
• Eligibility for Grant: Only the front-wheel-drive Ariya models in Engage trim qualify for the £1,500 discount provided by the Electric Car Grant, positioning Nissan as a competitive player in the EV market.

What Does This Mean for Consumers?

The adjustment in pricing is significant as it marks the Ariya's inclusion in a list of 19 models eligible for a discount under the Electric Car Grant scheme. Previously, the Ariya’s pricing was above the £37,000 threshold, rendering it ineligible compared to its competitors.

Nissan’s mid-range Advance model begins at £37,500, and the e-4orce four-wheel-drive variant starts from £45,500. The premium Nismo performance edition carries a base price of £56,630. This stratification within their lineup ensures options for various consumer needs.

Expanding Nissan's EV Portfolio

Nissan's initiative to reduce the Ariya's cost aligns with the company’s commitment to fostering widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the UK. The Ariya is now the second model in Nissan's lineup to qualify for the government grant, joining the recently price-reduced Micra, which now starts at £21,495 with the discount.

Additionally, Nissan's UK operations are poised to release the all-new Leaf crossover in the coming months, which is speculated to qualify for an even higher discount of £3,750 due to falling substantially within the EV grant criteria. According to Nissan's UK Boss James Taylor, this move reflects a strong strategic positioning to meet both consumer demand and regulatory standards.

Insights from Nissan's Leadership

Fiona Mackay, Nissan's GB Marketing Director, emphasized the importance of the grant in enhancing accessibility for electric vehicles. She stated, “Securing eligibility for the UK government’s £1,500 electric vehicle grant makes the Ariya more accessible than ever. This price adjustment reflects our approach to eliminating barriers to EV ownership and empowering more drivers to switch to zero-emission vehicles.”

Anticipated Future Models

Exciting developments continue at Nissan, as they plan to roll out more electric models in the coming years. Alongside the Ariya, there are expectations for the third-generation British-built Leaf, set to launch later this year, followed by the electric Juke in 2026, both of which will be manufactured at Nissan's Sunderland plant.

As Nissan accelerates its electrification strategy, the changes to the Ariya's pricing structure signify a pivotal moment in the EV market, reinforcing the automaker's position as a leading contender in providing innovative and environmentally friendly vehicles.

Conclusion

In summary, the Nissan Ariya's price drop not only enhances its qualifications for the Electric Car Grant but also marks a significant step in making electric vehicles more accessible to a wider range of buyers. With its stylish design, innovative features, and commitment to sustainability, the Ariya presents an appealing option for those looking to make the switch to electric driving.