New Nissan Sylphy EV revealed for Chinese market
The new all-electric Nissan Sylphy is based on the latest Leaf, however it won't be coming to the UK
Nissan has revealed a new all-electric car strictly for the Chinese market at the Beijing Motor Show, which will be built locally in the country at one of Nissan’s five Chinese plants.
The new EV isn’t a bespoke vehicle and is instead a new addition to the Sylphy line-up – a range of small Nissan saloons popular in China, and sold in North America under the Sentra nameplate.
The Sylphy Zero Emission doesn’t share its platform with its conventionally powered siblings, however. Under the skin you’ll find the architecture from the new Mk2 Leaf.
Details are still thin on the ground, but it’s more than likely that the Sylphy boasts the same 40kWh battery pack as the Leaf, while range is quoted at 210 miles on a single charge according to Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology standards.
From a design point of view, the Sylphy Zero Emission is based on the facelifted third-generation version of the car, which has been on sale since 2012. However, it receives a Leaf inspired makeover, to highlight its EV credentials.
The most obvious change is the new front bumper, sporting the same sharp creases on the front corners as the Leaf. The fascia has been updated too, with a new grille hiding the charging point.
Though destined for China only when it launches later this year, the Sylphy Zero Emission is one of 20 new-electrified models expected from Nissan over the next five years. Hybrid variants of the firm’s popular Qashqai and X-Trail SUVs are expected soon, while a fully electric crossover based on the IMx Kuro concept will arrive in the coming years as well.
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