The Future of Electric Vehicles – The Nissan Ariya
The electric vehicle (EV) landscape continues to evolve as technology improves, consumer interest rises, and more manufacturers add EVs to their lineups. Since 2016, the number of EVs on U.S. roads has increased by over 40%, and that number will continue to rise. By 2035, most automakers will have fully electric lineups. Nissan is one of those automakers that is taking more steps to go electric. Joining the Leaf, the all-new 2023 Nissan Ariya will make its way into dealerships in the fall of 2022. Come take a look at the future of EVs, including the Ariya.
What Is the Nissan Ariya?
Nissan logo by Rian Castillo is licensed by CC BY 2.0
The 2023 Nissan Ariya is an all-electric SUV. This new EV will get up to 300 miles of range and features a lower, wider stance compared with most other Nissan models, giving it a sportier look. The Ariya is available with two different battery sizes. The standard setup will come with a 63-kWh battery, and you can also get a 91-kWh long-range battery. The Ariya will be available with a single motor that delivers 238 horsepower or with two motors to give it all-wheel drive and generate 389 horsepower.
The dual-motor models will come with Nissan’s advanced all-wheel-drive e-4ORCE system. This manages power output and braking to make the ride smooth and stable.
Why Is the Automotive Industry Going Electric?
The most significant motivator for automakers to transition to an electric lineup is concern for the environment. Combustion engines used in traditional gas-powered passenger cars and non-commercial trucks are among the leading contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. As a result of this, federal and state regulators have mandated automakers to reduce the pollutants that come from tailpipe emissions.
Hybrids and EVs are the answer to these regulations, and many car manufacturers have announced that they will phase out the production of internal combustion engines within the next 10 to 15 years.
Interest from consumers is also driving the automotive world toward EVs. While the general population is not coming to dealership lots looking for EVs, interest is growing, especially with the high price of gasoline. For many people, the largest current barriers to purchasing an EV are the cost and concerns about the charging infrastructure. Fortunately, both of these are changing for the better, as EV prices continue to become more affordable, and the charging infrastructure around the country continues to grow.
Battery Technology
Battery technology is another piece of the EV puzzle. As the technology improves, batteries are becoming smaller and can store more energy. This means that EV batteries are now lighter, have more capacity, and can last longer. The Ariya’s batteries will offer DC fast charging to help drivers get back on the road. The 91-kWh battery pack takes only 42 minutes to fully charge, and the smaller 63-kWh battery will take just over 33 minutes to get to a full charge.
With a fully charged single motor setup and a long-range battery, the Ariya will be able to go up to 300 miles, and the e-4ORCE will have a range of 265 miles.
The Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
Car buyers who have been putting off their purchase of an EV until they felt more confident about their access to charging stations will not have to wait much longer. Several companies are planning a network to provide more access to EV charging stations in the U.S. Whether you’re at work, the grocery store, or your local convenience store, you’ll be able to access an EV charging station. Once the charging infrastructure expands, it will provide immediate benefits to drivers. Many charging stations that are already in place support smartphone apps that show their availability and offer integrated billing so EV drivers can simply drive up to a charger, activate it, use it, and then head back out on the road.
Another piece of the charging puzzle is the time it takes to charge an EV. Charging speed and capacity are still improving, and the goal is for public charging stations to offer charging capabilities that are as fast as, if not faster than, the time it takes to fill up your tank with gasoline.
The benefit of owning and driving an EV is the ability to charge it at home. Unlike filling up your tank at a gas station, you can have a charger installed right at home and have your car charged up and ready to go while you sleep, eat, or watch a movie.
New EVs Provide a High-Tech Driving Experience
New EVs, such as the Nissan Ariya, come with the latest technology and safety systems. ProPILOT 2.0 is the newest version of Nissan’s driver assist technology, and it allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel, as long as they keep paying attention to the road. This hands-on assistance system helps drivers navigate stop-and-go traffic on the highway, stay centered in their lane, and stay a set distance from the vehicle ahead of them. ProPILOT 2.0 also helps the driver navigate multi-lane highways by assisting with changing lanes and exiting highways.
The Next Steps
Over the next five years, a group of manufacturers called the Alliance for Transportation Electrification — the Alliance for short — will invest over $26 billion into new EVs, with over 35 new models scheduled to arrive at dealership lots by 2030. Most of these will be built on five different platforms, including the Common Module Family (CMF) EV. Nissan is part of the Alliance and will build the new Ariya on the CMF-EV platform.
Nissan also plans to work with other Alliance members, such as Renault and Mitsubishi, to develop solid-state battery technology. The plan is for Nissan to start mass-producing all solid-state batteries by 2028. This type of battery will provide twice the energy of lithium-ion batteries and cut charge times.
The future of EVs is bright, especially with the introduction of the Nissan Ariya to the market. The additions to existing EV lineups give consumers more choices, and with the fantastic option of electric SUVs like the Ariya, families can now go electric without sacrificing the space they need. Stop by South Park Nissan today or give us a call to learn more about the 2023 Ariya and become part of the future of EVs.