Nissan targets sub-€20,000 urban market with new 'Wave' EV
The Japanese automaker returns to the European city car segment to counter the rise of low-cost Chinese electric vehicles.
Nissan is developing a new entry-level electric vehicle to recapture the European urban mobility market. The vehicle, expected to be named the 'Wave,' was recently spotted during testing in Southern Europe, marking a strategic pivot toward affordable electrification.
Scheduled for launch in the first half of 2027, the Wave is designed to enter the market with a starting price under €20,000 before subsidies. The city car will be powered by a 63 kW electric motor paired with a 27.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. To keep costs low, Nissan is leveraging its alliance with Renault, utilizing the AmpR Small platform—the same architecture used for the Renault Twingo. Production for the Wave will take place at the Renault Group plant in Novo Mesto, Slovenia.
A Strategic Pivot
This move represents Nissan's return to the A-segment in Europe, a category the company has largely avoided for more than a decade. The shift comes as the automaker struggles to maintain pace with the rapid expansion of low-cost Chinese manufacturers, such as BYD and Leapmotor, which have aggressively undercut traditional European and Japanese brands on price.
As part of a broader recovery plan for the region, Nissan is prioritizing affordable mobility over higher-end electric projects. The company has halted development of the fully electric Qashqai, a model previously considered a cornerstone of its European comeback, as part of necessary cost-cutting measures.
The Battle for the City
Launching a vehicle under the €20,000 threshold is a critical defensive maneuver. By sharing platforms and production facilities with Renault, Nissan can significantly reduce the research and development overhead typically associated with new EV launches. This allows the company to compete directly with the influx of cheap imports while attempting to regain market share among budget-conscious urban drivers.
What to Watch
While the core specifications and pricing targets are established, several details remain unconfirmed. Industry observers are awaiting official verification of the vehicle's WLTP range and final trim levels. The success of the Wave will likely depend on whether Nissan can balance the low price point with enough utility to attract buyers away from the increasingly dominant Chinese EV brands.