Nissan Micra: Five Green-NCAP stars for the electric compact car
The electric Nissan Micra receives five stars and 94 percent in Green NCAP’s environmental testing. Based on the Renault-5 platform, this compact car offers 40 or 52 kWh of battery capacity, a WLTP range of up to 416 km, and a charging speed of up to 100 kW.
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The new Nissan Micra, now powered entirely by electricity, received the top score of five stars in Green NCAP’s environmental test. This independent testing organization evaluates vehicles not based on crash safety but on their environmental impact. According to Nissan, the model with a 52-kWh battery was tested for this rating. This compact car is the sixth generation of the series and the first to abandon internal combustion engines entirely.
Detailed results
In total, the Micra scores 94 percent in the Green-NCAP test. The overall rating is based on three subcategories: it achieved 9.1 out of 10 points in the clean air category, 9.3 out of 10 points in energy efficiency, and a full 10 points for greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, Green NCAP evaluated its performance in low outdoor temperatures and rated it as “Good.”
Five stars represent the highest rating in Green NCAP’s system. The organization assigns this rating to vehicles whose overall environmental performance it deems excellent. The evaluation takes into account not only driving conditions but also the entire life cycle of a vehicle, including production and subsequent disposal. For electric cars in the compact class, high scores in this test are not uncommon, as low weight and compact dimensions help keep energy consumption low.
Powertrain and Battery
Nissan offers the Micra with two battery sizes, each paired with a specific powertrain. The base version comes equipped with a 40 kWh battery and an electric motor producing 90 kW (122 hp). The more powerful variant features a 52-kWh battery combined with a motor that delivers 110 kW (150 hp).
Nissan reports that the 40-kWh model has a consumption of 14.2 to 14.5 kWh per 100 kilometers. The larger version has a slightly higher consumption of 14.7 to 14.9 kWh per 100 kilometers, which is partly due to the heavier battery in the larger model. Regeneration during braking and the e-Pedal function, which allows the vehicle to be slowed down primarily using the accelerator pedal, are also intended to improve efficiency in everyday use.
Specifications
Range and Charging Capacity
With the 40-kWh battery, Nissan claims a range of up to 317 kilometers according to WLTP standards. The 52-kWh version is said to offer a range of up to 416 kilometers. As with all standardized values, the actual range is likely to be lower depending on driving conditions, speed, and weather, especially during highway driving and in winter.
At fast charging stations, the smaller battery is charged at up to 80 kW of direct current, while the larger battery can be charged at up to 100 kW. Nissan does not specify exact charging times, such as those for reaching 10 to 80 percent charge level, in the announcement. For longer trips, the NissanConnect infotainment system with integrated Google services offers route planning that takes necessary charging stops into account.
Dimensions, Design, and Production
The Micra is less than four meters long and less than 1.80 meters wide, making it well-suited for use in European cities with narrow streets and limited parking spaces. The vehicle was designed at Nissan Design Europe in London. Notable features include the prominent wheel arches and the circular lighting design at the front.
Technically, the Micra is based on Ampere’s AmpR Small platform, which belongs to Renault’s electric vehicle division. It was developed as part of the alliance between Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi, and is manufactured at Ampere ElectriCity plant in Douai, France. The Renault 5 also uses this same platform, meaning the Micra shares many of its technical components with it. Nissan builds upon its partner’s foundation while emphasizing its own design choices, particularly in terms of exterior styling.
Clíodhna Lyons, who oversees product, brand, and marketing strategy for the AMIEO region at Nissan, describes the Green-NCAP rating as a goal to achieve. The Micra is considered an important part of Renault’s European lineup, which includes not only pure electric vehicles but also hybrid models equipped with e-Power technology.
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