Nissan’s Affordable Wave EV Spotted for First Time, Launching 2027

Nissan is preparing to introduce a smaller, more affordable EV expected to launch as the “Wave” in early 2027, with prices starting under $25,000.

Nissan’s new low-cost Wave EV arrives in 2027

The Japanese automaker is struggling to turn things around and keep pace with low-cost Chinese brands like BYD.

Although it halted development of the fully electric Qashqai, which was expected to be a cornerstone of its comeback plans, Nissan is preparing to introduce a smaller, more affordable EV in 2027.

The new Nissan “Wave,” as it’s expected to be called, will compete with entry-level EVs like the Leapmotor T03 and BYD Dolphin Surf starting at under €20,000 ($23,200).

It will be positioned below the Micra in Nissan’s European EV lineup. According to Motor.es, which captured the vehicle testing in public for the first time, it will be Nissan’s version of the Renault Twingo.

Although it’s still heavily disguised, you can see a few differences from the Twingo, including Nissan’s front-end design and lights, similar to the Micra.

日産の新型コンパクトカーがスパイショットされました。
ルノー トゥインゴがベースと思われます。https://t.co/RaatZIjEVqは、車名は「ウェーブ」であると報道しています。 pic.twitter.com/Z14PZYqLH8

— NEWCAR (@NEWCARinjapan) September 1, 2026

Nissan has yet to reveal any details, but the new Wave EV is expected to be based on the same AmpR Small platform as the Twingo, with a 27.5 kWh LFP battery and a single 60 kW (82 hp) electric motor. The setup provides a WLTP range of up to 263 km (163 miles).

The new entry-level electric car is set to launch in the first half of 2027. Prices are expected to start at under €20,000 ($23,200), before subsidies or incentives.

Like the Twingo, Nissan’s new EV will be produced at Renault Group’s plant in Novo Mesto, Slovakia, as the Japanese automaker aims to recapture market share in Europe.

Source: NEWCARinjapan, Motor.es