Nissan has officially unveiled the all-new, fully electric Juke, a bold move that transitions one of its most iconic models into the electric vehicle era. This third-generation crossover, revealed at the company's Vision event in Japan, is set to launch in spring 2027 and will be built at Nissan's Sunderland plant in the UK, providing a significant boost to both European electrification plans and British manufacturing.
A New Era for a Popular Model
The Juke, first introduced in 2010, played a pivotal role in sparking the small SUV boom across Europe. Nissan reports that 1.5 million units have been sold on the continent, largely due to the car's distinctive, bold design and unique character. Now, the brand aims to retain that appeal while eliminating tailpipe emissions entirely.
Design and Platform Details
Described by Nissan as agile, compact, and unmistakably Nissan, the new Juke EV carries over the model's quirky sense of style into an all-electric package. It will utilize the CMF-EV platform, sharing technology with Renault, and features Vehicle-to-Grid capability similar to the latest Leaf model, allowing it to feed electricity back into the grid.
Much of the design and engineering work for the Juke EV has been conducted by Nissan's teams in the UK, Spain, and Germany, highlighting Europe's role as both a manufacturing base and an innovation hub. Despite its global reveal in Japan, this underscores the regional importance of the project.
Impact on UK Manufacturing
The decision to build the electric Juke at the Sunderland plant is hugely significant for UK manufacturing. This facility already plays a key role in Nissan's electric future, having produced the all-electric Leaf for years, including the most recent model. The first trial phase of Juke production is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.
Expanding European EV Line-up
The Juke EV will join a growing European electric vehicle range that includes the Ariya SUV, the new Renault 5-based Micra, and the third-generation Leaf. Another small A-segment EV, sharing technology with the Renault Twingo, is also in development. This expansion reflects Nissan's commitment to offering greater choice across segments.
Hybrids Remain Part of the Strategy
Despite this push toward full electrification, Nissan is not abandoning hybrid technology. The firm states that its e-POWER system will continue to play an important role in Europe, with models like the Qashqai e-POWER and Juke HEV providing alternatives for buyers not yet ready to switch to a fully electric vehicle.
Executive Insights
Massimiliano Messina, Chairman of Nissan AMIEO, emphasized, "Europe is central to Nissan's electrification strategy, and we remain firmly committed to a fully electric future. With a rapidly expanding EV line-up, we are bringing greater choice and innovation to every segment, powered by our strong design, engineering and manufacturing footprint in the region."
Clíodhna Lyons, Region Vice President of Product, Brand & Marketing Strategy for Nissan AMIEO, added, "Juke has always stood for bold design and a willingness to challenge convention. With this third generation, we are bringing that spirit into the electric age. As our first fully electric Juke, it will help us reach new customers while expanding choice across our electrified range."
Strategic Significance
For Nissan, the electric Juke represents more than just another new model. As one of the brand's standout European nameplates, its transformation into an EV signals where the company believes the European car market is heading—toward zero-emission mobility. This move underscores Nissan's broader transition and commitment to innovation in the automotive sector.
