Nissan's 'Wave' EV spotted for the first time, with a $23,000 price tag
Nissan's next low-cost EV may be getting closer to reality.
Photographers have caught the automaker's upcoming budget-friendly electric hatchback out on public roads for the first time.
The car could become one of the cheapest battery-powered models in Nissan's lineup when it reaches Europe in the first half of 2027.
Current reports suggest the car, expected to be called the Wave, could arrive in Europe in the first half of 2027 with a price below $25,000.
Here's what to know
As Electrek reported, spy photos published on September 1 show Nissan road-testing a compact electric hatchback believed to be the Wave. The reported plan is for it to sit below the Micra in Nissan's European EV range.
Pricing is reportedly aimed below €20,000, or about $23,200, before subsidies and incentives, putting the Wave up against lower-cost EVs such as the Leapmotor T03 and BYD Dolphin Surf.
Motor.es, which first caught the Wave on the road, reported that it looks like a Nissan-badged take on the Renault Twingo. Even with heavy camouflage, the test car appears to feature Nissan-specific front-end styling and lighting cues.
While Nissan has not officially confirmed technical details, the Wave is expected to use the AmpR Small platform and pair an LFP battery rated at 27.5 kilowatt-hours with a single 60-kilowatt electric motor. That setup is expected to deliver up to 163 miles (263 kilometers) of WLTP range.
More background
In Europe, Nissan is trying to regain ground as established automakers face mounting pressure from lower-cost Chinese brands, particularly BYD.
That challenge has become more significant because Nissan also halted development of the all-electric Qashqai, a vehicle that had been expected to play a central role in its EV strategy.
That makes a smaller, more affordable model especially important. The upfront price of an EV remains a major obstacle for drivers considering the switch from a gas-powered car, even though EVs can save owners money over time through lower fuel costs and reduced routine maintenance.
Charging an EV at home often costs about half as much as using public chargers, though basic Level 1 home charging is slow. Qmerit offers free, instant installation estimates for faster Level 2 home chargers.
A lower-cost EV with a smaller battery could be particularly appealing for commuters and city drivers who do not need extended range for daily trips. LFP batteries are also commonly used in more affordable EVs because they can help keep costs down.
If Nissan can deliver the Wave near its reported target price, it could make EV ownership more realistic for shoppers who have so far been priced out of the market.
What's being done?
Nissan appears to be relying on its alliance with Renault to make that happen faster and at a lower cost. Like the Twingo, the Wave is expected to be built at Renault Group's facility in Novo Mesto, Slovakia, a move that could help reduce development and production costs.
If you're considering buying an electric vehicle , the long-term savings can add up thanks to lower charging costs and fewer maintenance needs than a comparable gas car.
Government incentives can also lower the effective purchase price in some markets, making entry-level models such as the Wave even more attractive once they arrive.
If Nissan follows through, the Wave could become an important test of whether legacy automakers can still compete in the fast-growing market for practical, lower-cost EVs.
Where can I learn more?
Nissan's reported Wave would enter a crowded race for cheaper EVs, and the automaker is already trying out that approach in other markets. The stories below look at how sticker price, battery range, and day-to-day ownership costs are shaping the push to make electric cars more mainstream.
• At the Shanghai International Auto Show, Nissan unveiled an affordable new EV with standout range.
• In Japan, Nissan's ultra-affordable Sakura EV helped the automaker gain ground on Tesla.
• Across the EV market, misunderstood myths about costs still shape how shoppers judge electric cars .
• For many drivers, switching to an electric car came down to simple daily savings.
That context helps explain why Nissan is aiming for a cheaper way into the EV market. It also underscores how much pricing and running costs will matter in deciding whether a model like the Wave finds an audience.
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