In a significant strategic shift for its electric vehicle lineup, Nissan has announced the discontinuation of its Ariya electric SUV. The Japanese automaker plans to redirect resources toward developing a new version of its Leaf EV, signaling a change in its approach to the competitive electric vehicle market [1].
The decision comes after just three years of the Ariya being on sale in the US market, with the model set to be discontinued from the 2026 model year onward [2]. The Ariya's journey has been challenging from the start, facing significant production delays that impacted its market performance and never achieving the sales momentum Nissan had hoped for [3].
This strategic pivot reflects Nissan's shift toward a more budget-oriented EV strategy, as the company aims to realign its electric vehicle offerings with changing market demands [4]. The resources previously allocated to the Ariya program will be redirected to the development of the next-generation Leaf, scheduled for 2026 [5].
The move represents a significant shift in Nissan's EV strategy, suggesting a return to its roots with the Leaf, which has historically been one of the most successful and accessible electric vehicles in the market [1].
