Nissan’s new EV looks like a hit in China, with nearly 400 miles of range and a $17,000 price tag

It’s not the next-gen LEAF, but the N7 was one of the best-selling foreign EVs in China last month. With a starting price of just $17,000, would you consider buying Nissan’s new electric vehicle? You may have the opportunity soon, as Nissan plans to launch it globally.

Nissan’s new N7 EV starts hot with a low price, more tech

After launching the N7 on April 27, Nissan’s joint venture, Dongfeng Nissan, claimed the new low-cost electric sedan had set a record, becoming the fastest joint venture pure electric car, with over 10,000 orders in 18 days.

Less than two weeks ago, the company announced that orders had reached 17,215 in its first month on the market. According to the latest update, Nissan’s new EV has now secured over 20,000 orders.

It has only been 50 days since the N7 launched, but the electric sedan looks to be off to a strong start. The N7 was the third-best-selling electric vehicle among foreign brands in May, with 3,034 units sold, outpacing the BMW i3 (2,605) and Volkswagen ID.4 Crozz (2,600).

Toyota’s new bZ3X, which starts at just 109,800 yuan, or about $15,000, placed first with 4,344 units sold, followed by the Volkswagen ID.3 in second place at 4,217.

The N7 starts at RMB 119,900 ($17,000) with prices ranging up to RMB 149,900 ($21,000). It’s available with two battery options: 58 kWh or 73 kWh, providing a CLTC range of up to 635 km (395 miles).

Measuring 4,930 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width, and 1,487 mm in height, Nissan’s electric sedan is slightly longer than the Tesla Model 3.

The interior looks significantly different from the Nissan vehicles we are accustomed to seeing in the US, Europe, and other markets, featuring a tech-heavy, minimalist cabin.

It features the new Nissan OS super vehicle device system with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P, “the most powerful chip in the industry.” Base models are powered by the Snapdragon 8155 chip.

As Nissan’s first EV with Momenta, it offers driver-assist and safety features, including high-speed navigation support on highways and full-scenario intelligent parking. The N7 even includes a built-in mini fridge that can heat and cool.

Dongfeng Nissan’s managing director, Isao Sekiguchi, called the electric sedan “a new starting point” for the struggling automaker.

The company stated in a press release earlier this month that the N7 will “strengthen Nissan’s performance in China and beyond.”

The N7 is the first of nine new energy vehicles (NEVs), including EVs and PHEVs, that Nissan plans to launch in China by 2027.

Nissan has already confirmed plans to launch the new N7 in markets outside of China, including Japan. However, exact details of its global debut have yet to be confirmed. Since it will be an export, don’t expect N7 prices to start at $17,000, as they do in China.