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The Return of the Micra Now Fully Electric

After years as a simple petrol city car, the Micra has been reinvented as a fully electric hatchback. It’s no longer just cheap transport it’s now part of Nissan’s strategy to compete in the fast-growing affordable EV segment.

What makes it especially interesting:
It shares its platform with the Renault 5 EV (same engineering, different personality).

Engines, Batteries & Performance

Unlike traditional petrol engines, the Micra EV uses electric motors paired with battery packs:

Battery & Power Options

  • 40kWh battery
    • ~121 bhp
    • ~190–200 miles range
  • 52kWh battery
    • ~148–150 bhp
    • up to 260 miles range

Charging

  • DC fast charging:
    • 80kW (small battery)
    • 100kW (big battery)
  • 15–80% charge in ~30 minutes

Driving Character

  • Quick acceleration (around 6–8 seconds 0–62 mph)
  • Light, agile ideal for cities
  • One-pedal driving (e-Pedal) available on higher trims

In simple terms: it’s designed for urban efficiency, not high-speed motorway power.

Trim Levels Explained

The Micra EV comes in three main trims:

1. Engage (entry-level)

  • 40kWh only
  • 18” wheels
  • 7” driver display + 10.1” infotainment
  • Heat pump (great for efficiency)

2. Advance (mid-range)

  • 40kWh or 52kWh
  • Google-based infotainment
  • Wireless charging
  • Parking sensors + camera
  • Ambient lighting

3. Evolve (top spec)

  • 52kWh only
  • Harman Kardon sound system
  • Heated seats + steering wheel
  • Two-tone paint
  • ProPilot Assist (semi-autonomous driving)

The jump from Engage → Evolve is big from basic commuter to premium small car.

Colours & Design

While exact colour lists vary by market, typical options include:

  • Solid white / black
  • Metallic grey / silver
  • Bold colours (blue, yellow, red)
  • Two-tone paint (black roof) on higher trims

Design highlights:

  • Round “bug-eye” LED headlights
  • Chunkier, more SUV-like stance
  • Retro-inspired details referencing older Micras

Compared to older Micras, this one is much more lifestyle-focused and stylish.

Pricing (UK)

  • Starting price: ~£21,495–£22,995 (after grants)
  • Mid-spec: ~£24,995–£26,995
  • Top spec: ~£28,000–£29,800

Key point:
It’s priced almost identical to the Renault 5 EV.

Main Competitors

The Micra EV sits in the small affordable EV hatchback class.

Direct rivals:

  • Renault 5 E-Tech Electric
  • Peugeot e-208
  • MINI Cooper Electric
  • MG4 EV
  • BYD Dolphin

Positioning:

  • Cheaper than MINI, Peugeot
  • Similar price to Renault 5
  • Slightly smaller/less practical than MG4

It’s all about value + style + efficiency.

Who Is This Car For?

The Micra EV targets:

Urban drivers

  • Daily commuting
  • Easy parking
  • Low running costs

Younger buyers

  • First EV
  • Stylish design matters

Small families

  • Enough space for 3–4 people
  • Good boot (~326L)

Downsizers

  • People moving from bigger petrol cars to EVs

Not ideal for:

  • Long motorway commuters
  • Large families needing space

Micra EV vs Renault 5 EV (Full Comparison)

These two cars are mechanically almost identical, but feel very different.

Similarities (Shared DNA)

  • Same platform (AmpR Small)
  • Same batteries (40kWh / 52kWh)
  • Same motors (≈120–150 hp)
  • Similar range (~250 miles max)
  • Same charging speeds

Essentially: same car underneath.

Key Differences

1. Design Philosophy

  • Micra EV
    • Rounded, friendly look
    • Inspired by older Micras
    • Slightly more conservative
  • Renault 5 EV
    • Retro-futuristic
    • Bold, trendy
    • More “cool” factor

Renault = emotional
Nissan = approachable

2. Interior & Tech Feel

  • Very similar layouts
  • Same screens and software

BUT:

  • Micra uses Nissan styling + ProPilot system
  • Renault uses OpenR interface

Differences are subtle, not major.

3. Driving Feel

  • Micra: slightly sharper acceleration feel
  • Renault 5: slightly more comfort-focused

4. Brand Identity

  • Nissan → reliability, familiarity
  • Renault → design, innovation

5. Pricing

  • Almost identical pricing
    So buyers choose based on style preference.

Real-World Opinion (From EV Communities)

From Reddit discussions:

“It’s exactly the same as a Renault 5 EV”

“Aside from headlights… it’s all R5”

Translation:

  • Buyers know they’re twins
  • Decision often comes down to design + brand loyalty

Final Verdict

Why choose the Micra EV?

✔ Better value perception
✔ Familiar Nissan brand
✔ Slightly more understated design
✔ Strong equipment levels

Why choose the Renault 5 EV?

✔ Cooler, more eye-catching
✔ Strong retro appeal
✔ More “fun” image

Conclusion

The Nissan Micra EV is no longer just a cheap city car it’s a modern, tech-packed EV competing in one of the most important segments in Europe.

But the biggest twist?

It’s fighting its own twin, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric.

In the end:

  • Choose Micra if you want safe, smart, and practical
  • Choose Renault 5 if you want style and personality

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