Nissan is preparing to electrify one of its most recognisable compact crossovers, with the first-ever Nissan Juke EV confirmed to share its core architecture with the next-generation Nissan Leaf.
Production of the electric Juke is scheduled to begin in 2026, marking a major step in Nissan’s broader electrification strategy.
According to industry reports, the electric Nissan Juke will be built on the CMF-EV platform, the same modular architecture underpinning the upcoming third-generation Leaf.
By using shared underpinnings and components, Nissan aims to significantly cut development costs while keeping the final retail price competitive in the fast-growing electric SUV segment.
The Juke EV will be manufactured at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom, alongside the new Leaf. Nissan Europe’s engineering director, Guy Reid, has confirmed that production will commence in late 2026.
This approach allows Nissan to maximise efficiency at one of its key European manufacturing hubs while streamlining supply chains.
Switching to the CMF-EV platform will result in a noticeable size increase for the Juke compared to the current petrol-powered model, which sits on a different architecture.
Despite the growth, Nissan plans to position the Juke EV as a compact and accessible electric crossover, aimed directly at rivals such as the upcoming Toyota C-HR EV, expected to arrive in global markets in 2027.
Reports from Automotive News Europe indicate that the Juke EV will utilise the same liquid-cooled battery housing as the new Leaf.
However, Nissan has clarified that the Juke will feature smaller battery packs than its hatchback sibling.
The new Leaf has already been announced with 52kWh and 75kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery options, delivering a claimed WLTP driving range of up to 604 kilometres and supporting CCS fast-charging technology.
While exact specifications for the Juke EV have yet to be revealed, Nissan is expected to balance range, performance, and affordability to appeal to urban and suburban buyers transitioning from internal combustion vehicles.
Nissan continues to expand its electric portfolio globally. The Ariya electric SUV was launched in international markets in 2025, becoming Nissan’s second dedicated EV after the Leaf, which debuted back in 2010. An electric Micra has also been previewed, although its market availability remains under evaluation.
For now, the Nissan Juke continues to be offered exclusively with petrol engines in several regions, while hybrid versions sold overseas have not been confirmed for all markets.
The arrival of the Juke EV in 2026 is expected to significantly strengthen Nissan’s position in the competitive compact electric SUV segment.