Nissan has given its flagship electric SUV a substantial price haircut, making the Ariya more attainable — and more competitive — in the UK’s red-hot EV market.

Following a major price shuffle, the Ariya now joins the list of 19 models eligible for the UK’s Electric Car Grant (ECG). Until now, Nissan’s stylish crossover sat frustratingly above the scheme’s £37,000 cap in all trims, preventing buyers from pocketing the £1500 discount.

That changes with the introduction of the Ariya Shiro, a newly minted entry-level model that drops the starting price from £39,645 to £33,500 after the grant. The Shiro wears exclusive pearlescent white paint, comes in Engage trim, and packs a 63kWh battery good for everyday driving. Buyers who want the beefier 87kWh pack can still sneak under the threshold, with pricing from £35,500.

Only front-wheel-drive Engage models qualify for the grant, while the mid-spec Advance trim starts at £37,500 and the all-wheel-drive e-4orce kicks off at £45,500. Performance enthusiasts eyeing the Nismo edition will need deeper pockets — its price remains an unapologetic £56,630.

The move means both of Nissan’s current UK EVs are now grant-eligible, with the all-new Micra starting at £21,495 including the £1500 incentive. Looking ahead, the brand’s UK lineup is set to expand with the third-generation British-built Leaf later this year — a prime candidate for the higher £3750 discount — followed by an all-electric Juke in 2026 from the company’s Sunderland plant.

“Nissan Ariya now offers greater value without sacrificing the innovation, design, and performance customers expect,” said Fiona Mackay, Nissan GB’s marketing director. “It’s all part of removing barriers to EV ownership and helping more drivers make the switch to zero emissions.”

For EV shoppers, that “barrier removal” translates into one of the most significant price drops in the segment this year — and a sign Nissan is willing to play hardball in the increasingly crowded electric SUV market.

Source: Autocar