Nissan Discontinues Ariya EV in U.S. Market
Nissan has made the decision to cease production of its Ariya electric SUV in the United States effective starting with the 2026 model year. This is a significant development in Nissan's electric vehicle (EV) strategy, as the automaker shifts its focus to meet the American appetite for a lower-cost electric vehicle.
The U.S. production of the Ariya will end after the 2025 model year. Dealerships with remaining inventories will continue to offer the model until supplies are exhausted. This change shows Nissan aligning with lower cost within the EV space.
Why is the Ariya Being Discontinued?
Nissan is removing its Ariya from the U.S. market due to a combination of economic and competitive factors:
Import tariff: The Ariya is manufactured in Japan, subject to a 15% import tariff, which raises its price when it comes to the U.S. starting price over $41,000.
Tax credits: The upcoming loss of federal EV tax credits will further erode the model's price advantage.
Competition: The small electric SUV segment is crowded with competitors, and the Ariya has struggled to differentiate itself.
Focusing on the Next-Generation Nissan Leaf
With the Ariya bridge out of their product line, attention will turn to the upcoming generation of the Nissan Leaf, which Nissan is anticipating as a low-cost, affordable option within the EV market.
The new Leaf is expected to have a starting price lower than $30K, which is good news for consumers looking for an affordable option.
Both the Ariya and Leaf are produced at Nissan’s Tochigi factory in Japan.
Nissan mentioned they have been working on battery supply and logistical issues associated with the new Leaf.
Assurance for Current Ariya Owners
Nissan is keeping in mind existing customers as the Ariya winds down production for the U.S. market.
First off, existing Ariya owners will have ongoing access to parts, service, and virtually full warranty coverage.
Nissan has also assured, through its service network, it will continue to honor support to all existing customers even when production of the Ariya has stopped.
The company did not rule out that production of the Ariya could resume in the future under different U.S. market factors.
Nissan’s last announcement represents how quickly the company reacted to evolving market realities, while also announcing its commitment to a lower-cost EV space.
Current Ariya owners continue to receive support through Nissan’s existing service network and torque, but the added step into models like the Leaf is another step the brand is taking in a new direction for EV in America within the lower-cost vehicle space.
