Nissan Ariya First Generation (2023-present)

Single generation since 2023 on the CMF-EV (Common Module Family - Electric Vehicle) platform — the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance's first dedicated EV platform. Built at Nissan Tochigi, Japan. Two battery configurations: 63 kWh (60 kWh usable) and 87 kWh (87 kWh usable, 91 kWh nominal — the larger pack). Powertrain configurations: Engage / Venture+ FWD (single-motor FWD, 214 hp / 221 lb-ft, ~205 mi EPA range with 63 kWh battery, ~289 mi EPA range with 87 kWh battery), Empower+ e-4ORCE AWD (dual-motor AWD, 335 hp / 413 lb-ft combined, ~272 mi range), and Platinum+ e-4ORCE AWD (dual-motor with bumped power tune, 389 hp / 442 lb-ft combined, ~265 mi range, 5.0 sec 0-60). e-4ORCE is Nissan's branded dual-motor AWD system with active torque distribution and integrated chassis control — genuinely well-tuned, the AWD calibration is one of the Ariya's strengths. DC fast-charging peak 130 kW — slower than Hyundai/Kia/Genesis 800V rivals (235+ kW) but adequate. 11 kW AC onboard charger standard. Cabin: dual 12.3-inch displays (driver instrument + central touchscreen) in unified curved panel design, wood-trim minimalist dashboard with sliding center console for storage flexibility (the 'Universal Island' equivalent — Nissan calls it the moveable center console), 'haptic touch' climate controls integrated into wood trim panel (controversial — looks clean but lacks tactile feedback). ProPilot Assist 2.1 with hands-free highway driving optional on Empower+ / Platinum+ — Nissan's most advanced ADAS system. Standard ADAS: Nissan Safety Shield 360 (auto emergency braking, lane keep, blind spot, rear cross-traffic). Bose 10-speaker premium audio standard mid-trim. Trims: Engage (base 63 kWh FWD), Venture+ (87 kWh FWD), Empower+ (87 kWh AWD), Platinum+ (top 87 kWh AWD). Pricing $42k-$60k. The Ariya qualifies for federal EV tax credit if leased (Japan build + battery sourcing make purchase eligibility spotty, but lease pathway works). Sales since launch have been moderate — Nissan EV strategy has generally lagged competitors, and the Ariya has been overshadowed by Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the broader EV market expansion.