Dubbed the ‘magic flying carpet’ the CMF-EV platform which underpins the forthcoming Ariya and another future all-new Nissan EV crossover, will also serve as the basis for 15 Alliance electric vehicles by 2030.
The EV-dedicated platform will play a key role in helping Nissan (and alliance partners Renault and Mitsubishi) to bring a line-up of electrified crossovers to Europe in line with the introduction of new emissions standards, with Ariya leading the way.
Underpinned by the CMF-EV architecture, an all-new crossover model will be produced as part of Nissan’s EV36Zero initiative – the world’s first EV manufacturing ecosystem centred around Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the UK.
Laying the groundwork for the open floor concept, Nissan says it’s engineers gave the CMF-EV platform a flat construction bed. Placeholders for electric motors were plotted directly adjacent to the front and rear axles, while the battery packs were designed to be as slim as possible, forming a structural support system for the platform.
The architecture provided designers with a blank canvas, giving them the opportunity to explore the concept Ma – a Nissan design philosophy focused on mastering the potential of empty space.
The Ariya will serve as the first demonstration of the benefits of the CMF-EV platform says Nissan.
Placing the air conditioning unit further forward and optimising the front and rear seating positions in the absence of a transmission tunnel allowed Nissan’s designers to make use of all available space says the company.
It says the cabin of the Ariya has a profound sense of roominess with more legroom throughout – resulting in a lounge-like experience. The cabin space can be customised even further thanks to the movable central console.
“This landmark vehicle offered a unique opportunity for our global teams to showcase everything we’ve learned about electric mobility from the past decade and challenge expectations. It’s this ethos that the CMF-EV platform represents,” said David Moss, Senior Vice President, Regional Research & Development, Nissan Technical Centre Europe.
Providing customers with the flexibility to choose the right package for their needs, the CMF-EV platform can accommodate multiple specifications of power units and drivetrains – including a single-motor offering and dual-motor e-4ORCE configuration says the company.
Nissan says e-4ORCE is its most advanced all-wheel control technology. Through a series of precise motor and braking inputs, the system strikes the perfect balance between powerful performance and unprecedented control – offering driver confidence on a variety of road surfaces.
While delivering a dynamic but reassured driving experience, e-4ORCE also carefully minimises vehicle pitch under braking, optimising brake balance between the front and rear to provide a stable, smooth ride for driver and passengers says Nissan.
The Nissan Ariya is available now for pre-order in the UK, Norway and Netherlands, with the process opening in further European markets soon. It will be arriving in European countries in their 2022 summer season.
