We can only hope there’s a plan to bring the Nissan Micra EV to Malaysia.
The all-new sixth-generation Nissan Micra has just been revealed for the European market, reborn as a fully electric urban car with bold design, connected tech, and up to 408 km of range. But as Malaysia’s EV landscape begins to expand, the question arises: Could the Micra EV make sense here too?
At just under four metres long, the new Micra is compact and city-friendly, yet big on personality. Designed in London, the Micra wears SUV-like styling with 18-inch wheels, dramatic lighting, and bold colour options that are sure to appeal to style-conscious urban drivers. Inside, it features a clean, modern layout with a pair of 10.1-inch screens and subtle Japanese design flourishes.
Two battery options are available: 40kWh with 308 km range, and 52kWh with 408 km range (WLTP). Fast charging up to 100kW enables a 15–80% top-up in just 30 minutes. Other EV perks include vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality and a standard heat pump for efficient thermal management.
On paper, the Micra looks like an ideal solution for Malaysian urban centres. With its small footprint, it’s perfect for navigating tight traffic and squeezing into narrow parking bays. But the key to local success would lie in pricing and local assembly.
Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), Nissan’s long-time Malaysian distributor, already has the infrastructure and expertise to locally assemble models at its plant in Serendah, Selangor. If Nissan were willing to offer the Micra EV as a CKD (completely knocked down) model, ETCM could take advantage of existing incentives for locally assembled EVs—potentially bringing the starting price below RM130,000, depending on battery spec.
That would place it squarely against compact EVs like the GWM Ora 07 and the BYD Dolphin. But with a Japanese brand cachet, thoughtful design, and Nissan’s global EV experience (thanks to the LEAF), the Micra EV could carve a niche among younger buyers and city-dwellers looking for an alternative to Chinese or budget electric offerings.
Of course, Nissan would need to localise aftersales support, ensure charging compatibility, and educate consumers about the Micra’s features, such as V2L and ProPILOT driver assist. The brand’s previous electric efforts in Malaysia—like the LEAF—were priced too high to gain serious traction. The Micra, if priced correctly and supported by strong marketing and warranty coverage, could change that.
For now, the Micra remains a Europe-only proposition. But if Nissan and ETCM are serious about growing their EV footprint in ASEAN, this stylish little electric hatch might just be the right car at the right time.
