Latest news with #GiovannyArroba
Digital Trends
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Digital Trends
This week in EV tech: The shape of efficiency
The Nissan Leaf helped kick off the modern EV age, but Nissan squandered that lead. It's now looking to make up for lost time with the first redesign of the Leaf in nearly a decade. As Giovanny Arroba, VP of Nissan Design Europe and head of the EV's design team, explained in an interview with Digital Trends, the 2026 Nissan Leaf goes back to this model's roots with an emphasis on compactness and affordability. 'It's obviously a car that we want to be attainable to a mass volume,' Arroba said. That meant not only building the new Leaf down to a certain price point, but maintaining enough range to make it usable. As with all EVs, aerodynamics was key. The 2026 Leaf's 0.26 drag coefficient is a significant improvement over the 0.29 of the outgoing Leaf achieve what Nissan claims will be up to 303 miles of range with a 75-kilowatt-hour battery pack. That's a 42% range increase with just a 25% increase in battery capacity. Concordes and Coke bottles Shaping the Leaf to be both aerodynamically efficient and aesthetically pleasing was as much about what designers didn't do as what they did, Arroba explained. Recommended Videos 'A shape you would think is the most aerodynamic sometimes may cause drag,' he said. Or it may not look right. A low, sleek nose 'like a Concorde' would cut through the air the cleanest, Arroba acknowledged, but designers went with a broader, grinning front end to give the Leaf a more recognizable 'face.' The more upright front end also helps sell the new Leaf's market positioning as a crossover, rather than the less-popular hatchback body style of the old car. Moving along the car, the goal was 'less Coke bottle on the body side,' Arroba said, referring to the sucked-in middle sections that create an appearance similar to the iconic beverage receptacle from above. 'The more shape you have on the body side, the more drag it can create.' Big gains from small details Big styling changes emphasize that Nissan is (finally) turning over a new Leaf, but smaller details are just as important in reducing drag, and creating a distinctive design, Arroba said. 'The angle of the surface trailing each wheel is super important to maintain attached airflow. In all these subtle angle movements, and where the sharp line cuts off the airflow at the rear of the car, all of these things play a big role.' He added that flush-fit components help as well; Nissan is following numerous other automakers in adopting slick, but potentially finnicky flush door handles. Also crucial is a dramatic upswing of the rear fenders, culminating in a rear spoiler mounted at a 45-degree angle. Wind-tunnel tests and mathematical calculations showed that angle to be surprisingly important for aerodynamic efficiency, Arroba said. It also gave designers an opportunity to make a statement. Many EVs — including Nissan's own Ariya — have a horizontal light bar running across the trunk or tailgate. Feeling that this trend is played out, Arroba and his design team went with a mostly-black surface and individual taillights consisting of two horizontal rectangles and three vertical rectangles on each side. This '2-3' arrangement references Nissan's name, as '2-3' is pronounced 'ni-san' in Japanese. This week's other top EV news After pausing production at its Austin, Texas, plant amid growing inventories of unsold vehicles, Tesla is touting what it claims is the first autonomous delivery of a new car to a customer. On June 27, a Tesla Model Y drove itself from the Austin factory to a customer's driveway with no one onboard, the company claims. This feat was performed using the same tech as Tesla's recently launched robotaxi service, which operates with human safety drivers onboard, and is being investigated for potential traffic-rule violations. A next-generation Mercedes-Benz electric van took a somewhat longer journey as part of testing ahead of the van line's 2026 debut. Mercedes claims a prototype was driven from Stuttgart, Germany, to Rome, a distance of about 677 miles, with just two 15-minute charging stops. The vehicle used was a prototype of the VLE luxury passenger van, but cargo vans and other workaday models are planned. At least some of these will reach the U.S., potentially including an even more luxurious version called the VLS, previewed by the Vision V concept revealed earlier this year. One new EV that likely won't be coming to the U.S. is the Xpeng G7, a crossover SUV close in size to the Tesla Model Y that will sell for around $10,000 less than the Tesla in its home market of China. Xpeng boasts of an expansive augmented-reality head-up display, semi-autonomous driving capability (through a planned over-the-air update) and suspension that can read the road surface and automatically adjust.
Business Wire
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
2026 Nissan LEAF: How designers turned the iconic EV into a sleek, air-cheating crossover
NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The all-new 2026 Nissan LEAF 1 is the boldest iteration yet of the brand's pioneering electric vehicle (EV). Designers transformed the hatchback into a crossover featuring a bold new face, muscular fenders and wheels pushed toward the corners of the chassis. And thanks to precise adjustments and attention to detail, the third-generation LEAF has a remarkably low drag coefficient of just 0.26. Giovanny Arroba, vice president of Nissan Design Europe, led the project. From the beginning, he encouraged the design team to lean into their creativity and embrace Nissan's Japanese heritage. 'We wanted the team to truly explore and rev their imagination,' he said. An electrifying legacy LEAF was the first mass-market, fully electric vehicle when it debuted in 2009. In the 16 years since, more than half a million have been sold globally 2. 'LEAF is quite special,' Arroba said. 'The design philosophy for the new LEAF really is keeping a spirit of timeless Japanese futurism and bringing impactful, striking design as we reimagine it as a crossover for the next generation.' The most noticeable change is LEAF's crossover proportions. Designers pushed the wheels closer to the corners, raised its stance and shortened the front overhang. Combined, they present a message of sportiness and capability. 'It has a much more agile presence on the road,' Arroba said. Sleek, striking and seamless Since EVs do not require a traditional grille, Nissan designers incorporated more of the body color into the front fascia, creating a cohesive look. LED headlights are connected by a thin, continuous light across the front of the vehicle, helping emphasize LEAF's width. 'The V-motion-like mask integrates all our lighting elements from corner to corner with a rectangle motif that's echoed in our taillights,' Arroba said. The new rear is upright and features a high lip spoiler to diffuse air, further aiding aerodynamics. 'When you walk up to the back of the car, you really notice its new proportions, reflecting sleek efficiency while maintaining its functionality as a crossover,' Arroba said. Designers added subtle details for drivers to discover. Throughout the vehicle, there is a motif of two vertical bars next to three horizontal bars. This alludes to ni and san – Japanese for two and three, respectively – a nod to the brand's name. The most obvious placement of this motif is the taillights, which feature a 3D, holographic design. 'When you turn on the car, it comes to life in a digitalized, playful, charming manner,' Arroba said. Throughout the vehicle, designers and engineers maintained a mantra of precision. They ensured panel gaps between doors, windows, the hood and other components were flush and small – creating a more cohesive, high-quality appearance. This attention to seamless quality contributed to LEAF's excellent aerodynamics, alongside flush retractable door handles, hidden rear door handles and plenty of time in the wind tunnel. 'The silhouette is shaped by science. That's what gives us the low drag coefficient, especially for a crossover,' Arroba said. New modern, airy interior Stepping inside the 2026 LEAF, passengers will be greeted by an immediate sense of airiness and space. 'Being an electrified platform with a flat floor, we're able to carve out a lot more space than a traditional car, and we want to really show it off,' Arroba said. Enhancing this feeling is an available dimming panoramic roof – Nissan's first – that can become opaque in an instant. The driver can make several adjustments to make the glass opaque over the front seats, rear seats, both or neither. The LEAF nameplate is included in the opaque design. 'When the sunshine comes through that panoramic roof, it'll create the shadow of the nameplate in the interior of the car,' Arroba explained. Much like the 2025 Murano, horizontal lines provide a modern, spacious impression. Materials don't just look premium – they feel upscale as well, with soft-touch surfaces in key touchpoints. 'We wanted less hard plastics and more soft wrapping, but with a sense of vibrancy. Even the darker interior has a little bit of flake in it, bringing a little bit of shine and color – especially when the sun hits it,' Arroba said. 'The surfaces are alive.' The LEAF embraces the latest technology without overwhelming its occupants. Available dual 14.3-inch screens are smoothly integrated into the dashboard and feature new graphics that can gradually change with the time of day. 'You step in and you feel the morning environment through the color and the background,' Arroba said. 'As it goes through midday, evening and night, those colors change.' Nissan designers took a deliberate, thoughtful approach in creating the latest LEAF. While its new look is a departure from the outgoing model, it embodies the spirit of the original LEAF – and maintains its status as an EV icon. 'What makes LEAF special is its pioneering spirit,' Arroba said. 'That lives on in this new design. We're very proud of it, and I can't wait to see it on the road.' About Nissan USA Stories The Nissan USA Stories page explores the best of Nissan's people, products, technology and more. New to the page? Subscribe here to receive alerts when a new story is published. 1 2026 LEAF not yet available for purchase. Expected availability fall 2025. Pre-production model shown. Actual production model may vary. 2 Based on Global Nissan LEAF sales numbers since 2010.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2026 Nissan LEAF: How designers turned the iconic EV into a sleek, air-cheating crossover
Nissan's all-new electric crossover bulks up its design, but not its drag NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 17, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The all-new 2026 Nissan LEAF1 is the boldest iteration yet of the brand's pioneering electric vehicle (EV). Designers transformed the hatchback into a crossover featuring a bold new face, muscular fenders and wheels pushed toward the corners of the chassis. And thanks to precise adjustments and attention to detail, the third-generation LEAF has a remarkably low drag coefficient of just 0.26. Giovanny Arroba, vice president of Nissan Design Europe, led the project. From the beginning, he encouraged the design team to lean into their creativity and embrace Nissan's Japanese heritage. "We wanted the team to truly explore and rev their imagination," he said. An electrifying legacy LEAF was the first mass-market, fully electric vehicle when it debuted in 2009. In the 16 years since, more than half a million have been sold globally2. "LEAF is quite special," Arroba said. "The design philosophy for the new LEAF really is keeping a spirit of timeless Japanese futurism and bringing impactful, striking design as we reimagine it as a crossover for the next generation." The most noticeable change is LEAF's crossover proportions. Designers pushed the wheels closer to the corners, raised its stance and shortened the front overhang. Combined, they present a message of sportiness and capability. "It has a much more agile presence on the road," Arroba said. Sleek, striking and seamless Since EVs do not require a traditional grille, Nissan designers incorporated more of the body color into the front fascia, creating a cohesive look. LED headlights are connected by a thin, continuous light across the front of the vehicle, helping emphasize LEAF's width. "The V-motion-like mask integrates all our lighting elements from corner to corner with a rectangle motif that's echoed in our taillights," Arroba said. The new rear is upright and features a high lip spoiler to diffuse air, further aiding aerodynamics. "When you walk up to the back of the car, you really notice its new proportions, reflecting sleek efficiency while maintaining its functionality as a crossover," Arroba said. Designers added subtle details for drivers to discover. Throughout the vehicle, there is a motif of two vertical bars next to three horizontal bars. This alludes to ni and san – Japanese for two and three, respectively – a nod to the brand's name. The most obvious placement of this motif is the taillights, which feature a 3D, holographic design. "When you turn on the car, it comes to life in a digitalized, playful, charming manner," Arroba said. Throughout the vehicle, designers and engineers maintained a mantra of precision. They ensured panel gaps between doors, windows, the hood and other components were flush and small – creating a more cohesive, high-quality appearance. This attention to seamless quality contributed to LEAF's excellent aerodynamics, alongside flush retractable door handles, hidden rear door handles and plenty of time in the wind tunnel. "The silhouette is shaped by science. That's what gives us the low drag coefficient, especially for a crossover," Arroba said. New modern, airy interior Stepping inside the 2026 LEAF, passengers will be greeted by an immediate sense of airiness and space. "Being an electrified platform with a flat floor, we're able to carve out a lot more space than a traditional car, and we want to really show it off," Arroba said. Enhancing this feeling is an available dimming panoramic roof – Nissan's first – that can become opaque in an instant. The driver can make several adjustments to make the glass opaque over the front seats, rear seats, both or neither. The LEAF nameplate is included in the opaque design. "When the sunshine comes through that panoramic roof, it'll create the shadow of the nameplate in the interior of the car," Arroba explained. Much like the 2025 Murano, horizontal lines provide a modern, spacious impression. Materials don't just look premium – they feel upscale as well, with soft-touch surfaces in key touchpoints. "We wanted less hard plastics and more soft wrapping, but with a sense of vibrancy. Even the darker interior has a little bit of flake in it, bringing a little bit of shine and color – especially when the sun hits it," Arroba said. "The surfaces are alive." The LEAF embraces the latest technology without overwhelming its occupants. Available dual 14.3-inch screens are smoothly integrated into the dashboard and feature new graphics that can gradually change with the time of day. "You step in and you feel the morning environment through the color and the background," Arroba said. "As it goes through midday, evening and night, those colors change." Nissan designers took a deliberate, thoughtful approach in creating the latest LEAF. While its new look is a departure from the outgoing model, it embodies the spirit of the original LEAF – and maintains its status as an EV icon. "What makes LEAF special is its pioneering spirit," Arroba said. "That lives on in this new design. We're very proud of it, and I can't wait to see it on the road." About Nissan USA Stories The Nissan USA Stories page explores the best of Nissan's people, products, technology and more. New to the page? Subscribe here to receive alerts when a new story is published. 1 2026 LEAF not yet available for purchase. Expected availability fall 2025. Pre-production model shown. Actual production model may vary. 2 Based on Global Nissan LEAF sales numbers since 2010. 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IOL News
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Nissan Micra returns as electric hatch with oddball looks
The Nissan Micra has been reinvented for the electric era. Image: Supplied Nissan is returning to the B-segment hatchback market in Europe with a sixth-generation Micra, but it's nothing like the ones that came before it. As a purely electric hatch, the Micra is closely based on the new Renault 5, even sharing body panels such as the doors with its recently reintroduced French sibling. However, the Micra has unique front and rear styling, with large, round LED rings surrounding the headlights, and the taillights adopting a similar shape. These front lights perform a 'welcome wink' by pulsing from left to right and then back again upon unlocking the car. The new Micra is based on the Renault 5. Image: Supplied Despite its compact size, the Micra is available with three different 18-inch wheel designs, as well as 14 exterior colour combinations, including contrasting roof colours. The vehicle will be available with two powertrain combinations. The entry-level 90kW motor pairs with a 40kWh battery, offering a claimed range of 309km, while the perkier 110kW variant packs a 52kWh battery and covers up to 407km. The cabin features two 10.1-inch configurable screen displays, and incorporates Japanese design cues such as a moulded outline of Japan's Mount Fiji on the storage space between the front seats, while the ambient lighting system has 48 different colour options. Customers can choose from three trim flavours: Modern, Audacious and Chilli. The Franco-Japanese cabin has some unique Nissan touches. Image: Supplied 'In designing the sixth generation of the MICRA, we've celebrated all the values that have historically made it so popular – and opened a new chapter for Micra as an EV,' said Giovanny Arroba, Vice President of Nissan Design Europe. 'The exterior has an audacious and playful appearance on first look but has a stance which gives it a solid presence on the road. We've also been able to integrate delightful details into the design, which owners will love.' The new Micra is one of four fully electric models that Nissan plans to introduce in Europe by 2027. At this stage it is unknown whether any of these will make their way to South Africa, whose line-up is currently dominated by the Indian-built Magnite and locally-produced Navara bakkie, as question marks hang over the future of the Rosslyn factory. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel IOL
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Nissan reveals all-new MICRA EV
Nissan has unveiled all-new, sixth-generation MICRA as a fully-connected, pure electric vehicle (EV) ahead of its launch in Europe later this year. The sixth-generation model, which has been a staple in the compact car segment for over four decades, is being designed at Nissan's Design Europe in London. The MICRA's transition to a fully electric model introduces two battery options – 40kWh and 52kWh – providing substantial power and range for city driving. The 52kWh battery option offers an impressive real-world range of 408km, alleviating range anxiety for longer trips. Charging is made efficient with a 100kW DC charger that can power the battery from 15% to 80% in just 30 minutes. Weighing 1,400kg, the new MICRA will be equipped with V2L (vehicle-to-load) technology on both battery versions, allowing the battery to power external devices. The new MICRA will feature a refreshed and distinctive exterior look, combining a premium finish with an SUV-like design. It will come with 18-inch wheels, available in three different options depending on the grade: 'active' wheel covers, 'Iconic' and 'Sport' alloy wheel designs. The vehicle's assertive stance is further enhanced by iconic headlamps that perform a "welcome wink" upon unlocking and a "farewell" light show when locking the car. At the rear, the taillamps will be defined by a simple but ornate LED light design. The new MICRA will be available in 14 exterior colour combinations, offering two-tone colour options for a distinctive look. Inside, the car's interior continues the theme of understated elegance, with a nod to its Japanese heritage through design elements like a moulded outline of Mount Fuji. Nissan said, drivers will be greeted by a three-spoke wheel and a 10.1' configurable display, with an additional 10.1' touchscreen providing navigation and connectivity. The new MICRA will be available exclusively in a five-door configuration and boasts a storage capacity of 326 litres, outperforming many competitors in its class. Nissan Design Europe vice president Giovanny Arroba said: "In designing the sixth generation of the MICRA, we've celebrated all the values that have historically made it so popular – and opened a new chapter for MICRA as an EV. "The exterior has an audacious and playful appearance on first look but has a stance which gives it a solid presence on the road. We've also been able to integrate delightful details into the design, which owners will love. We're proud to have been able to bring the MICRA into the EV age. NissanConnect with Google built-in services and the NissanConnect services app will provide an integrated and connected driving experience, offering features like remote control of cabin temperature and charging schedules. The new MICRA will be available with Nissan ProPilot assist and a suite of advanced driver assist technologies. Sales of the new MICRA will commence in Europe later this year, marking a significant milestone in Nissan's EV offerings. Nissan said, the model will maintain its reputation for style and simplicity while embracing zero-emission mobility. "Nissan reveals all-new MICRA EV" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
