Nissan currently only sells the mid-size Frontier and the full-size Titan on American shores. With the Titan struggling to sell even half as well as domestic pickup truck stalwarts like the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado 1500, it’s only a matter of time until Nissan puts its half-ton truck and heavier XD sibling out for pasture. However, a report by Automotive News suggests the Japanese automaker is considering building a small electric pickup for the US that might not only help offset the Titan’s inevitable demise but also appeal to a new type of customer.
Tyler Slade, chairman of the Nissan Dealer Advisory Board, told AN that dealers want the company to build mid-size electric trucks. He also said it would be logical for Nissan to build an EV pickup similar to the Frontier model. The idea makes sense because mid-size trucks have consistently sold far better than the Titan.
This isn’t the first time there have been hints of Nissan’s idea of building a light electric truck. actually, AN also reported last year that the company was studying a new model to slot under the Frontier, citing sources familiar with the situation. The new model is not explicitly said to be an EV, but the possibility was left on the table with the acknowledgment that it would be wise for Nissan to enter a segment that is still wide open as far as competition goes.
While full-size electric trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T are starting to flood the market, there aren’t currently any fully electric compact or midsize options. However, it won’t be long before other automakers take the opportunity. For example, Chevy has reportedly explored a compact EV truck to steal sales from the Ford Maverick hybrid.
While it’s too early to say if or when Nissan will release a small electric pickup truck, it certainly teased what it might look like with the Surf-Out concept (pictured above) that the company showed off last year. The futuristic-looking truck appeared alongside several other funky concepts.
At the time, Nissan also laid out plans to release 15 new EV models by 2030. Could an electric version of the Frontier be one of them? We just have to wait and see.
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