The new 2026 Nissan Sakura is a 100% electric kei car that, although only sold in Japan, is attracting great attention in Europe as a possible pilot model for a new class of low-cost urban EVs
December 25, 2025
Nhe 2025 Nissan presented in Japan the Sakuraa in the car completely electric intended for urban market and designed according to the rigid ones Japanese regulations for ultra-compact vehicles. There Sakura is now at the center of discussions in Europa because it can become the guiding model for a new category of economical, small and practical electric cars, gli Affordable Sustainable Electric Vehicles (ASEV)designed for the urban mobility of the future.
Design and features of the Nissan Sakura
Le in the car, literally “kei-jidōsha” of “light vehicle”, they are cars with extremely small dimensions: maximum 3.40 meters long and 1.48 meters widelimits that the Sakura complies perfectly. The machine expresses these rules in electric wrench: its proportions match those of the smallest city cars available in Europewhile offering surprisingly large interior space thanks to the tall, square bodywork. This design not only maximizes thehabitability for four peoplebut also facilitates the housing of the batteries under the floor for a lower center of gravity and a stable ride.
On a technical level, it features an electric motor with circa 63 hp e 195 Nm of torquepowered by a 20 kWh battery which, in the Japanese WLTC cycle, guarantees up to approximately 180 km of autonomy (realistically lower in real traffic). Fast charging allows you to reach the80% in approximately 40 minutes. It is available with different driving modes (Eco, Standard, Sport) and technologies such as ProPILOTdriving assistance system with automatic adjustment of steering, braking and acceleration, in addition to the function ProPILOT Park for automated parking.
Nissan Sakura 2026: the electric kei-car that can revolutionize European mobility
How it rides on the road: dynamics and comfort
NDespite its tiny size, the Sakura surprises with dynamics and ease of use in traffic urban. His agility is one of his main strengths, with light steering and very small turning radius which make it ideal for narrow streets and confined spaces. The lightweight battery contributes to a responsive behavior and a stable ridealthough the tall body may be more sensitive to side winds.
The interior is surprising spaciousness in relation to the external dimensions and the layout of the controls, with a modern dashboard and a large central screen incorporating infotainment. However, for the European market, some specifications, such as the charging socket CHADEMO, may require regulatory and technical adaptations.
Potential for the European market
In Europa the category of in the car does not formally exist, but theEuropean Union is discussing the creation of one class of low-cost electric vehicles and with simplified regulations (Affordable Sustainable Electric Vehicle). The Nissan Sakura it is considered a prototype model for this new segment, capable of bridging the gap between micro-EV Very cheap and the largest and most expensive electric cars on the market today.
The diffusion of these models could favor a more sustainable and accessible urban mobilitywith great advantage for congested cities and for those looking for one electric car low cost without sacrificing comfort and technology. However, they remain regulatory and safety challenges: adaptation to European standards regarding crash tests, airbags and driving assistance could increase the final price, compromising the objective of economy.
