Nissan will reintroduce a small electric vehicle under the Pixo brand, the company announced. This marks the automaker’s return to the small EV segment after a hiatus, using a name last seen on the Pike Factory models—a retro-styled lineup from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Concept images reveal a design that combines the Twingo’s compact silhouette with a boxier front end, resembling the Renault 5 E-Tech more than the original Twingo’s rounded shape.
The Pixo will utilize the same platform and battery technology as the Renault Twingo E-Tech, including a 27.5kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. Nissan has not released full technical details, but the vehicle is expected to offer a 60kW, 80bhp, motor driving the front wheels, 0-62mph in around 12 seconds, and an official driving range of about 160 miles per charge. Production will be handled at Renault Group’s facility in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, where the Twingo and Dacia Spring are also manufactured.
Initial pricing estimates place the Pixo under £20,000 at launch, though exact figures will vary based on government incentives and market conditions. Within Nissan’s lineup, the model will position itself below the Micra EV, establishing it as the brand’s most budget-friendly electric option.
The Pike Factory cars, such as the Figaro and Pao, were celebrated for their nostalgic styling, but the Pixo prioritizes practicality over retro aesthetics. If it balances modern efficiency with the appeal of its predecessors, it could secure a place in the expanding small EV market. The project reflects a broader industry movement toward compact, affordable electric vehicles, though its success will depend on how it differentiates itself from competitors.
Nissan has not confirmed a precise launch date beyond the 2027 target, but the Pixo’s development reflects the automaker’s strategy of leveraging shared platforms and production lines to control costs. The shared infrastructure with Renault’s Twingo suggests a focus on cost efficiency rather than creating a completely new model from scratch.