How Much Cheaper Is the Nissan Ariya Now, and Why Did Prices Drop?
If you’ve been eyeing the Nissan Ariya but hesitated at the price tag, there’s good news. Nissan just slashed over £6000 off certain Ariya models, making this electric SUV more accessible than ever. The move isn’t just about undercutting rivals—it’s a strategic play to make the Ariya eligible for the UK’s Electric Car Grant (ECG).
Here’s the deal: The cheapest Ariya now starts at £33,500, down from its previous entry point of £39,645. That’s after factoring in the £1500 ECG discount, which is available for EVs priced under £37,000. Until now, every Ariya variant sat above that threshold, leaving it out of reach for grant-hunters. Nissan’s price adjustment means the Ariya finally joins the list of 19 eligible models, opening the door for more buyers to make the switch to electric.
Which Ariya Models Qualify for the Electric Car Grant?
Not every Ariya gets the grant—there’s a bit of fine print. Only the front-wheel-drive Engage trim qualifies, and it comes in two battery sizes: the 63kWh pack (now £33,500) and the larger 87kWh pack (from £35,500). Both sneak in under the grant’s £37,000 ceiling.
If you’re after something a bit fancier, the Advance trim starts at £37,500—just out of grant territory. The e-4orce four-wheel-drive version? That’s a bigger leap, starting at £45,500. And if you want the high-performance Nismo edition, you’re looking at £56,630. So, the biggest savings are on the Engage models, but that’s still a solid entry point for a well-equipped electric SUV.
What’s Special About the New Shiro Edition?
Nissan didn’t just cut prices—they added a new flavor to the mix. The Shiro edition stands out with its exclusive pearlescent white paint and comes in the Engage trim. It’s a subtle nod to buyers who want something a little different without breaking the bank. The Shiro is only available with the 63kWh battery, but that’s plenty for most daily commutes and weekend getaways.
How Does the Ariya Stack Up Against Other Electric SUVs?
The electric SUV market is heating up, with more choices than ever. By dropping the Ariya’s price, Nissan’s aiming to compete head-to-head with rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Volkswagen ID.4—all of which have models eligible for the ECG. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), UK electric car sales jumped 18% in 2023, and affordability remains the number one concern for most buyers. By making the Ariya more attainable, Nissan is betting it can grab a bigger slice of that growing pie.
What About Nissan’s Other Electric Models?
The Ariya isn’t the only Nissan benefiting from the ECG. The new Micra EV now starts at £21,495 with the grant, making it one of the most affordable electric cars in the UK. And there’s more on the horizon: the next-generation Leaf, built in Sunderland, is expected to qualify for the higher £3750 grant when it launches. Nissan’s UK boss, James Taylor, has hinted that the Leaf is in a “strong position” to take advantage of the new incentives. Plus, an all-electric Juke is slated for 2026, also rolling out of the Sunderland plant.
Is This Just a Temporary Price Cut or a Long-Term Shift?
While automakers sometimes use discounts as a short-term sales boost, Nissan’s move feels more like a long-term strategy. Fiona Mackay, Nissan GB’s marketing director, said the goal is to “remove barriers to EV ownership and empower more drivers to make the switch to zero-emission driving.” In other words, Nissan wants to be a leader in the UK’s electric transition, not just a participant.
What’s the Real-World Impact for Buyers?
For buyers, the outcome is simple: more choice, lower prices, and a smoother path to electric ownership. The Ariya now sits in a sweet spot where it’s eligible for government support but still offers the innovation, design, and performance Nissan is known for. And with more models coming down the pipeline, it’s clear Nissan’s not slowing down.
The Takeaway for Anyone Considering an Electric Car
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to go electric, this is it. Nissan’s price cuts, combined with the Electric Car Grant, mean you can get behind the wheel of a well-equipped Ariya for less than ever before. And with more affordable models on the way, the electric future is looking brighter—and more attainable—every day.