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How Are Ariya Batteries Tested? Ontario winters get very cold, but it gets even colder, inside of a unique chamber, at the Nissan Technical Centre North America. Inside these temperature- and humidity-controlled chambers, Nissan has subjected the all-electric ARIYA to conditions far more extreme than what the average driver will ever face. "Our chambers are capable of temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Celsius to 80 degrees Celsius," said Jeff Tessmer, senior manager of Zero Emission Vehicles at NTCNA. To determine if the ARIYA can sustain its charge level in harsh cold conditions, Tessmer and his team regularly perform a "cold soak" test. During a 24-hour cold soak carried out in early 2024, an ARIYA was left with a 17% battery charge in -20 degrees Celsius weather, without being plugged in or utilizing its battery heater. When the team returned after a full day, the ARIYA still held its 17% charge and started up immediately. "We want to test the worst-case scenario so that our customers will still get the same performance in a wide variety of weather conditions," Tessmer said. It's one of the numerous temperature tests the team carries out when validating a vehicle prior to the start of production. Certain components undergo testing at temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. The ARIYA is outfitted with multiple systems designed to enhance its performance in both extreme heat and cold. On hot days, a liquid-cooled thermal management system maintains the battery at an ideal temperature. Conversely, on cold days, a battery heater ensures the same. You have the option to activate the battery heater before setting off, ensuring it reaches an optimal temperature for departure. MyNISSAN APP & The Ariya "When it comes to combatting cold temperatures, the ARIYA is very well equipped," said Ansu Jammeh, an engineer on Nissan's Zero Emissions Engineering team. "The MyNISSAN app lets you prepare the car well in advance. You can even set a timer so that every day, it will warm up at the same time." Through the MyNISSAN app, you can preheat the cabin, monitor the interior temperatures, and establish a charging schedule. According to Jammeh you are best off using these features when the vehicle is plugged in so it uses grid power, instead of the vehicle’s battery. "That way, your car is warm and cozy without having to draw on the vehicle's battery before you start your trip," he explained. When away from home, you can conveniently use the app to locate a charger on the Nissan Energy Charge Network with ease. There are numerous benefits to owning an ARIYA in cold weather climates, such as its available e-4ORCE All-Wheel Drive. Additionally, its cabin heats up significantly faster than that of an internal combustion vehicle, as it doesn't depend on an engine for warmth. "EVs get warmer faster. It's just the nature of the product," Jammeh said. Nissan has been a trailblazer in the electric vehicle arena since the LEAF made its debut in 2009, and it has perfected the craft of testing EVs for durability and performance. The testing process spans years, and its time well invested. "Customers can get in their vehicles and expect the same performance every time," Jammeh said. "Your car is ready for you every day without any drama, wherever you live."

March Madness Release Boasting bold shapes and undeniable style, the all-new 2025 Kicks by Nissan was in Brooklyn with an interactive experience. It’s the kind of ride that would fit right in a sneakerhead’s collection or parked in their driveway. The big reveal took place during the 2024 NCAA® Men’s Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center, which Nissan is an official partner of. "Unboxing the all-new Kicks at Barclays Center places our thrilling new model at the heart of the action as passionate sports fans pour into the arena for the exciting experience of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament," said Marisstella Marinkovic, vice president and chief marketing officer, Nissan U.S. "By aligning our brand with consumer passions at pivotal touchpoints, we showcase our products to the right audiences, fostering meaningful connections in the most impactful manner." What's New? Refreshed for 2025, the Nissan Kicks subcompact crossover is evolving while still keeping its affordable and fun-size characteristics. The exterior has been completely restyled, giving the Kicks a more modern look compared to the previous model, with sleeker front and rear designs. Despite retaining some elements of the original profile, the updated Kicks is slightly larger in all dimensions, resulting in more space for passengers. There is 1.7 inches extra front shoulder room, 1.9 inches more shoulder room, and 0.9 inches additional knee room in the rear. The interior now offers new infotainment features, including an optional 12.3-inch center screen (with a standard 7.0-inch display), and the interior design complements the SUV's new exterior style. Importantly, a new 141-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine replaces the previous 1.6-liter engine, providing more power, and all-wheel drive is now available. Moreover, the top SR trim includes Pro Pilot lane-keeping assist, a feature never seen before in any Kicks model. Engine & Performance Long criticized for its underpowered 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, Nissan is enhancing the 2025 Kicks by introducing a 2.0-liter engine that delivers 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. With a boost of 20 hp and 26 lb-ft, this upgrade is expected to effectively quiet the naysayers. Power is transmitted to the front wheels through a CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission) or to all four wheels for the first time in a Kicks model with the optional AWD. Additionally, the AWD versions will feature a new “Snow” drive mode in addition to the standard Normal, Eco, and Sport modes. Infotainment & Interior Modernization extends to the interior, where horizontal flat display screens are slightly angled towards the driver to enhance visibility. The flat-bottom steering wheel features matching stitching with the dash, while rear passengers enjoy an upgrade in comfort thanks to Nissan's highly acclaimed zero-gravity seats. On the SR trim, climate control functions are now operated through a haptic touch panel instead of the traditional dual-dial setup found in the previous-generation Kicks; lower trims still come with standard dials. While cargo space has been increased, opting for AWD slightly reduces trunk space due to the extra drive hardware. Specifically, front-wheel-drive models offer 29 cubic feet behind the second row, whereas all-wheel-drive models provide 24 cubic feet. Fold the rear seats down, and you'll have 59 cubic feet in front-wheel drive and 50 in all-wheel drive. Stay tuned for our carry-on suitcase fitment test results on both models, which will be included in an upcoming update to this story. The base S model features a standard 7.0-inch colour touchscreen. The SV and SR models, on the other hand, are equipped with a 12.3-inch unit and offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In terms of connectivity, the S has a single type-A USB port, while the SV and SR come with a pair of USB-C ports. Additionally, the SR model provides an extra pair of USB-C ports for rear passengers. As for audio features, a four-speaker stereo with Bluetooth and an auxiliary input is included as standard. Opting for the SV adds SiriusXM satellite radio, while the SR trim increases the speaker count to 6. For audiophiles, the 10-speaker Bose system is available, featuring headrest-mounted speakers for the front seats. Just Can't Wait? We get you - you want your kicks now. For you, we have a select number of 2024 Kicks models you can choose from and pick up today! Check them out below, or contact a member of our team with any questions you might have.