Enough already! When is the delayed 2024 Nissan Ariya electric car coming to Australia?

Australia is missing out on one of the best family-focused electric vehicles (EVs) already offered elsewhere.

Since it was first driven internationally in 2022, the Nissan Ariya has been praised for its advanced technology, spacious packaging and progressive styling, becoming a much-needed hit for the brand after years of stagnation that saw the one-time global EV leader and pioneer overtaken by Tesla, Hyundai, Kia and others.

But the original version is about to enter its third year of production come January, and there is still no sign of the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 competitor, even though Nissan did confirm back in June that Australia will eventually receive the Japanese-built EV – possibly even as soon as next year!

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In fact, the closely-related Renault Megane E-Tech from France that also leverages the same CMF-EV architecture as the Ariya has already had pricing and specification details divulged. Starting from $64,990 before on-road costs, it will reach our shores before Christmas.

But back to the elusive Ariya.

According to Nissan Australia Managing Director, Adam Paterson, it is certainly not due to a lack of desire to see the medium-sized electric SUV at local dealerships, but global Nissan policy instead, thanks to that strong worldwide demand and insufficient supply.

Since it was first driven internationally in 2022, the Nissan Ariya has been praised for its advanced technology, spacious packaging and progressive styling.

It continues to create roadblocks for the Ariya.

"We want to get it to Australia," he said. "Day by day, month by month, we see the VFACTS number and the electrification rate is growing and it is increasing… but the car is doing well, and there are (other) markets that require it more from an emissions standpoint.

"So, that's the challenge we continue to endure."

The original version is about to enter its third year of production come January.

Or, in other words, there are other regions within the Nissan global network that can only sell models like the Ariya and other low-to-zero emissions vehicles.

Paterson added that until there are solid government carbon-emissions policies to work towards, all EV importers are essentially playing a guessing game.

"What it is right now is a forecast of what we call TIV – a total industry volume – becomes either a necessity or a reality," he said.

Paterson added that until there are solid government carbon-emissions policies to work towards, all EV importers are essentially playing a guessing game.

"Right now, it's a forecast, and I can tell you that everyone's forecast is wrong, and we're all going to get it somewhat wrong – some will be closer than others – but what it does is provide certainty as to requirements and regulation, and when that number or figure is announced, it needs to be met."

Despite how it may seem to company outsiders, Paterson denies that Nissan's global product planners and decision makers are punishing Australia for its lagging emissions standards.

"We're not necessarily at the back of the queue," he believes. "But the company globally is making decisions that if there is a market where that's an absolute requirement to do business in, that is the decision that needs to be made.

Paterson denies that Nissan’s global product planners and decision makers are punishing Australia for its lagging emissions standards.

"It's an unfortunate reality. Until you can satisfy that with production capability."

So it appears the Ariya's Australian ambitions could be at the mercy of the Albanese government's policy makers.

It appears the Ariya's Australian ambitions could be at the mercy of the Albanese government's policy makers.

As we've suggested before, it seems increasingly likely that the Ariya Australia will eventually get may be an evolved version of the original, and might even end up being a facelift with upgrades that improve an already promising EV.

Watch this space, and we'll let you know as soon as Nissan announces the green light for Ariya.