Compact Urban EV Crossover Sets New Performance Bar

New 2026 Model Delivers 5.6 Miles per kWh Efficiency at Sub-$35K Price Point, Outpacing Rivals in Range and Value

SAN FRANCISCO, November 25, 2025 — A new compact electric crossover is redefining value in the urban EV segment, delivering best-in-class energy efficiency and a starting price under $35,000. The 2026 Nimbus MX-5, unveiled today by Nimbus EV Inc., achieves 5.6 miles per kilowatt-hour—making it the most efficient electric crossover available in North America, according to independent testing by the Electric Vehicle Efficiency Council.

The MX-5’s efficiency rating surpasses that of the Tesla Model Y Long Range (4.2 mi/kWh) and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (4.5 mi/kWh), while undercutting both on price. With a 180-mile real-world range and a 32 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, the MX-5 is optimized for city and suburban driving, where 78% of U.S. commuters travel fewer than 40 miles daily, per U.S. Department of Transportation data.

“This isn’t just another EV. It’s a purpose-built urban mobility solution that delivers luxury-tier efficiency at a mass-market price,” said Nimbus EV CEO Lila Moreau during the vehicle’s launch event. “We’ve eliminated the range anxiety myth for city drivers and replaced it with affordability, agility, and zero-emission performance.”

The MX-5’s price-performance ratio is further enhanced by its eligibility for the full $7,500 U.S. federal EV tax credit, effectively reducing the base MSRP to $26,495. That positions it $4,500 below the Chevrolet Equinox EV and over $10,000 less than the Ford Mustang Mach-E, both of which offer lower efficiency ratings and larger batteries unsuited to urban use.

According to a recent report by Grand View Research, the global electric SUV market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 31.9% through 2030, driven by demand for affordable, efficient models in dense urban centers.

The MX-5 is poised to capture a significant share of this growth, particularly among first-time EV buyers and fleet operators seeking low total cost of ownership.

In addition to its efficiency, the MX-5 features a modular interior with fold-flat seats, 48 cu. ft. of cargo space, and a heat-pump HVAC system that reduces winter range loss by up to 30%. Standard driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and automated emergency braking—technology typically reserved for higher-priced trims in competing models.

Production begins in January 2026 at Nimbus EV’s facility in Fremont, California, with deliveries expected by March. The company plans to produce 25,000 units in its first year, with 40% allocated to U.S. fleet partnerships including municipal car-share programs and last-mile delivery services.

“The MX-5 is a strategic response to a market saturated with oversized, overpriced EVs,” said Moreau. “We’re not just building a car—we’re building a scalable, sustainable urban transport platform.”

About Nimbus EV Inc.

Founded in 2021, Nimbus EV is a California-based electric vehicle manufacturer focused on compact, high-efficiency EVs for urban environments. The company’s mission is to accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility by making electric driving accessible, efficient, and affordable.