Nissan's EV Strategy: Introduce EVs in all major vehicle segments by 2022

In October, the New LEAF launches with a range of 400 km, aiming for 600 km

2017/09/28

Summary

New
LEAF
New LEAF released in Japan in October 2017

Nissan has made four major press releases on their EV business over the past two months, August to September 2017 (See table below).

On September 15, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance jointly announced their new six-year strategic plan, "Alliance 2022". In the area of EVs, the Alliance has developed a dedicated EV platform that can be deployed in multiple vehicle segments. By 2022, the Alliance will achieve an EV range of 600 km and introduce EVs in all major segments in Japan, the U.S., Europe and China. (MarkLines will provide a more comprehensive summary of the Alliance 2022 strategic plan in an upcoming report.)

In October 2017, Nissan introduces the New LEAF to the Japanese market, equipped with a 40kWh battery, extending the current range of 280 km to 400 km and allowing drivers to enjoy a longer journey without range anxiety. The new Nissan LEAF introduces autonomous driving technology such as ProPILOT, ProPILOT Park, and e-Pedal.

For the Chinese market, and in collaboration with Dongfeng Motor, Nissan has announced the development of a compact SUV EV with a start of production in 2019. In China, Nissan plans to introduce EVs in the B, C, and D vehicle segments, which should be well received by the market. For reference, the Chinese government mandates that all major OEMs sell a certain number of EV/PHVs beginning in 2018 (or 2019), and is considering banning vehicles with internal-combustion engines at a to-be-determined date.

Nissan has also announced the divestiture of its lithium-ion battery business. Nowadays, EV range has been extended to 400 km and a range of 600 km seems achievable. As carmakers overcome range anxiety with better batteries, range will become less of a technology differentiator. As a result, Nissan plans to redirect its resources from battery production to focus more on the development and production of EVs that enhance the fundamental attractiveness of the car driving experience.

Furthermore, sales of Nissan's Note e-Power model, a series hybrid vehicle that achieves a fuel economy of 37.3 km/L, have been performing well since introduction. Nissan also plans to offer the e-Power system on the Serena minivan by the end of 2017. In addition, Nissan plans to develop even more efficient electric-motor powertrains by leveraging its VC-Turbo engine technology.

Nissan EV business press releases (August - September, 2017)

September 15:  EV business to be significantly strengthened as part of the new six-year plan "Alliance 2022"
September 6:  New Nissan LEAF with a range of 400 km to be launched in Japan in October
August 9:  Renault-Nissan and Dongfeng Motor to co-develop and sell EVs in China
August 8:  Nissan to sell electric battery business to GSR Capital
Source: Nissan press releases

Related Reports:
Toyota's strategy for EVs and PHVs: Joint EV development with Mazda (Sep. 2017)
Electrification Technologies (Part 2): Nissan developing 60kWh battery for EVs (Mar. 2016)

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