Nissan is considering introducing hybrid vehicles using its e-Power technology in South Africa as a way to help consumers transition from petrol engines to electric vehicles, company executives said on Tuesday.
Low incomes and high import duties have historically constrained automakers’ sales in Africa, while uneven electricity access and limited charging infrastructure have slowed adoption of battery-electric vehicles (EVs). Nissan has previously launched e-Power hybrids in Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia, where the technology has gained traction, and believes it could also appeal to South African drivers.
“This is currently under study,” Ramy Mohareb, communications head for Nissan Africa, said. “Why we’re saying it fits Africa, is because you don’t need the extensive infrastructure, and battery cost is not as high as the current EVs. There is no range anxiety. So we think that this is the right technology to transition to full EVs in Africa.”
Nissan’s e-Power system uses a small gasoline engine to generate electricity for the battery, allowing the electric motor to drive the vehicle without directly relying on petrol power for propulsion.
The comments came during the launch of Nissan’s X-Trail SUV and Magnite Kuro compact SUV in South Africa. Maciej Klenkiewicz, managing director for Nissan South Africa, highlighted the company’s commitment to the market despite a global restructuring. “Africa is in quite good shape … We are not shrinking, we’re going to increase that portfolio,” he said.
Source: Reuters
