Nissan has announced that it will not be investing in new gas or diesel-powered engines. This decision sets Nissan apart from several other Japanese automakers who recently collaborated to develop new internal combustion engines (ICE).
Despite facing some setbacks in the EV market, Nissan remains committed to its electric vision. The brand’s iconic electric hatchback, the LEAF, once dominated global EV sales until Tesla’s Model 3 surpassed it in early 2020. Now, Nissan is banking on its first electric SUV, the Ariya, to lead the charge.
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Although the Ariya initially faced a slow start, Nissan’s “Intelligent Factory” at its Tochigi plant has helped streamline production and reduce costs. This efficiency has translated into strong sales, with 5,640 Ariyas sold in the US, 5,187 in Europe, and 601 in Japan through April 2024.
Francois Bailly, Nissan’s senior vice president and chief planning officer for the AMIEO region, emphasized the company’s commitment to an all-electric future. Speaking at Nissan’s Sunderland factory, Bailly stated, “Our future is EV,” and clarified that Nissan has no plans for future ICE engine funding.
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Nissan’s strategy includes a focus on e-Power as a transitional technology towards full electrification. The company plans to launch a wave of updated electric models, including a next-generation LEAF EV, to meet its target of electrified vehicles accounting for 60% of sales by 2030.
In the US, Nissan is refreshing 78% of its lineup with new e-POWER and PHEV models, while in Europe, the company aims for a 40% electric car sales share by 2026. Nissan expects new innovations to significantly reduce the costs of its next-generation EVs, making them more accessible to consumers.
