Nissan has unveiled ambitious plans to launch a growing number of electrified vehicles, with aims to sell one million pure-electric or e-Power powertrain vehicles annually by fiscal year 2022.
The announcement is part of the Japanese OEM’s ‘Move to 2022’ strategy, which plans to increase technological evolution, and expand autonomous driving and the delivery of mobility services. Other elements of the strategy include: the development of eight new all-electric vehicles, building on the success of the Leaf; an electric car strategy for China, under a number of different brands; introduction of an electric mini-vehicle in Japan; a global crossover vehicle inspired by Nissan’s IMx Concept; electrification of new Infiniti models from 2021; equipping 20 models in 20 markets with autonomous driving technology; and achieving full connectivity in all new Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun vehicles sold in key markets by the end of the plan.
“Our product and technology strategy is dedicated to positioning Nissan to lead the automotive, technology and business evolution,” said Philippe Klein, Nissan’s chief planning officer. “Our efforts are focused on delivering Nissan Intelligent Mobility, encompassing the three core elements of electrification, autonomous drive, connectivity and new mobility services.”
The OEM will leverage the platform and powertrain assets of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance to support the company’s goals.
Nissan’s product offensive in China will be led by a new C-segment electric vehicle, derived from Nissan Leaf technology. The strategy will also include an affordable EV for China, developed through the Alliance joint venture eGT New Energy Automotive. This new electric vehicle will be jointly developed by the Alliance and Dongfeng on an A-segment SUV platform.
Two further electric vehicle derivatives are also being prepared for the Venucia brand
Nissan will also continue to expand its e-Power technology, already offered on the Note and Serena in Japan. More than 129,000 Note e-Power models were sold in Japan in its first year, with more than two-thirds of Note customers opting for e-Power models versus the baseline model.
Nissan has expectations that electrified vehicles will make up 40% of the company’s sales in Japan and Europe by 2022, and 50% by 2025. In the USA, the expectation is 20-30% by 2025, with 35-40% predicted for China.
New Infiniti models will be either pure electric or utilize e-Power technology from 2021. By 2025, Infiniti expects electrified vehicles to make up 50% of its global sales.