When Japanese OEM Infiniti unveiled its heritage-inspired Prototype 9 EV concept in August last year the company was hinting at its electric future. From 2021 Infiniti will only launch electrified vehicles.
Infiniti has detailed plans to transition to an electrified model line-up by 2021 as well as release its first pure EV in the same year.
With the company’s design chief, Alfonso Albaisa, last year predicting a 2019 release for the company’s first pure EV, the updated timescale means the flagship EV will hit the road two years later than expected (2021).
Infiniti’s decision follows increasing industry investment in electrification and multiple OEMs signalling intent to develop electric vehicles alongside or in place of the traditional IC engine.
As a result of an industry emphasis on ultra-low emission technology, Infiniti expects more than half its global sales to be EVs by 2025.
The company will look to introduce a mix of pure electric vehicles and e-Power vehicles – demonstrating the full range of ultra-low emission vehicle technology available to the premium brand within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.
Developed to deliver the same driving experience as an EV while maintaining the convenience of refueling, the Japanese OEM’s e-Power technology features a small gasoline engine that charges a high-output battery, eliminating the need for an external charging source.