All New Nissan Models in Europe to Go Fully Electric, 2023.
Japanese automaker Nissan has made a significant announcement, revealing its plans to launch fully electric models exclusively in the European market. This bold move aligns with the company’s aim to achieve a complete shift towards electric vehicle (EV) sales in Europe by the year 2030.
Nissan’s determination to adhere to its electric-focused strategy comes in the wake of the United Kingdom’s decision to delay its ban on the sale of new gasoline and diesel vehicles from 2030 to 2035.
Nissan’s President and CEO, Makoto Uchida, emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment, stating, “There is no turning back now. We believe it is the right thing to do for our business, our customers, and for the planet.”
Nissan has a solid track record in the electric vehicle market, with one-third of the more than 1 million EVs it has sold globally finding homes in Europe. The company is now taking its electric ambitions to the next level, aiming to introduce a total of 27 electric and hybrid vehicles by 2030, of which 19 will be fully electric models.
Despite its early entry into the EV space, Nissan has faced fierce competition from industry leaders like Tesla and Chinese automaker BYD. However, the company is determined to remain at the forefront of EV innovation.
One of Nissan’s key strategies to make EVs more accessible to consumers is developing cobalt-free technology. By achieving a 65% reduction in the cost of EV batteries by fiscal year 2028, Nissan hopes to make electric vehicles more affordable and appealing to a wider audience.
Additionally, the company plans to introduce vehicles equipped with its proprietary all-solid-state batteries (ASSB) by the same year. These cutting-edge batteries promise to significantly reduce current charging times, making EV ownership more convenient.
Nissan’s commitment to electrification is not a solitary endeavor.
Partnering with Renault, the company is aligning its efforts with other major players in the automotive industry. Rivals such as Ford and Stellantis also announced their intentions to transition their European passenger vehicle lineups to electric power by 2030.
However, the UK’s decision to delay its 2030 gasoline and diesel vehicles sales target has not been without criticism. Ford UK Chair Lisa Brankin voiced concerns that this move could create uncertainty and divert attention away from the essential transition to electric vehicles. Despite such challenges, Nissan remains steadfast in its commitment to electrification.
Furthermore, Nissan has confirmed that one of its upcoming electric vehicles will be manufactured at its Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom. Uchida emphasized the importance of this facility, citing its history, cost competitiveness, and its role in showcasing Nissan’s electrification strategy in the UK.
Uchida acknowledged the dynamic nature of the automotive industry, highlighting the ongoing evolution and global challenges faced by all automotive manufacturers. He particularly noted the company’s plans to expedite vehicle launches in China and introduce new models tailored to specific consumer preferences.
In summary, Nissan’s announcement to launch fully electric models exclusively in Europe by 2030 underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to electrification. This strategic move aligns with its ambitious goal of achieving a complete shift to electric vehicle sales in Europe and reflects the broader industry trend towards electric mobility.
With plans to introduce advanced battery technology and expand its electric vehicle lineup, Nissan aims to remain competitive and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the automotive industry.
