Nissan and Mitsubishi introduce the first light electric vehicles in Japan (photos)
Nissan and Mitsubishi are poised to dominate Japan's most popular light electric vehicle market with the launch of their first affordable models.
The two companies are cooperating to develop light electric vehicles as part of their efforts to attract more drivers in Japan to battery-powered cars, by making available mini models at a lower price.
Nissan and Mitsubishi, part of the RNM alliance that includes French carmaker Renault, have been known as leaders in making electric cars in the Japanese market, but are struggling to attract customers and challenges from fast-growing newcomers such as Tesla.
Electric "ki" is changing the rules of the game
The two Japanese automakers presented the new cars at a party in Kurashiki, western Japan
The CEO of Japanese Nissan, Makoto Uchida, expressed his confidence in the ability of the new cars, which represent the alliance, to change the rules of the game in the electric car market in Japan.
Nissan and Mitsubishi hope to capitalize on their position in the unique "K" light compact car market.
Nissan unveils its first plans to develop electric cars
The two companies announced the start of sales of new models of electric "K" cars this summer, according to Reuters.
Nissan's regional production manager, Reho Suzuki, believes that the belief among people that electric cars are expensive will change, and they will become interested in these vehicles, and are willing to try them.
3 companies alliance
Earlier this year, the alliance announced a five-year plan to invest $26 billion in developing electric vehicles, including the K.
Since 2019, Nissan has expressed its desire to launch an electric K-car in Japan, and fulfilled its promise during the ceremony by announcing the Sakura, or "cherry blossom" car.
The company revealed that the Sakura is the first light electric car, and its price will start at 1.78 million yen (13,891 dollars) after calculating government subsidies, and with a range of up to 180 km.
(Japanese Yen = 0.0078 USD)
As for Mitsubishi, it plans to launch the EK Cross, with a starting price of 1.85 million yen, and a range of 180 km.
The most popular cars in Japan
Japan's K-car market accounts for nearly 40% of light vehicle sales in Japan, while electric vehicles account for only a tiny 1.7% of total passenger vehicle sales in the country.
The only light electric vehicle available in Japan - at the moment - is the two-seater Toyota "C+Pod".
Japan's auto giants are speeding up the rollout of their small electric cars, which are very popular among drivers in the country.
The move aims to make electric mobility more accessible to Japanese customers.
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