A Japanese-made electric vehicle reportedly dominated the domestic market against all other models, including Tesla cars. Nissan Motor’s Sakura has ranked first in Japan’s top-selling EV list so far this year.
What’s interesting about this leading model is a “kei car,” demonstrating a significant disparity from other markets’ preference for larger e-SUVs.
“We launched a ‘kei‘ EV as it suits Japanese people’s everyday needs and road conditions here.”
Keiko Kondo, Nissan’s chief marketing manager for Sakura’s domestic business
Nissan Sakura dominates the Japanese EV market
According to Bloomberg’s data compilation, the Nissan Sakura sold 35,099 units in Japan so far this year. This remarkable sales result enabled the model to overthrow competitors, including the American electric vehicle giant.
Moreover, it accounted for around 50% of the overall EV sales in the country this year to date. Nissan Sakura’s dominance is not very surprising, considering its affordable price of $13,000 (including government incentives).
About the Nissan Sakura
The Japan Times indicated that Nissan officially launched the Sakura electric minicar. It is a product of the strategic collaboration between Nissan and Mitsubishi, which sells the model as the eK X.
It is also worth noting that the kei car was acknowledged as “Japan’s Car of the Year” last year.
Nissan Sakura features an electric motor that generates superior acceleration and top speed compared to other minicars available in the market. It has a top speed of 130 km per hour, according to Insider.
Of course, it also has a battery pack that enables a driving range of approximately 180 kilometers. Meanwhile, charging time can take overnight using a household outlet.
As mentioned, the 11-foot-long car has a price of just about ¥2 million ($13,300), significantly cheaper than most available EV models.
Kei cars’ prevalence
For context, kei cars’ common characteristics include small and boxy dimensions that ease narrow road navigation.
Additionally, they provide superior fuel efficiency and aid in minimizing tax burdens. Moreover, kei cars are also way cheaper than bigger e-SUV models.
These factors significantly encourage local customers to go for kei cars over other options in the EV market.
The local publication asserted the remarks of a Fujisaa-based Nissan dealership’s salesman, saying that most buyers acquire the kei car as a supplementary for regular errands around town.
True enough, a 59-year-old Saitama Prefecture citizen purchased a Sakura EV to replace the family’s hybrid model as a second car. Mr. Takatoshi Ehara believes the kei car is now more ideal as they no longer need a big car.
“My wife’s commute is only 6 kilometers, so we switched to the Sakura. I also drive it and we are quite satisfied.”
Mr. Takatoshi Ehara
Marketing Manager Kondo asserted Nissan plans to develop and introduce 19 new electric vehicles by 2030. It also aims to integrate solid-state batteries into its next-gen batteries by 2028. Apart from that, it aims to defend Sakura’s position as the top-selling car in the Japanese market in the coming years.
