Nissan and Mitsubishi jointly developed new electric mini vehicles available in Japan.
On Friday, automaker giants Nissan Motors and Mitsubishi announced their first jointly developed Kei or mini electric vehicles (EVs).
“Under planning and development management by NMKV, a joint venture of Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors, the Kei EV has not only integrated Nissan’s advanced technologies with Mitsubishi Motors’ expertise in manufacturing Kei cars, but also the two companies’ combined electrification technologies.” Both companies said in a statement.
It said that the new car would be sold under their respective brands. “This new-generation Kei EV will be launched as the Nissan Sakura and the Mitsubishi Motors eK X EV”
The Nissan Sakura and Mitsubishi eK x EV (pronounced as “eK cross EV”) will be sold in the Japanese market starting in Summer. The pricing for the Sakura will begin at approximately 1.78 million yen ($13,891), including consumption tax and the clean energy vehicle subsidy. The eK x EV will have a starting price of 1.85-million-yen, w10 percent consumption tax.
The mini electric vehicles will have a battery capacity of 20kWh and a range of 180km. It will have a standard charging time of 8 hours.
Nissan Executive Vice President Asako Hoshino says: “The all-new Sakura follows the LEAF and Ariya as a mass-market EV. We believe it will be a gamechanger for the Japanese market and will make EVs much more accessible to customers in Japan.”
The new Kei EVs are perfect for everyday use. With its ample driving range, it is ideal for commuting and shopping. It is also affordable and gives a comfortable and safe ride with its advanced driving assistance features.
Mini Vehicles account for 40% of autos registered in Japan. Its size is limited to 3.4 meters in length, 1.48 meters in width, and 2.0 meters in height. The rollout of the Kei EV will accelerate both the automakers’ shift to greener transport.
