By JUNICHI KAMIYAMA/ Staff Writer
May 20, 2022 at 18:38 JST
Nissan Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. announced on May 20 the release of an ultra-small electric vehicle this summer, which can be as affordable as its gasoline-powered counterparts.
The model, based on Japan’s minivehicle standard, will be available for under 1.5 million yen ($11,719) in Tokyo, after the metropolitan government's 450,000 yen and central government's 550,000 yen subsidies for electric vehicles are applied.
Minivehicles, with engine displacements of 660 cc or less, account for nearly 40 percent of Japan’s new vehicle sales. They are mostly used over short distances such as for shopping or commuting.
Consumers choose minivehicles mainly because of their low prices.
Industry officials said the high prices of onboard batteries have been a key challenge to the development of their electric versions.
Until now, most electric cars sold in Japan have been larger models.
The two automakers, which jointly developed the vehicle, kept its price low by limiting its driving range to 180 kilometers on a full charge.
Many minivehicle drivers use it for 30 km or less a day, according to Nissan.
A company official said the 180-km range is sufficient for daily use.
Nissan will market the vehicle as the Sakura, whose least expensive model will sell for about 2.33 million yen, including the consumption tax.
Mitsubishi will mark it as the eK X EV with a starting price of about 2.39 million yen.
The amounts of local government subsidies for electric vehicles differ depending on regions.
Suzuki Motor Corp. and Daihatsu Motor Co., key players in the minivehicle market, plan to roll out electric minivehicles in 2025.
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Nissan Motor Co. President Makoto Uchida, left, and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. President Takao Kato show off the Sakura and the eK X EV electric minivehicles in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, on May 20. (The Asahi Shimbun)
