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.
Nissan steps up work to reuse EV batteries in Fukushima
May 3, 2022
Toyota to dive into luxury EV market with all-new Lexus RZ
April 21, 2022
Toyota’s business strategy takes a new road with electric vehicles
April 13, 2022
Toyota to launch its 1st electric SUV, the bZ4X, in early May
April 12, 2022
Sony Group to set up company to mass-produce electric vehicles
January 6, 2022
Amid cheers for last F1 title, Honda speeds toward eco shift
December 30, 2021
Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors.
A peek through the music industry’s curtain at the producers who harnessed social media to help their idols go global.
Cooking experts, chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life.
A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry
A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II
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)
