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Nissan's Juke and Qashqai are becoming electric.
  Nov 25, 2023     AASMA MAJiD  

Nissan's Juke and Qashqai are becoming electric.

Nissan is making a significant shift in its approach by electrifying two popular crossovers, the Juke and Qashqai, aligning with its ambitious goal of becoming an all-electric vehicle (EV) brand by 2030. This transformation is part of Nissan's broader commitment to move away from traditional internal combustion engines. The company plans to manufacture these electric models at its Sunderland factory in the UK, a hub of electrification.

 

Strategic Shift and Impending Unveiling

Nissan is gearing up for an official announcement about the electric Juke and Qashqai, signaling a substantial move towards embracing the electric crossover market. The decision aligns with Nissan's commitment to a greener automotive future.

 

Investment and Government Support

To realize this electrification project, Nissan is anticipated to invest a significant amount, potentially exceeding £1 billion. The UK government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, is reportedly offering robust support, playing influential roles in shaping Nissan's strategic decision.

 

Sunderland Factory: Driving Electrification Efforts

The Sunderland factory, already producing the electric Nissan Leaf, is at the forefront of Nissan's electrification efforts. In addition to electric vehicle manufacturing, Nissan is building the EV360 battery factory on-site, capable of producing up to 35 GWh of batteries annually.

 

Sales Success and Growing Demand

The decision to electrify the Juke and Qashqai comes on the heels of their impressive sales performance. The Qashqai, securing its place as the UK's best-selling car last year with over 42,700 units delivered, reflects the increasing demand for electric crossovers.

Government Backing and Industry Plans

Nissan's electrification initiative aligns with the UK government's commitment to significant investments in clean energy manufacturing. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's plans to allocate €5.18 billion over the next five years for clean and zero-emissions technologies within the automotive sector support Nissan's efforts.

Anticipation for Toyota's Electric Entry

As Nissan embarks on its electrification journey, there's anticipation surrounding Toyota, another Japanese automaker, potentially electrifying some of its best-selling models. Toyota has teased a number of electric vehicle concepts, including a sports car, a pickup truck, and a new Land Cruiser.

Nissan Sakura's Success and Future Developments

In Japan, Nissan Sakura, an electric minicar, has surpassed Tesla in sales, emphasizing affordability with a price around ¥2 million (€12,400) with government incentives. Nissan's commitment to making EVs more accessible is further highlighted by the upcoming "X-in-1" powertrain, expected to significantly reduce production costs upon its 2026 release.

AASMA MAJiD