Nissan’s compact electric vehicle, the Sakura, is causing a stir in Japan, emerging as the best-selling EV in the country. With a jaw-dropping price tag of just $13,000, the 11-foot-long Sakura has captured the market’s attention, constituting almost half of all EV sales in Japan in 2023. This affordable electric option is disrupting the automotive landscape, boasting a range of approximately 110 miles and a top speed of 80 miles per hour. Developed through a collaboration between Nissan and Mitsubishi, the Sakura showcased the potential of cost-effective EVs and earned the prestigious title of Japan’s Car of the Year in 2022.
The rise of electric Kei vehicles, the most miniature street-legal passenger cars, vans, and trucks in Japan, has been a critical factor in the Sakura’s success. These compact vehicles, like the Daihatsu Hijet and Suzuki Carry, offer an economical alternative to larger counterparts, with some models priced as low as $5,000. This trend is broader than in Japan, as the efficiency and affordability of Kei vehicles have sparked interest in the United States, particularly in settings such as ranches and delivery services.
While U.S. companies, including EV startup Telo, attempt to tap into the Kei truck trend, challenges persist. Telo’s Mini Cooper-sized pickup, priced at $50,000, faces steep competition from its Japanese counterparts, which cost a fraction of the price. Despite Tesla’s efforts to reduce prices for the Model 3 and Model Y in Japan, the Sakura’s affordability continues to make it a formidable contender in the growing electric market.
In the wake of Sakura’s success, Nissan is making strategic moves to establish itself in the electric vehicle arena further. The company recently unveiled its revamped luxury EV, the Infiniti QX Inspiration, signaling a commitment to innovation. This announcement coincides with Nissan phasing out its popular electric Leaf model, emphasizing a shift toward a more electrified future. The company has set ambitious goals, pledging to make all new European vehicles electric by 2030.
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As the automotive industry experiences a surge in electric adoption, Nissan’s Sakura stands out for its affordability and popularity in Japan and as a symbol of the changing landscape in the global electric vehicle market.
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In a groundbreaking move, Nissan’s Sakura has become Japan’s best-selling electric vehicle, challenging the conventional notion that EVs come with hefty price tags. Priced at just $13,000, the compact and efficient Sakura boasts a 110-mile range and speeds of up to 80 mph, capturing the hearts of Japanese consumers. The success of this budget-friendly EV reflects a shift in the market, with electric Kei vehicles gaining traction for their affordability and efficiency, not just in Japan but also making waves in the United States.
As Nissan phases out its Leaf model, the company positions itself for an electric future, unveiling the luxury EV, Infiniti QX Inspiration, and committing to an all-electric lineup in Europe by 2030. The Sakura’s affordability and success underscore a changing narrative in the global EV landscape.