Strap in for an onslaught of EVs from Nissan and Infiniti, which together represents half of the brand power of the world’s top automaker by volume in 2017. By 2022, a total of 6 new full EV models are expected to join the line-up. However, whether these will be variants of an existing model line or a totally new product remains to be seen.
Carlos Ghosn, CEO of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, recently reiterated this goal following its initial outlining in latter 2017. It’s an ambitious plan, as evidenced by the fact that it’s only 5 years away, and one involving plenty of risk. Conversely, there is undeniable potential here to be very lucrative if properly executed.
Nissan already sells the world’s most popular battery-powered electric vehicle, the Leaf, which is now much improved in its second generation. The 5-door hatch is definitely a good stepping stone for the earlier days of this transition, but four new models are expected to follow its lead under the marque. Most likely this will involve some form of SUV, though their efforts could bleed into a medium sedan.
With four models slated to wind up at the Nissan camp, the remaining two will be gracing luxury sub-brand Infiniti. We’ve no doubt that these are meant to compete in a markedly higher price range than their more mass market cousins, perhaps eyeing the segment where current offerings from Tesla such as the Model S or Model X occupy.
Given Infiniti’s affinity for SUVs, they will likely select that as the hero model with which they will enter the EV market in earnest, the second model therefore could be a compact executive saloon that’s vaguely similar to the Q Inspiration concept unveiled recently.
Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi are in quite an opportune position in terms of having both the expertise and scale to become a leader in electric vehicles for both the high- and lower-to-medium end of the automotive market, and it could be the exact catalyst they need to pounce on in order to help all four brands achieve greater sales numbers and mental ubiquity in consumers globally.