Nissan doubles down on EVs despite UK deadline shift

There was a strong reaction from the car industry following the government’s decision to push back the date for an end to petrol and diesel vehicle sales. OEMs including Ford were critical of the uncertainty sown by shifting the date, with Fork UK chair Lisa Brankin saying the decision undermined the “ambition, commitment and consistency” the car industry needed from government.

While Nissan has been less directly critical, the announcement that it is doubling down on the 2030 date for all European car sales casts further doubts over the wisdom of the UK government’s decision. The company employs around 6,000 people at its Sunderland manufacturing plant, where models including the Qashqai, Juke and the all-electric Leaf are built.  

According to Nissan, its Ambition 2030 programme will see 27 electrified vehicles - including 19 EVs - introduced by the end of the decade. The company said it also plans to introduce cobalt-free technology to bring down the cost of EV batteries by 65 per cent by fiscal year 2028. The same year will see Nissan looking to launch its first EV with all-solid-state batteries (ASSB), a technology the carmaker said should allow it to expand its EV portfolio across other segments.  

“EV is the ultimate mobility solution,” Makoto Uchida, Nissan president and CEO, said in a statement.

“EVs powered by renewables are key to us achieving carbon neutrality, which is central to our Ambition 2030 vision. Nissan will make the switch to full electric by 2030 in Europe - we believe it is the right thing to do for our business, our customers and for the planet.”

EVs currently represent 16 per cent of Nissan’s total European sales, with electrified sales (EVs and hybrids) making up 50 per cent. The company said it expects electrified sales to reach 98 per cent within three years.

Commenting on Nissan’s announcement, Dassault Systèmes’ Rajkaran Singh said it was an indication that the automotive sector remains committed to net zero targets.  

“As the automotive industry moves towards sustainable mobility it serves as a reminder that achieving net-zero emissions demands more than personal actions; it necessitates a fundamental overhaul of the automotive sector,” said Singh, director, Industry & Business Consulting – EuroNorth Dassault Systèmes.

“Nissan’s announcement of going fully electric by 2030 is a key signal that the automotive industry are still on target to reach net zero emissions, which is a step in the right direction.”