Nissan continues to move towards a greener automotive future
As the world continues to strive for a more sustainable future, electric vehicles (EVs) have become an increasingly popular option for eco-conscious consumers and Nissan EVs are no exception. Despite the unique challenges faced by South Africa in transitioning to a low-carbon footprint, it’s still important to be in the know about the latest and greatest in EV technology.
Nissan EVs In South Africa
Unfortunately, Group1 Nissan and Nissan South Africa currently do not offer any electric vehicles in the country but wouldn’t it be great if we had access to the cutting-edge EVs that Nissan has to offer in other countries across the globe? This includes models such as the Nissan LEAF, Nissan e-NV200 and the highly impressive Nissan Ariya among many others.
South African drivers should be hopeful that Nissan SA’s continued efforts of decarbonising road transport to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 will bear fruits so we can also benefit from sustainable transportation in the future.
According to NAAMSA CEO, Mikel Mabasa: “The South African automotive industry appreciates the importance of working diligently to contribute to the decarbonisation of road transport in support of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. We also recognise that no single government policy or industry commitment alone will achieve this ambitious goal”.
He continued by saying that the automotive industry has extensively been discussing and consulting around the country’s path to Nissan EVs during the past 12 months. For a thoroughly ecologically-sustainable future, it is necessary for all vested parties – politicians and members of the public alike across both private and public sectors – to join forces in order to come up with different solutions that can accommodate South Africa’s specific economic climate as we strive towards carbon neutrality.
Nissan EVs And The Global OEM Production Network
According to Mabasa, South African OEMs compete within their global counterparts’ production networks with related plants abroad. Decisions regarding Nissan EV plants need to be taken three years prior to production – meaning that decisions on NEV-dedicated facilities should be made right now. Such conclusions depend upon and can be swayed by the availability of:
- a streamlined logistics process that reduces CO² emissions
- Sustainable, economical energy solutions
- Investment and infrastructure support
- Competing with other international facilities
- Government incentives that can help reduce the cost of production and boost demand
Popular Nissan EVs Across The World
One of Nissan’s most popular Nissan EVs is the LEAF, a compact five-door hatchback with a range of up to 243 kilometres on a single charge. It features a sleek and aerodynamic design, making it a stylish choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. The LEAF also boasts an intuitive infotainment system, quick and seamless acceleration, and an impressive array of advanced safety features.
Another exciting option from Nissan is the Nissan e-NV200, a versatile electric van with a range of up to 280 kilometres. It’s the perfect choice for businesses or families who need a practical and environmentally friendly vehicle for their daily needs. The e-NV200 features spacious and flexible interior storage, a smooth and quiet ride, and a host of advanced safety features to keep you and your passengers (or cargo) protected on the road.
For those looking for a more performance-focused EV, Nissan also offers the Nissan Ariya, a futuristic all-electric crossover with sporty styling and cutting-edge technology. With a range of up to 305 kilometres, EV range anxiety is slowly becoming a thing of the past. The Ariya offers a thrilling driving experience and a spacious and high-tech interior. It features advanced driver-assist technology, seamless connectivity, and a sleek and aerodynamic design that’s sure to turn heads.
Nissan Ambition 2030: Driving Toward A Safer, Cleaner And More Inclusive World
Speaking of the Nissan Ariya, the automaker is making safety a priority as it continues to push the limits to reduce road accidents and deaths involving Nissan vehicles, including Nissan EVs. The long-term vision of Nissan Ambition 2030 for empowering mobility and beyond, ensures that each vehicle, including the Ariya, Nissan’s all-electric crossover goes through rigorous crash tests to meet the highest safety standards.
Drawing upon the comprehensive experience that Nissan has acquired over the past ten years in electric mobility, many of their testing methods for the LEAF were modified and repurposed to be used by Ariya. This enabled Nissan to establish more rigorous safety standards than what was even required by regulators.
At the Nissan Technical Centre in Atsugi, Japan, an expert group of engineers conducts hundreds of exhaustive tests on their flagship electric vehicle (EV), ranging from frontal-side- and rear-impact collisions to those that mimic accidents involving pedestrians. All these tests must be completed within one-thousandth of a second for the EV Ariya to meet the strict standards set by Nissan.
The Ariya’s remarkable structure and body style have proven capable of withstanding a broad spectrum of impacts while safeguarding the safety of all occupants. According to Gen Tanabe of the Passive Safety Evaluation Group:
“More than 100 data points are evaluated on the Ariya. Because the upcoming Ariya will be sold in many markets, we will conduct more than 400 tests from the early stages of development to market launch.”
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, even though EVs are few and far between in South Africa, it’s still important to know what is happening around the latest in electric vehicle technology. The Nissan LEAF, e-NV200, and Ariya are just a few examples of innovative and eco-friendly Nissan EVs available on the international market today and although we may not have access to these vehicles in South Africa yet, it’s exciting to think about the possibilities of a greener future on the horizon.
When searching for the most up-to-date information about Nissan’s latest vehicles, including Nissan EVs, trust Group1 Nissan blog to provide you with all that you need.
