LONDON: The CEO of Nissan, Makoto Uchida, stated on Monday that the company remains unwavering in its dedication to electric vehicles (EVs), dispelling doubts amid recent policy adjustments by the UK government.
Uchida emphasized, “More than a million customers have already joined our journey and experienced the fun of a Nissan electric vehicle. There is no turning back now.”
His declaration comes in the wake of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s decision to delay a proposed ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles by five years, shifting the deadline from 2030 to 2035. This move has sparked criticism from environmental advocates and the automobile industry. However, Sunak asserts that the shift will not hinder the UK’s objectives to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by mid-century.
Nissan Unveils New 20-23 Concept Car
Nissan commemorated the 20th anniversary of its design studio in London by unveiling its new 20-23 Concept car. Uchida confirmed Nissan’s commitment to full electrification by 2030 in Europe, asserting that it aligns with the company’s values, customer expectations, and environmental conservation goals.
As part of its accelerated electrification strategy, Nissan, in partnership with Renault, plans to achieve 98 percent of electric or hybrid vehicle sales in Europe by 2027. The company intends to introduce cobalt-free battery technology by 2028 to reduce the cost of EV batteries by 65 percent.
Furthermore, Nissan revealed that all new models introduced in Europe will be fully electric starting from 2030. Globally, the automaker anticipates launching 19 all-electric vehicles by the end of this decade.
While the UK government’s decision has prompted concerns within the automobile sector, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) voiced criticism, describing the move as causing “confusion and uncertainty” in the industry.
