Nissan has recently announced its plans to roll out electric vehicles (EVs) equipped with next-generation solid-state battery technology starting in 2028. With the development of new manufacturing techniques, Nissan aims to achieve price parity between its electric cars and petrol-powered vehicles before 2030.
The company has set up a pilot production line at its Yokohama plant to manufacture advanced solid-state battery packs. By March 2025, Nissan aims to create its first prototype battery and subsequently increase production to produce 100-megawatt hours’ worth of batteries every month.
Nissan’s solid-state cells offer notable benefits, including up to twice the energy density of today’s batteries and significantly shorter charging times. Moreover, these batteries can be produced at a lower cost compared to current technology.
While specific details about the forthcoming electric models are yet to be confirmed, Nissan has expressed its intention to develop a utility vehicle (ute) powered by the advanced batteries. However, it remains uncertain whether this vehicle will be based on the mid-size Navara or a larger truck designed for the US market.
In addition to solid-state batteries, Nissan plans to adopt large-scale gigacasting processes for the rear floor of future models. This innovative manufacturing method, previously employed by Tesla, reduces weight by 20% and lowers costs by at least 10% by utilizing lightweight aluminum instead of steel.
The implementation of both solid-state batteries and gigacasting is estimated to decrease the cost of Nissan’s next-generation EVs by approximately 30%, bringing the pricing of battery-electric vehicles in line with traditional petrol-engined cars.
Nissan is focused on extensive research and development, ranging from battery material innovation to electric vehicle advancements. Furthermore, the company is exploring the potential of using EVs as storage batteries in city development projects.
While the specific model lineup for the launch of Nissan’s next-generation powertrain technology has not been confirmed, the timing suggests that it could be incorporated into the second generation of the Nissan Ariya SUV. Despite being available in overseas markets since 2020, the Ariya’s Australian release still remains uncertain.
FAQ:
Q: What is Nissan’s plan for electric vehicles equipped with solid-state battery technology?
A: Nissan plans to roll out electric vehicles equipped with next-generation solid-state battery technology starting in 2028.
Q: What is Nissan’s goal regarding price parity?
A: Nissan aims to achieve price parity between its electric cars and petrol-powered vehicles before 2030.
Q: What steps has Nissan taken to manufacture solid-state batteries?
A: Nissan has set up a pilot production line at its Yokohama plant to manufacture advanced solid-state battery packs. By March 2025, Nissan aims to create its first prototype battery and subsequently increase production to produce 100-megawatt hours’ worth of batteries every month.
Q: What are the benefits of Nissan’s solid-state batteries?
A: Nissan’s solid-state cells offer up to twice the energy density of today’s batteries and significantly shorter charging times. They can also be produced at a lower cost compared to current technology.
Q: What type of vehicle does Nissan plan to develop using the advanced batteries?
A: Nissan intends to develop a utility vehicle (ute) powered by the advanced batteries. However, it is uncertain whether this vehicle will be based on the mid-size Navara or a larger truck designed for the US market.
Q: What other innovative manufacturing method does Nissan plan to adopt?
A: Nissan plans to adopt large-scale gigacasting processes for the rear floor of future models. This method reduces weight by 20% and lowers costs by at least 10% by utilizing lightweight aluminum instead of steel.
Q: How much does Nissan expect the cost of its next-generation EVs to decrease?
A: The implementation of solid-state batteries and gigacasting is estimated to decrease the cost of Nissan’s next-generation EVs by approximately 30%, bringing the pricing of battery-electric vehicles in line with traditional petrol-engined cars.
Q: What areas does Nissan focus on in research and development?
A: Nissan is focused on extensive research and development, ranging from battery material innovation to electric vehicle advancements. The company is also exploring the potential of using EVs as storage batteries in city development projects.
Q: Which Nissan model could incorporate the next-generation powertrain technology?
A: The timing suggests that the second generation of the Nissan Ariya SUV could incorporate the next-generation powertrain technology. However, the release of the Ariya in Australia remains uncertain.
Key Terms/Jargon:
– Electric vehicles (EVs): Vehicles that are powered by electric motors, typically using a battery pack as their source of energy instead of internal combustion engines.
– Solid-state battery: A type of battery technology that uses solid electrodes and a solid electrolyte instead of the liquid or gel electrolytes used in conventional lithium-ion batteries.
– Gigacasting: A large-scale manufacturing process that involves casting large metal parts, such as vehicle components, using lightweight materials like aluminum instead of heavier materials like steel.
Suggested Links:
– Nissan Global
– Nissan USA
– Nissan Australia