In a surprise upset, the Sakura, a humble joint venture between Nissan and Mitsubishi, has emerged as Japan’s best-selling electric vehicle (EV) after just one year on the market, outpacing its global competitor Tesla. In a rural community still hesitant to transition to electricity, this ingenious, compact vehicle fills a glaring need by offering unparalleled affordability and practicality.
This week, the Japanese market saw a significant milestone with the launch of the new eK X, a compact electric vehicle developed by Mitsubishi Motors. The innovative model has reportedly claimed 50% of all electric vehicles purchased in the country so far this year. Despite these statistics, it’s still unclear what they mean, considering electric vehicles (EVs) account for a mere 1.5% of global auto sales this year, in stark contrast to around 15% in Western Europe and 5.3% in the United States? While major Japanese automakers flaunted cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) concepts at this week’s Japan Mobility Expo to generate excitement, key players in the country are scrambling to keep pace, with offerings from Nissan and Toyota still only theoretical.
Despite the uninspiring context, the Sakura stands out in Japan by exceeding specific criteria cherished by local consumers – a feat made all the more remarkable given the looming specter of climate change. The price tag? A mere ¥2 million, equivalent to approximately $13,300 USD, with government incentives factored in. This tiny, unassuming vehicle is designed for easy maneuverability, perfectly suited for navigating Japan’s crowded streets and tight parking spaces, making it an ideal choice for daily commutes and errands.
The Sakura’s lightweight, compact design allows for effortless cruising along Japan’s narrow roads, providing a liberating driving experience. The 11-foot-long Sakura, readily available in Japan, boasts an impressive range of 180 kilometres on a single charge, with the potential to reach speeds of up to 130 km/h – though this may seem limited, it’s more than sufficient for most daily commutes and errand-running. As more suburban and rural gas stations continue to close, highlighting the glaring absence of reliable public transportation options beyond major city centers, electric kei vehicles are gaining traction, as homeowners can easily charge them overnight using any standard household outlet. The Plus Sakura promises to deliver exceptional efficiency in its compact automotive form, boasting impressive acceleration that far exceeds typical kei car capabilities and provides a driving experience akin to a conventional vehicle.
“We introduced the Sakura, a kei EV, to meet the everyday needs of Japanese consumers in their daily commutes and urban environments,” said Keiko Kondo, Nissan’s chief marketing manager for Japan.
The Sakura, a collaborative effort between Nissan and Mitsubishi, made its debut last year, with Mitsubishi marketing it as the eK X. The two vehicles jointly received Japan’s Automotive of the Year award last year. According to data presented by auto trade teams, approximately 35,000 vehicle models have been sold thus far this year.
While kei EVs are unlikely to hit American roads or be seen outside Japan, Japanese consumers can expect more models from Suzuki, Toyota, and Honda to debut next year. Notwithstanding, Nissan occupies a special niche in the market with its top-selling Leaf model. By 2030, Nissan aims to debut 19 electric vehicle models, concurrently introducing solid-state battery technology capable of storing double the energy of current lithium-ion batteries, set to take effect by 2028.
