I am touring to Europe for the Electrical Car Symposium in Gothenburg, with a stopover in Tokyo. This detour permits me to go to Nissan’s World HQ in Yokohama, the place they showcase the highlights of their present and future endeavors.
Whereas the Z automobiles and the Hyper Punk idea might catch some eyes, my private favourite is the Nissan Sakura. I’ve a passion for small automobiles, and in Japan, these are acknowledged as a part of the “Kei” class.
Kei automobiles are compact, light-weight automobiles with restricted energy, which additionally means they profit from decrease tax charges in comparison with bigger automobiles. In crowded cities like Tokyo, potential automotive house owners typically should exhibit that they personal or lease a parking area, making smaller automobiles extra economical to park.
In 2024, Kei automobiles comprised a major 37% of all automobile gross sales in Japan. The Nissan Sakura, alongside its sibling the Mitsubishi ekX, stands out as a profitable electrical Kei automobile. Whereas earlier fashions just like the Mitsubishi Minicab Kei Van and Keitora have been electrical, they didn’t obtain the identical stage of business success.
Electrical automobiles (EVs) have confronted challenges in Japan. Though Nissan led the cost with the Leaf in 2009, the 2011 earthquake and subsequent Fukushima catastrophe shifted the nation’s focus away from EVs to pressing vitality conservation, leading to a 25% drop in vitality consumption from 2011 to 2024.
Complicated messaging about decarbonizing transport has additionally difficult issues, with producers like Toyota favoring hybrids whereas Nissan promotes its hybrid platform.
Not too long ago, nonetheless, curiosity in EVs has grown, partly as a result of Sakura and renewed authorities incentives for public charging and electrical automobiles. Consequently, public charging availability soared beginning in 2016, adopted by a surge in EV gross sales from 2020 onward.
The Sakura exemplifies excellent industrial design. It comfortably seats 4 adults, although baggage area is proscribed; nonetheless, folding down a rear seat can present extra room. Although I did not drive it on this journey, my earlier expertise revealed it to be a nimble little automobile geared up with trendy driver-assist options like lane departure warnings and computerized emergency braking.
The vary is a modest 180 km, averaging 124 Wh/km, however can drop to as little as 100 Wh/km in metropolis driving. Its effectivity surpasses that of the bigger first-generation Hyundai Ioniq, which I usually drive, clocking in at round 13.5 kWh/100 km.
Moreover, the Sakura helps V2G (Car-to-Grid) and V2H (Car-to-House) capabilities, underscoring a major promoting level for EVs and hybrids in Japan. That’s significantly useful throughout pure disasters like earthquakes or typhoons, the place energy outages are widespread. The power to function necessities like a fridge or rice cooker by way of an extension lead generally is a lifesaver.
This automobile is designed for native use, ultimate for every day commuting, buying, and enterprise functions, resembling small-scale deliveries.
In Australia, there is a rising curiosity in Kei-style automobiles. Impressed by a neighbor’s Daihatsu Hello-Jet parked close by, I researched the market. Whereas particular registrations for Kei fashions aren’t detailed, I discovered that in January 2024, the Daihatsu Hello-Jet was listed among the many high 20 mild industrial automobiles offered in Australia, with 174 registrations in whole for 2023.
The Suzuki Jimny additionally enjoys reputation; practically 10,000 items have been offered in 2024, with stories of destructive depreciation indicating excessive demand.
May the Sakura discover a market in Australia? Some tried to import gray variations beneath the SEVS scheme, however bumped into points in July 2024. Approval for the automobile was mistakenly rescinded, regardless of preliminary clearance.
Japan argued that Kei automobiles ought to move a brand new crash check at a decrease pace on account of their dimension, but Australia’s requirements differ, complicating registration.
Regardless of this, alternatives stay. Current consultations on harmonizing Australian design guidelines with world requirements have garnered assist, permitting for the potential import of Kei automobiles sooner or later, together with rectifying different discrepancies.
There’s a clear demand in Australia for small, environment friendly automobiles. Transitioning to a zero-carbon economic system requires transferring away from heavy automobiles, and providing mild, sensible electrical choices may fill an unserved area of interest. Producers like Nissan and Mitsubishi may discover a surprisingly receptive marketplace for such fashions.
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