Renault-Nissan plan new electrified line up, US manufacturing operations as combustion engine investment dries up
With plans for 15 all-electric global models, and 23 electric-powertrain models total by 2030, Nissan has a lot of work to do this decade. Plans for EV plants in Sunderland, UK and Mississippi USA will see a massive investment in electric vehicle jobs and manufacturing.
The fully electric Nissan Leaf, Ariya and Townstar.
Nissan’s Ambition 2030 Plan has already called for 15 all-electric global models, and 23 electric-powertrain models total by 2030, and now the automaker has announced that it will not introduce any new pure internal combustion engine-powered passenger cars in Europe from 2023.
Nissan’s new electrified line-up promises “no compromise on excitement and driving pleasure” according to the company, and Nissan expects 75% of its sales mix in the European region to be electrified by FY2026, with the ambition to reach 100% by the end of the decade. It is targeting a mix of 40% electric vehicles in the United States for the same period.
Fully electric models include the Nissan Leaf, just-released Ariya, and Nissan Townstar, a fully electric compact light commercial vehicle.
Nissan hopes its Ariya Crossover will be a global sales success.
Hybrid models planned include the JUKE Hybrid, Qashqai e-POWER and X-Trail e-POWER. Nissan is also working on a comprehensive EV Energy Ecosystem, which explores initiatives to optimise and expand battery energy management capabilities. Nissan's flagship EV manufacturing hub, EV36Zero, based in Sunderland, UK – brings together vehicle and battery production, powered by renewables to set the blueprint for e-mobility manufacturing.
Nissan’s range of battery electric and plug in hybrid electric vehicles. Images: Nissan
Nissan to build two all-electric models in Mississippi
Nissan will also invest US$500 million to transform its Canton, MS assembly into a facility capable of building next-generation Nissan and Infiniti EV models starting in 2025. The partnership with local, county and state governments will preserve and upskill nearly 2,000 jobs according to the automaker.
Nissan has also set the goal to achieve carbon neutrality across the company’s global operations and the life cycle of its products by 2050 by pursuing further innovations in electrification and manufacturing technology.
The 2021 Nissan Chillout hints at the design of a possible Leaf replacement.
“For nearly two decades, Mississippians have kept our state at the forefront of the world’s automotive industry,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “The announcement that Nissan Canton is shifting some production to EVs further positions Mississippi as a leader in this crucial economic sector. We are a top state for automotive leaders, and this significant investment by Nissan in the Canton facility lets the world know that we are open for business and our workforce is ready to take on these in-demand jobs of the future.”
While South Carolina is the number one US state for auto and auto parts exports, Mississippi also generates a considerable amount of revenue and employs thousands within its auto industry. Companies such as Toyota, BorgWarner, Yokohama, Continental and Tiffin Motorhomes are based there, and Nissan has had a presence in Canton since 2003.
The highly-anticipated Nissan Ariya crossover is expected to launch in Europe during summer 2022, and Fall in the United States. Australian customers will have to wait until 2023 for a taste of car.
Renault unveils EV Megane E-Tech Electric, offers up to 470km range
Renault’s newest electric car is based on the CMF-EV platform jointly developed with Nissan and Mitsubishi, and will offer 40 and 60 kWh variants.
Renault’s all-electric Megane E-Tech. Images: Renault Group
Renault’s Megane was first introduced 25 years ago, and was essentially a major facelift of the Renault 19. The Megane name has adorned myriad body styles and designs, from the controversial Renault Megane II, to the brilliant Megane IV RS Trophy.
The Megane name certainly gained worldwide recognition during its time in rallying, as it was one of the most powerful Group A cars in the WRC. Today though, the Megane E-Tech Electric (Megane E-Tech from here on in) debuts at Munich’s IAA Mobility show, aiming to combine past performance pedigree, with traditional Renault practicality and environmental credentials.
Based upon the Common Module Family - EV (CMF-EV) platform designed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, The Megan E-Tech will offer a front-mounted electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) which Renault claims does not require rare earth metals in its fabrication.
The engine is compact and impressively weighs 10 percent less than the engine currently used in the ZOE, coming in at 145 kg (clutch included). Two motor variants will be available: a 96 kW (130 hp) with 250 Nm, and 160 kW (218 hp) with 300 Nm. Renault claims a 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 7.4 seconds; presumably that applies to the latter.
Renault has also been refining its battery technology, with the Megane E-Tech receiving either a 40 or 60 kWh pack, with 300 km (186 mi) and 470 km (292 mi) WLTP range respectively. Renault again claims great improvements over previous cell technology, with the lithium-ion NMC batteries by LG Chem using less cobalt and more nickel for greater energy density (20 percent greater than the ZOE), and offering a 40 percent weight reduction.
The Megane E-Tech can charge at up to 130 kW on DC rapid chargers, and up to 22 kW on a three-phase 32A AC charger.
View EV Brief’s full image gallery of the Megane E-Tech Electric
Renault teases Mégane E-Tech Electric ahead of pre-production testing this summer
The Mégane goes all-electric, taking its design cues from the Renault Mégane eVision Concept. This next-generation model will be based on Renault-Nissan’s Common Module Family EV platform (CMF-EV) which debuts underneath the upcoming Nissan Ariya SUV.
Renault’s Mégane has been on sale since 1995, but 2022 marks possibly the most dramatic shift in the French marque’s small car line-up as the Mégane goes all-electric. Taking its design cues from the Renault Mégane eVision Concept, the next-generation model will be based on Renault-Nissan’s Common Module Family EV platform (CMF-EV) which debuts underneath the upcoming Nissan Ariya SUV.
The Mégane E-Tech Electric features a 160kW (217hp) e-motor and a 60kWh battery pack enabling up to 451 km (280 mi) of range on the WLTP cycle.
Pre-production engineering test vehicles will commence testing on public roads in France this summer.
There’s no word from Renault Australia on whether the Mégane E-Tech would make it down under; local importer Ateco Group pulled the Zoe EV from the Australian market in 2020 due to poor sales numbers, shipping delays, lacklustre dealer enthusiasm and limited government support for zero-emissions vehicles.
Nissan Leaf e+ arrives in Australia with 62 kWh battery, 160kW and 340Nm from $60,490
Nissan’s Leaf has been on sale since 2010, and has sold over 500,000 vehicles across two generations. Nissan Australia has finally welcomed the Leaf e+ to our shores, and it offers a respectable 62 kWh battery size with 385 kilometres (239 miles) WLTP range, up from the regular Leaf’s 40 kWh battery.
Nissan’s Leaf e+. Images: Nissan Australia
Nissan’s Leaf has been on sale since 2010, and has sold over 500,000 vehicles across two generations. Nissan Australia has finally welcomed the Leaf e+ to our shores, and it offers a respectable 62 kWh battery size with 385 kilometres (239 miles) WLTP range, up from the regular Leaf’s 40 kWh battery.
Such is the popularity of the Leaf, some Australians couldn’t wait for Nissan to officially offer the Leaf e+ variant and chose to import their own from Japan.
Nissan states that the Leaf e+ produces a “thrilling” 160kW and 340Nm, achieving a 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) time of 6.9 seconds. According to Nissan Australia Managing Director, Stephen Lester, “The Nissan LEAF is one the world’s most popular electric vehicle, the new Nissan LEAF e+ will only further that appeal by delivering more of what our customers love about their EV,”
“With more power, more range and more performance, as well as full bi-directional charging capability, the e+ is simply more LEAF, and helps ensure there really is an EV to suit every need in Australia.
“From zero-emissions commuting in the city to weekends away and everything in-between, the Nissan LEAF and LEAF e+ have you covered”.
The Leaf’s biggest disadvantage when compared to other EVs has been its range, and the addition of 22 kWh over the standard Leaf is decent. Nissan’s engineers have cleverly increased the battery capacity by improving the cell density with a marginal increase in module size.
Unfortunately, Nissan has stuck with passive cooling for the Leaf’s battery, which is a considerable disadvantage against most of this vehicle’s competition which offer liquid-cooled thermal management systems. Passively cooled batteries are less complex, however they are much more sensitive to ambient temperature, and have a higher annual battery degradation rate against battery EVs with active thermal management.
The Leaf e+ offers 100 kW peak DC charging at 350 volts, providing a 20%-80% charge in 45 minutes. Nissan was also one of the first automakers to offer Vehicle-to-Grid technology, and the Leaf range is capable of bi-directional charging. The automaker is presently engaged in Australian trials to demonstrate the effectiveness of this technology.
Priced from $60,490, $10,500 more than the regular Leaf, the Leaf e+ is priced dangerously close to Tesla’s Model 3 Standard Range Plus at $62,490, and Hyundai’s Kona Electric at $62,000. Both these vehicles offer more range, performance and practicality than the Leaf.
Nissan reveals paint colour palette for upcoming Ariya electric SUV
Nissan has unveiled a palette of ten exterior colours for the Ariya SUV, a pleasing change from the likes of Volkswagen which only offers a greyscale palette plus red or blue on expensive variants of its ID.4. There are four monotone and six two-tone options, and Nissan claims the paint portfolio was crafted to elevate Ariya’s premium look and feel.
Nissan Ariya boasts two bespoke colours, reduced CO2 output during paint process
Two brand-new colours have been developed by Nissan, Akatsuki Copper and Aurora Green
Technological innovations in the paint production line reduces carbon dioxide output by 25%
Nissan has unveiled a palette of ten exterior colours for the Ariya SUV, a pleasing change from the likes of Volkswagen which only offers a greyscale palette plus red or blue on expensive variants of its ID.4.
There are four monotone and six two-tone options, and Nissan claims the paint portfolio was crafted to elevate Ariya’s premium look and feel. The colours are applied by a highly advanced, environmentally sustainable paint production technology that reduces carbon dioxide output by 25% according to the company – further reducing the environmental footprint of this zero emission vehicle.
New colours for a new era of electrification
The design team developed Akatsuki Copper and Aurora Green especially for the all-electric coupé crossover. “The ingenuity the Nissan Ariya represents inspired us to adopt an entirely new mindset for colour design,” said Lesley Busby, Colour Manager at Nissan Design Europe.
Nissan Ariya in Akatsuki Copper. Images: Nissan
“Ariya is the culmination of Nissan’s electric mobility expertise and a strong statement of intent for the future of EV design. We therefore worked hard to introduce a truly futuristic and technology-driven design language for the colours, analysing them in detail to create the perfect match for Ariya’s innovative personality,” Lesley Busby continued.
Inspired by the Japanese phrase for ‘dawn’, Akatsuki Copper’s striking appearance mimics the brilliance of a sunrise, reflecting the beginning of Nissan’s new brand identity. Its metallic sparkle is enhanced to evoke the conductivity of copper wires, honouring the model’s advanced EV technology.
Aurora Green takes its name from the beautiful ‘Northern Lights’ phenomenon, aurora borealis, commonly seen in the arctic. A sophisticated blend of different tones means the colour may appear green or purple depending on the angle that it is viewed, creating a sense of wonder and intrigue.
Technology innovation in colour
Nissan claims an all-new level of detail and depth to customer-favourite colours, created with state-of-the-art paint production techniques. Lesley Busby commented: “We know that black and white colours are some of the most popular options with vehicle owners in Europe and around the world. With Ariya, we have introduced a new level of richness and a premium veneer for these customer favourites. Combined with the quality and attention to detail seen throughout the colour palette, we’re excited for customers to experience Nissan’s new era of colour design for themselves.”
Sustainable production techniques
Technological innovation has also been employed to enhance the sustainability of the paint production line. Nissan has introduced a water-based paint which allows colours to be applied at a lower temperature, ensuring that each part of the vehicle can be painted together. This streamlines the entire application process, reducing carbon dioxide output by 25%.
The Ariya already has over 29,000 preorders worldwide according to Nissan, and is scheduled for a Japanese launch mid-2021 starting from 5 million yen ($66,700 AUD), and a European, Chinese and North American launch late in 2021.
While Nissan Australia has gone on the record as keen to import the Ariya, no Australian launch timing or pricing has been provided by the company. We’ll keep you updated if and when that changes.
Groupe Renault Launches Nouvelle Vague (New Wave) Vehicle Roadmap with Seven Fully Electric Vehicles by 2025
French Automaker Groupe Renault has heralded their new strategic product roadmap with the unveiling of the Renault 5 electric prototype. While strictly for show at this stage, the concept captures the original car’s boxy and angular aesthetic beautifully, but adds a taught muscularity with sharply-creased lines giving the R5 the appearance of a tight skin wrapped over the body.
Images: Groupe Renault
French Automaker Groupe Renault has heralded their new strategic product roadmap with the unveiling of the Renault 5 electric prototype. While strictly for show at this stage, the concept captures the original car’s boxy and angular aesthetic beautifully, but adds a taught muscularity with sharply-creased lines giving the R5 the appearance of a tight skin wrapped over the body.
Many of us growing up in the 80’s and 90’s fondly remember the screaming mid-mounted Renault 5 Turbo carving up the international rally scene, and Renault has captured and re-made elements of that car beautifully.
Renault claims that these styling elements are more than nostalgia, rather they hide very high tech features. The bonnet air intake hides the charging hatch (that paintwork is going to get scratched in no time from the charging cable, but let’s allow Renault their fun), the rear lights include aero flaps, and the fog lamps in the bumper are daytime running lights. The side guard and wheels feature the numeral ‘5’, and the front end and the textile roof are supposedly drawn from the world of furniture.
The front and rear logos light up, bringing the car ‘to life’. The French flag in the rear-view mirrors to underline the “invented in France” side of the vehicle, the headrest lights and the name displayed on the small transparent screen on the dashboard, invite you to hop in for a ride.
A shift from the Carlos Ghosn era
In a marked departure from leadership under disgraced former boss Carlos Ghosn, Chief Executive Luca di Meo has told the Financial Times the company is undergoing a strategic shift from “volume to value”, and that cutting the number of its vehicle platforms, overhauling its factories, and sharing 80% of components with Nissan vehicles will lead to a 3 per cent operating margin by 2023, rising to 5 per cent by 2025.
Renault will aim to evolve into a brand of three tranches, as outlined below:
- a Tech brand, with an ecosystem approach that aims at creating world-leading, next-generation mobility OEMs and suppliers. This ecosystem called “Software République” will allow Renault, other founding members and future partners to develop joined expertise, build European know-how and defend our sovereignty in key technologies from big data to electronics. It will also allow Renault to equip its vehicles with leading artificial intelligence and cyber-security systems.
- a Service brand, offering the best connectivity and high-tech services embedded natively in our vehicles. In 2022, Renault will be introducing My Link, a new infotainment system with Google Built-in. Renault will be the first carmaker to bring Google services to mass-market cars.
Becoming more intelligent everyday, our vehicles will gain value over time. They will also live longer. Further, Renault will try to break the consumerist cycle and generate value up until vehicles’ end-of-life, all thanks to its Re-Factory in Flins (France). The plant will recondition more than a 100,000 used cars per year, repurpose Diesel LCV and convert them into biogas and pure EV. Renault also has a clear advantage when it comes to second life and end of life of batteries. The control of these parts of the value chain has the potential to generate new business cases and value.
- a Clean Energy brand, becoming a leader of the energy transition. Challenging leaders on the hybrid markets thanks to its revolutionary E-TECH technology, Renault will sustain its leadership on the electric market with new families of products based on our two dedicated electric platforms CMF-EV and CMF-B EV. The brand will also offer market-ready, end-to-end hydrogen solutions for LCVs. The target is to reach the greenest mix in European market.
Where this really interests us is is that Renault plans to double-down on both electrification and mix improvement. With a new line up of vehicles on new platforms sharing a greater number of components, Renault plans 7 new all-electric models by 2025. Whether the company can achieve this remains to be seen; Renault and Nissan have both been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, and Renault plans to cut investment in electrification from 10 per cent of revenue to 8 per cent from this year.
Read the full press release here: RENAULT’S “ NOUVELLE VAGUE ”
