Pursuing Tesla, Nissan Increases Sales Of Electric Cars And Power Train Production In The United States

Nissan wants to increase the production of electric cars by up to 55 percent of its production. (photo: twitter @NissanElectric)

JAKARTA - Nissan Motor Co Ltd on Monday 27 February announced an increase in the sales target of electric cars and said it would increase production of power trains in the United States, as they seek to catch up in segments dominated by new automakers such as Tesla Inc.

The Japanese automotive company is a pioneer in an electric car with its battery-powered car, the Leaf. But it has faced difficulties with many other automotive companies in the face of increasingly fierce competition from new, more agile players.

Nissan is now targeting to own an electric vehicle - which includes an advanced e-power hybrid car - accounting for more than 55% of global sales by the 2030 fiscal year, up from its previous target of 50%, the company said.

The electric car percentage will increase to 44% in the fiscal year 2026 from the previous target of 40%. The automaker plans to produce 27 new electric vehicles by that year, 19 of which will be in the form of battery-powered electric cars, as described in a statement. That number increased from the previous plan of 23 electric vehicles covering 15 battery-powered electric cars.

In addition to producing electric cars at its factory in Smyrna, Tennessee, Nissan plans to produce power trains at its factory in Decherd, the same state, to help meet the requirements of the Inflation Reduction Act. This was conveyed by Chief Operating Officer Ashwani Gupta on Monday, February 27.

The company is researching the possibility of adding to the second battery source produced in the United States, which will add to the existing supply of Envision AESC. Nissan believes it will meet the requirements of the law as local production of batteries will begin in 2026. "IRA is a challenge, but on the other hand, it is an opportunity to accelerate competitive electrification," Gupta said at an online press conference.