Nissan to build EVs from 2010
May 13, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Nissan has today announced it will produce electric vehicles (EVs) at its Oppama Plant from September 2010.
The Oppama Plant is a core base of Nissan’s manufacturing and will be positioned as the model plant for best practices in EV production.
Once production begins the plant will have the capability to produce up to 50,000 units per year, which will continuously increase for the start of EV mass-marketing in 2012.
Motors and inverters, which are key components of EVs, will initially be built in the Zama Operations Centre before being moved to the Yokohama plant once EV production is in full swing.
In addition, Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC), one of Nissan’s affiliated companies based in Zama Operations Centre, will produce laminated-type compact lithium-ion batteries for EVs.
Aiming to a be a global leader in zero-emission vehicles, Nissan will continuously seek overseas production opportunities for EVs and sourcing of components.
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I think this is fairly convincing that EVs are going to be more important than hybrids or fuel cell cars in the Japanese market, not too long from now … I worry about the likely success of the hybrid camry in Australia, will it miss hybrid’s brief moment in the spotlight?
Amusing really, Nissan is looking at EV’s and is also looking at the Australian market, yet (as reported elsewhere) Ford have left it of the wish list for the Focus line in Aust. saying the market isn’t big enough. Also you still come back to the chicken or the egg questions with plug and play cars, where is the power sourced from and how clean is it’s generation?
Unfortunately I believe EV’s will be popular only in Hi Density low distance enviroments thus ruling out real effectiveness in Australia and the greater US market place. It is these areas that Hybrids and FCV’s will shine.
Agreed range and recharging time is an issue, but EV’s would be fine as commuter cars for most people. Out of the 20,000ks I do in my car each year, there would be maybe two or three trips that are longer than 150km.
I suppose it’s up to the car makers to convince consumers that it’s a good idea. If we can deal with charging an ipod/ phone etc every couple of days I think doing the same with the car won’t be an issue.
On another note, I look forward to manufacturers exploring the possibilities of packaging of EVs, seeing as you could place the batteries under a floor in flat layer and electric motors can be made much smaller and lighter than an ICE.
Frontman, I reckon once we get some good EV choices at good prices (<30K, 4 seats, looks like a car not a bread bin). Most People will quickly adopt EV’s just on the basis of running costs. Just think of the service, your electric motor is capable of 100K run service free , batteries seem to have a life varing from 100-300K. Regen braking means longer brake life. No belts, filters, sparks, no cooling system, no oil change and a dirt cheap to fill up.
A few manufactures are setting a benchmark of rapid charging of 80% charge in 30 minutes. Which is slow, but acceptable for long range trips. Its really a case of having lots of charging points.
And like Philthy, i do 25k per year with my annual trip to the snow being the biggest beyond the normal charge.
I would have one for sure, If it was a sports car type arrangement.
If i wan’t to go a long distance ill take my HZ