It looks like the future will be both electric and compact for Japanese carmakers.
Toyota recently unveiled its ultra-compact two-seater BEV, while Daihatsu announced that it will be electrifying one of its quirky SUVs. Now, it appears Nissan and Mitsubishi are looking to develop their own affordable electric minicar, this one to be revealed sometime in 2022.
According to a report by Nikkei Asia, the two automakers are looking to jointly develop a small EV that will be priced similarly to a conventional gasoline car. In fact, the two companies are aiming at keeping the sticker price below ¥2 million (less than P900,000).
To keep the costs low, the platform and battery will be shared between the two carmakers. The battery, which acounts for 30% of the cost of an EV, will also be kept small so as to further reduce costs. The range is expected to be limited to around 200km, which is just right for a small vehicle that’ll be used to drive short distances around and across cities.
How the new vehicle will look like or what it’ll have to offer, however, is still a complete mystery at this point. But we’re expecting something like the Nissan IMk concept from the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show—yes, the same one pictured above—or the Mitsubishi MiEV.
In any case, what do you think, readers? Are you looking forward to seeing what Nissan and Mitsubishi will come up with? Tell us in the comments.
