Nissan adds new EV to Sakura line in Japan, Mitsubishi introduces eK X

The five-door four-seater Sakura gets a 20-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a 47-kilowatt engine. It covers a range of 180 kilometers (111 miles) based on the WLTC Japan cycle.

Although the range is meager compared to the big EVs on the market today, Nissan says Sakura’s performance is “perfect for everyday use”, especially in very urban Japan.

After a subsidy of 550,000 yen ($ 4,300), Sakura’s price starts at 1.78 million yen ($ 13,900) when it goes on sale this summer.

The eK X EV has the same engine, battery and range specifications. Its addition brings the EV passenger car to the Mitsubishi lineup after the gradual exit of the i-MiEV. Mitsubishi was one of the first EV participants, but it did focused on sham hybrids in recent years.

Sakura has the same elegant, modern style as Ariya, with a closed view with a grill and a retired shield for a high-tech feel. Mitsubishi gets a sturdy X-shaped front of this brand with noticeable side lighting that can be seen in the redesigned Outlander crossover.

Both vehicles are manufactured at the Mitsubishi assembly plant in Mizushima in western Japan as part of the NMKV Co. joint venture. for the production of mini-cars.

Nissan has strengthened it alliance with Mitsubishi in 2016, when then-Nissan chairman Carlos Gon arranged for the purchase of a controlling 34 percent stake in Mitsubishi.