Nissan has announced it has surpassed one million global sales of electric vehicles, with almost a third of those having been to customers in Europe. Representing a major milestone for the Japanese brand and reasserting its long term vision, called Ambition 2030, which ultimately aims for the company to be carbon neutral across the life cycle of its products and operations by 2050. Nissan will introduce 23 new electrified models, including 15 new EVs by 2030, targeting 50% electrification globally across the Nissan and INFINITI brands. The company also aims to launch EVs powered by all solid state batteries developed in house by 2028.

Sustainability for Nissan started with the launch of the Nissan LEAF in December 2010. Since then, more than 650,000 units have been sold worldwide and the car continues to be sold in markets like Japan, the U.S and Europe. European production was moved to Nissan’s Sunderland Plant in the UK and more than 263,000 have been sold in Europe to date. It has proved popular with the critics also, with the original LEAF winning European Car of the Year and World Car of the Year. Looks wise, the original LEAF wasn’t my cup of tea, but since then Nissan has opted for a more dynamic shape and I can see hints of the Ford Fiesta or even Honda Civic in its design now.

More recently, in 2022, Nissan began sales of the Ariya all-electric crossover, featuring more modern technology like all-wheel control and advanced driver support. Whilst it wasn’t as popular with the critics as the LEAF was when first released, it did manage 3rd place at the 2023 European Car of the Year awards.

Sustainable production hasn’t just been limited to cars either, as Nissan launched its first electric van in Europe in the form of the e-NV200 in 2014, which sold more than 45,000 units across the continent before being replaced by the Nissan Townstar EV in early 2023.

With Hyundai also aiming for carbon neutrality by 2045, the Asian brands appear to be leading the way when it comes to sustainability promises. The viability of electric vehicles in the UK is still up for debate, with even a Panorama special dedicated to looking into whether Britain is ready for the electric revolution. However, for Nissan, passing the million mark will feel like a significant step in the battle to convince people into widespread ownership.

Cumulative Nissan EV sales by region

Japan - 230,000
North America - 210,000
Europe - 320,000
China - 230,000
Other regions - 10,000

Total - 1,000,000 

Words: Mike Booth
Picture: Nissan