Nissan is exploring a mid-size electric pickup for US buyers that could look a lot like its current Frontier model.
Nissan may bring a Frontier-like electric pickup to the US
Although Nissan jumped out to an early start with electric vehicles, releasing the Leaf back in 2011, the company has watched its lead slip after taking over a decade to release its second EV.
Nissan finally announced prices for the 2023 Ariya electric crossover, starting at $43,190, after delaying it several times. With the company’s second electric vehicle hitting the market, Nissan looks to bring more production to the United States.
In February, the Japanese automaker announced it would invest $500 million in its Canton Vehicle Assembly plant in Mississippi to transform it into a “center for US production.” The plans include “two all-new, all-electric vehicles.”
Nissan didn’t specify what new EVs will be built, but with the Canton facility primarily manufacturing pickup trucks, one would assume it would be along those lines.
The Nissan Frontier, one of the automaker’s most recognized brands, in particular, is said to be in line for an electric upgrade. Speaking with Automotive News, Nissan advisory board chairman Tyler Slade said:
The Frontier Hardbody has been a part of Nissan’s brand for decades. It’s logical to bring an electric version.
Slade added that dealers are requesting a mid-size pickup, like the frontier, only electric. He said electric pickups offer advantages over gas-powered ones that can save owners money, explaining:
Trucks typically get the worst gas mileage. So, making them electric will reduce operating costs.
Nissan previously said production of the two electric vehicles at the Canton plant is planned to begin in 2025.
Electrek’s Take
Nissan isn’t the only automaker eyeing the smaller electric pickup segment. New reports suggest GM is considering a small electric pickup as part of its under $30K affordable EV portfolio.
The tiny GM pickup is expected to be smaller than the Nissan Frontier with a 4 to 4.5 ft long bed and a futuristic, sporty look.
Nissan’s electric pickup will go head-to-head with mid-size EV trucks like the Rivian R1T and future models from Ford, GM, Hyundai, and others. A smaller, affordable Nissan electric truck would be the right fit for the company’s portfolio, in my opinion, and would help the brand gain needed traction in the EV market.
How do you guys feel about a mid-size electric pickup from Nissan? Let us know in the comments.
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All US-made solar panels featured only imported solar cells until now, but two US manufacturers just struck a three-year, $400 million deal.
Canada-headquartered Heliene, which makes solar panels in Minnesota, will incorporate Georgia-based Suniva’s US-made monocrystalline silicon solar cells into its panels, and those “Made in the USA” panels will hit the market in mid-2024, thanks to a new three-year strategic sourcing contract between the two companies.
Heliene’s modules will be the first crystalline solar panels with US-made solar cells. Suniva says the catalyst for the pairing was solar project owners and developers wanting their projects to qualify for the 10% Domestic Content Bonus Investment Tax Credit. That’s achieved by using US-made cells based on the US Department of Treasury’s guidance published in May 2023 – and that’s in addition to the 30% IRA tax credit for renewable energy factories.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who visited Suniva’s Norcross, Georgia, factory yesterday, said, “Before this Administration, solar companies across the United States were struggling. Between 2016 and 2020, nearly 20% of solar manufacturing jobs were lost. Now, though there remain significant challenges, Inflation Reduction Act tax credits are helping change the game.”
Cristiano Amoruso, CEO of Suniva, said, “We are proud to fulfill our long-standing promise to bring back cell manufacturing to the United States at our Norcross facility.”
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After announcing plans to retire its best-selling SUV in Europe, the Macan, Porsche will do the same with its 718 Boxster and Cayman models.
Porsche retired the gas-powered Macan early due to new cybersecurity rules. Its availability ends in July 2024. The gas-powered 718 Boxster and Cayman are now set for the same fate.
In a statement to Auto Express, Porsche said as a result of the rule changes “sale of the 718 models with an internal combustion engine is discontinued in the EU and some states that apply EU legislation from now on, thereby ensuring that the vehicles can be delivered to customers and registered by the deadline.”
Porsche did note the 718 Cayman GT4 RS and 718 Spyder RS are not impacted “due to small series regulations.”
Although the regulation applies to all vehicles (ICE and EV), Porsche is preparing to launch an all-electric 718 model. It’s not expected to have any issues with the new rules.
Like with the Macan, updating the gas-powered version would be too costly with an electric model rolling out anyways.
Porsche’s electric 718 is getting closer to production ahead of its debut. We got a sneak peek of the EV this week after it was spotted testing in the Arctic Circle rocking production headlights.
The German automaker is expected to reveal the electric 718 model before the end of the year with deliveries kicking off in 2025. Porsche has already begun preparing its Zuffenhausen plant for the new EV.
Porsche CEO Oliver Blume confirmed plans to begin Macan EV deliveries later this year. Up next will be an electric 718 model followed by the long-awaited Cayenne EV.
Porsche said it’s expanding “upward” with plans for an ultra-luxury electric SUV, slated to sit above the Cayenne. Blume called it “a very sporting interpretation of an SUV.”
Despite several automakers pulling back Porsche is sticking to its target of an 80% EV delivery share by 2030.
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