Nissan wants to lower EV prices with cheaper LFP batteries to rival BYD
Nissan plans to produce lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries as it looks to lower EV prices. With cheaper materials, the batteries are about 20% to 30% cheaper to build than lithium-ion batteries with NCM. The move will put it in direct competition with BYD, the leading LFP battery maker.
Nissan is developing LFP batteries to lower EV prices
Although Nissan was topped by China’s BYD in passenger vehicle sales in November, the automaker has a plan to regain its share.
According to a new report from Nikkei, Nissan plans to begin installing cheaper LFP batteries in electric vehicles. The EVs will be sold in emerging markets as early as 2026, according to the report.
Although LFP batteries are up to 30% cheaper to produce than lithium batteries with nickel, cobalt, and manganese (NCM), they also have less energy density.
LFP batteries have about 20% to 30% less driving range than NCM. However, that could be suitable in current regions. Nissan is currently developing the new battery tech at its R&D facility in Japan. The report mentions Nissan may build the LFP batteries in-house at its Yokohama plant, among other facilities.
Nissan expects the new batteries to be used in EVs as early as 2026. It’s currently looking for partners to advance the tech and could import from outside the company.
According to data from the China Automotive Battery Industry Innovation Alliance, BYD dominated the LFP battery market with a 41.1% market share through last November. Rival CATL was second with 33.9% of the share.
BYD’s Blade Battery is equipped on EVs being sold globally. The electric BYD Seal with BYD Blade has claimed range of up to 435 miles (700 km). BYD launched the electric sedan in Mexico last month, starting at $44,600 (778,800 pesos).
BYD’s Blade Battery played a key role in topping Tesla to become the global EV sales leader in the last three months of the year. The Chinese automaker sold nearly 1.6 million EVs last year as it expands into new overseas markets. Nissan could take a page from BYD.
Electrek’s Take
Although it took over a decade for Nissan to release its second EV, the Ariya, after the LEAF hit the market in 2010, Nissan looks to make up for lost time.
Nissan is already behind EV leaders like Tesla and BYD, but the automaker wants to get back on track.
Nissan’s CEO, Makota Uchidam, said the company needs to clean out the closet if it wants to remain competitive.
As part of its midterm update, the automaker is preparing to reveal a new EV plan to right the ship. Uchida said, “We cannot continue old ways of business from the past into the future.” The new strategy, expected to be introduced in March, will address how Nissan plans to compete with low-cost models from China.
Nissan said it will launch 19 new EVs by 2030, but that could change with a new strategy coming. Although Ariya sales (and production) are picking up, cheaper options could help Nissan regain competitiveness.
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With its tire-blistering acceleration and record-setting performance, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has been getting attention throughout the auto industry, impressing everyone who’s seen it. That “everyone” now seems to include the OG supercar brand, itself.
CarNewsChina posted pictures from a Weibo user that reportedly show a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra exiting the storied Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy. According to a Chinese blogger going by 西米露在博洛尼亚 (which seems to translate to “Sago Dessert in Bologna”), the prancing horse brand is actively benchmarking the Chinese hypercar for its own upcoming EV.
The SU7 Ultra was definitely coming from inside Ferrari’s facility. After verification, we learned this specific vehicle was officially purchased by Ferrari for testing, and the development of their next-generation electric platform.
Yet another Chinese auto blogger, 苏黎世贝勒爷, claims that Ferrari representatives visited Xiaomi headquarters last year, allegedly to discuss the joint development of next-generation high-performance EV motors.
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra made its debut last year, promising 1,548 hp, sub 2.0-second 0-60 mph times, and a top speed well over 200 mph – all at a price lower than a Tesla Model S Plaid or Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. The car sold out almost immediately after it was unveiled, racking up some 50,000 orders almost overnight.
The new electric benchmark
In the automotive world, “benchmarking” is a process in which car companies systematically tear down each others’ competitive products to compare everything from sound insulation, vehicle ride and handling, component materials, and even manufacturing methods against their own or against other industry leaders. The goal is to evaluate performance, cost, quality, and other key metrics, effectively figuring out “where they stand” in the market.
If Ferrari really did buy an SU7 to benchmark it against their own upcoming electric supercar, it’s more than just a curiosity – it could mean that the highest tiers of automotive innovation have shifted from West to East. Maybe forever.
Featured image via Xiaomi; sources throughout the post.
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We’re finally getting our first teases of the upgraded 2027 Chevy Bolt, built on GM’s battery/motor platform formerly known as Ultium. So far, so good for the vehicle, which will be revealed later this Fall.
Chevy took to social media today to tease the 2027 Chevy Bolt, saying, “You asked, we listened. The #ChevyBolt is back and better than ever. More this fall. 👀”
Chevy ended the original Bolt program with the 2023 model, which was loved by a loyal group of customers (including myself). Some of the major gripes, including charging speed and rear brake lights, already look to be addressed. Also, a new more aggressive fascia is debuting.
Electrek’s take
GM has done an incredible job keeping the 2027 Bolt under wraps. It will be the first GM vehicle with a native NACS port after the Cadillac Optiq-V, which we spied in Seattle last week.
Hopefully, the new Bolt will have improved charging speeds over and above the 54kW that previous Bolts adhered to. One possible downgrade is that the old Bolt’s amazing wireless CarPlay/Android Auto system will likely be replaced by GM’s move to Android’s built-in experience. For a few years, the Chevy Bolt was the most affordable long-range EV, and it won our 2022 Electrek car of the year for its versatility and price.
I would, of course, like to see the new Bolt as a hot hatchback, but GM CEO Mary Barra has hinted that it will likely take more of the EUV’s SUV form factor. Things like AWD options, SuperCruise, pricing, power and range are yet to be revealed, but stay tuned to Electrek for the latest on Bolt developments.
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On today’s test-acular episode of Quick Charge, it’s a new day and a new Chinese ADAS test for Tesla to conquer – but this one’s got a LOT more pedestrian carnage to parse through! We’ve also got some great e-bike deals from Retrospec and a bladder-busting Hyundai.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Retrospec – the makers of sleek, powerful e-bikes and outdoor gear built for everyday adventure! To that end, we’ve got a pair of Retrospec e-bike reviews followed up by the updated Hyundai IONIQ 6 with nearly 350 miles of range from its updated long-range battery. With that, Hyundai now has the longest range Korean EV on the market, while Texas is adding megawatts of battery energy storage to beef up its troubled grid, and it’s doing so faster and cheaper than ever before.
Plus: Quick Charge listeners can get an extra 10% off the price of their next awesome e-bike by using code ELECTREK10 at retrospec.com!
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If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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