Chapter 1: Nissan's Revival in the EV Arena

Nissan Surf-Out concept — Nissan

Once a dominant force in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, Nissan is now gearing up to reclaim its position. Their upcoming models promise to feature quicker charging, enhanced longevity, and lower prices compared to rivals. The Nissan Leaf was once a trailblazer, outselling the Tesla Model S until 2015. Despite this early success, Nissan has recently struggled, with underwhelming specifications and higher costs than many competitors. There was a prevailing sentiment that the company might fade into the background of the EV race. However, recent developments suggest a different narrative. Nissan appears to be crafting a strategy to not only lead but also transform the EV market!

What does this strategy entail? Nissan is collaborating closely with the esteemed University of Oxford to innovate solid-state batteries. They plan to establish a pilot production facility for these batteries in 2024, aiming to streamline the manufacturing process by 2026. Their ultimate goal is to launch a full-scale solid-state battery production facility and integrate these advanced batteries into vehicles by 2028!

To appreciate the significance of this initiative, it’s crucial to understand solid-state batteries. Often considered the ultimate breakthrough in EV battery technology, these batteries employ a solid electrolyte—commonly a ceramic—instead of a liquid one. This design translates to increased energy density, reduced sensitivity to temperature fluctuations, and significantly faster charging times. If production can be effectively scaled, these solid-state batteries could potentially be more affordable than current lithium-ion options.

However, the manufacturing challenges associated with solid-state batteries cannot be overlooked. The ceramic or glass electrolytes are notoriously brittle, complicating mass assembly and leading to substantial waste. This is why even industry leaders like Tesla and CATL have steered clear of solid-state technology, despite its potential advantages.

Yet, Nissan believes that with its partnership with Oxford University, it can manufacture solid-state cells at a commercial scale within a few years, with plans for mass production in cars by 2028!

How effective will these cells be?

Currently, specific details about their chemistry, cost, or energy density remain undisclosed. This is likely a strategic decision to protect their developments from competitors. What we do know is that these cells are capable of fast charging at a consistent 400 kW.

For context, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range can achieve a peak charging rate of 250 kW, although newer models may be capped at 210 kW. This peak rate is achieved only under optimal conditions, such as when the battery is near full or at the right temperature. In practical terms, a Model 3 typically charges at an average rate of 105 kW, taking about 29 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% using a 72 kWh battery.

In contrast, utilizing Nissan's 400 kW consistent charge rate, a vehicle equipped with a similarly sized battery could go from 10% to 80% in just 7 minutes and 33 seconds, making it one of the fastest charging batteries currently anticipated!

Moreover, Nissan’s cells are expected to be lighter and more compact than those produced by Tesla, allowing for a larger capacity battery. This raises the exciting possibility of Nissan offering an EV with a range exceeding 600 miles and a charging duration of under 20 minutes by 2028. Such advancements could position Nissan far ahead of its competitors.

The positive news from Nissan continues. They currently manufacture lithium-ion batteries in-house and are simultaneously developing two new generations of these batteries. Notably, these upcoming generations will be cobalt-free, enhancing their environmental sustainability, and are projected to be 65% cheaper than existing cells. This could potentially lower costs to about $89 per kWh, making them more economical than Tesla’s $104 per kWh 4680 cells. Therefore, even before the introduction of solid-state batteries, Nissan is already set to gain a significant cost advantage in the EV market.

Of course, there are numerous uncertainties surrounding these announcements. It's possible that their next-generation lithium-ion cells won't meet expectations or that the solid-state production facility could encounter unforeseen challenges. Nevertheless, Nissan has charted a promising course toward reclaiming its position at the forefront of the industry, driven by vehicles that are faster charging, offer longer ranges, and are more affordable than the competition. While it may be a long journey ahead, Nissan is certainly a company to watch in the coming years.

The first video showcases a panel discussion on the future of electric vehicles, highlighting Nissan's innovative approaches and the evolving EV ecosystem.

Chapter 2: The Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

The second video delves into the trials faced by Nissan, examining the near collapse of Japan's leading car brand and the strategies it is employing to navigate the storm.