Nissan vows all-electric fleet by 2035, to be carbon-neutral by 2050

Feb 05, 2021 at 11:00 am by Michelle Willard

Nissan sets carbon neutral goal for 2050

On the heels of GMC announcing it will produce an all-electric fleet by 2035, Nissan Motor Co. has set the goal to achieve carbon neutrality across the company's operations and the life cycle of its products by 2050. As part of this effort, by the early 2030s every all-new Nissan vehicle offering in key markets will be electrified.

"We're determined to help create a carbon-neutral society and accelerate the global effort against climate change," said Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida. "Our offering in electrified vehicles will continue to expand around the world, and this will make a major contribution to Nissan becoming carbon-neutral. We will continue to drive innovation that enriches people's lives as we pursue a sustainable future for all."

Nissan's goal builds on its decades-long programs to reduce emissions and provide electric vehicle technologies that benefit the environment and society. The company's electrification and emissions reduction efforts support the aims of the U.N. Paris Agreement on climate change and global progress toward carbon neutrality by 2050.

Competitor GMC has already introduced an all-electric Hummer (that starts at only $112,000!), which is probably the most iconic gas guzzler on the market. 

Nissan, on the other hand, plans to capitalize on its existing battery tech, as well as invest in further innovations in electrification and manufacturing technology to make progress on the company's carbon neutrality goal in the following strategic areas:

• Battery innovations including solid-state and related technologies to develop cost-competitive and more efficient electric vehicles;
• Further development of Nissan's e-POWER electrified powertrains to achieve greater energy efficiency;
• Development of a battery ecosystem to support decentralized, onsite power generation for buildings with renewable energy sources. Nissan anticipates increased collaboration with the energy sector to support the decarbonization of power grids;

• Manufacturing process innovations to support higher productivity in vehicle assembly, starting with the Nissan Intelligent Factory initiative. The company will also strive for greater energy and material efficiencies to support longer-term carbon neutrality ambitions.

Nissan's ambition also expands upon past initiatives under the Nissan Green Program and the company's ongoing work to minimize the carbon footprint of its products and operations. The company introduced the world's first mass-market electric car, the Nissan LEAF, and has sold more than 500,000 of the zero-emission vehicle to date. Nissan also continues to work with industry coalitions and authorities to develop infrastructure and raise public awareness about the benefits of electric vehicles.

With 100% of all-new vehicle offerings to be electrified in the key markets of Japan, China, the U.S. and Europe by the early 2030s, Nissan will also be among the leaders in driving the adoption of electric vehicle technology.

Nissan believes the automotive industry can be a driving force in meeting global environmental and climate needs through a commitment to innovation and impact reduction by collaborating with authorities and partners worldwide. When combined with the expansion of renewable energy and charging infrastructure, vehicle electrification and sustainable operations can help accelerate the arrival of a carbon-neutral future.

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