Nissan announces battery development joint venture

NISSAN has announced it is teaming up with Japanese manufacturer Sunwoda ElectricVehicle Battery Company, in order to study the development of next-generation batteries for Nissan vehicles.

The joint venture will specifically be concerned with battery technology for Nissan’s e-Power hybrid powertrains, as the brand anticipates a spike in electrified vehicle sales over coming years.

In order to prepare for the increased volume of electrified vehicles, the two companies will also discuss the development of a battery production system that would allow stable supply capacity for the batteries.

A specialist in lithium-ion batteries, Sunwoda primarily produces batteries for consumer electronics and automotive products, while also sporting research and development capabilities.

Nissan’s e-Power propulsion system consists of an electric motor that directly powers the wheels, while driving range is extended by a petrol engine that generates energy to top up the electric motor’s battery.

While no Australian models currently feature e-Power powertrains, the technology is available overseas on models including the Note hatch and Serena people mover.

Under the bonnet of the Serena, the e-Power system produces 100kW/320Nm with a combined fuel consumption of just 0.05L/100km, while in the e-Note it produces 80kW/250Nm, with around 700km of driving range.

Nissan plans to introduce e-Power offerings into the B and C segments in the near future, with the end goal of one million electrified vehicle sales by the end of the 2023 financial year. 

The Japanese car-maker will aim to strengthen its competitiveness particularly in the Chinese market, where electrified vehicles have proven particularly popular.

An increase in electrified Nissan vehicle sales could also have a positive effect on the Nissan Casting Australia Plant (NCAP) in Melbourne’s south-east, which produces inverter water jackets for the Note, as well as die-cast aluminium inverter covers for the Leaf EV.