Nissan wants South African government intervention on electric cars – Less than 100 Nissan Leafs sold in SA
Car manufacturer Nissan believes SA will be left behind in the electric vehicle (EV) market if government does not have clear policy on how to roll out the technology.
In an interview with ITWeb on the sidelines of the Nissan Experience Series event in Pretoria yesterday, Mike Whitfield, MD of Nissan Group of Africa, said most countries across the globe are already moving away from internal combustion engines and SA cannot afford to be left behind.
He cited a recent report by Boston Consulting Group, saying pure EVs will not begin to gain serious traction in most global markets until after 2025 and will likely account for only 14% of total global vehicle production by 2030.
By then, the study says, improved battery technology, lower costs and government mandates will drive greater consumer demand for EVs.
Whitfield pointed out that whether we like it or not, electric cars are happening. "If we don't embrace the technology now, we are going to find out that we do not have the local content manufacturing capability, and the depth of localisation of those technologies will be lacking."
Nissan has already launched its EV, the Nissan Leaf, in SA. According to Whitfield, the second generation Leaf will be coming to SA late next year. The company has sold over 300 000 units globally. However, in SA the company has sold less than 100 cars.
See https://www.itweb.co.za/content/PmxVE7KX6GEMQY85
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Nissan wants SA govt intervention on electric cars | ITWeb SA will be left behind in the electric vehicle market if government does not have clear policy on how to roll out the tech, says Nissan. |