Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. has set the goal of achieving carbon neutrality across the company’s operations by 2050. This includes the life cycle of Nissan and Infiniti products. The goal expands on the current plant to electrify every generationally new Nissan vehicle offering in key markets by 2030. Key markets include China, Japan, Europe, and North America.
“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.”
The plan centers around four main ideas when it comes to hybrid, battery electric, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The company is planning to innovate batteries and related technologies to develop cost-competitive and more efficient electric vehicles. Nissan’s e-POWER electrified powertrain technology will achieve greater efficiency. Collaboration with the energy sector will result in the development of a battery ecosystem to support decentralized, onsite power generation for buildings. Additionally, higher manufacturing productivity will be the result of innovations in material efficiencies.
Nissan is setting the goal to be carbon neutral across its entire product life cycle, not just in the manufacturing process.Photo courtesy of Nissan North America
The life cycle of a vehicle includes everything from the raw material extraction to manufacturing to vehicle use to end-of-life recycling.
The automaker recently introduced the Nissan Ariya, the company’s first all-electric crossover. It’s expected to reach U.S. shores later this year.
Nissan isn’t the only automaker taking a hard look at sustainability. General Motors is actively working to lessen its carbon footprint. GM has worked to turn trash into car parts and taken steps to change the power used by its Tennessee plant. Additionally GM is spending billions to retool plants and revolutionize its product lineup to better align with the goals of the U.N. Paris Agreement. Nissan is also a big supporter of the Paris plan.
Ford has also prioritized carbon neutrality in its future plans.
