Nissan India, the local division of the Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Corp., is exploring various eco-friendly vehicle technologies, such as hybrids and CNG, tailored for the Indian market. As part of its mid-term strategy in collaboration with Renault, the company aims to introduce an “affordable” electric vehicle (EV) by 2026, according to a senior executive’s announcement on Friday. This initiative aligns with Nissan’s efforts to meet the new Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) emissions standards set to be implemented in India by 2027.
Frank Torres, the divisional vice president for the AMIEO regions at Nissan, highlighted that although the company’s affordable electric vehicle will be crucial for complying with emissions standards, India’s shift towards cleaner fuels will require a “combination of technologies.
India’s Slow Growth of Electric Vehicles
Although the government is promoting electrification, the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) among consumers has been slow as the initial wave of early adopters begins to fade. Nissan indicated that it is being strategic about when to introduce its EV in India. The company plans to launch a locally-produced model that aligns with actual customer demand, which could increase as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) work to comply with stringent carbon dioxide emission regulations set for 2027.
Torres noted that while India’s electric vehicle adoption might not hit 25% by 2030, it could still outpace global trends. The upcoming affordable EV, expected to launch in 2026, is being developed for both local and international markets. Nissan aims to capture a 3% market share by 2026, which would triple its current sales. Additionally, the company plans to double its export offerings, positioning India as a crucial export hub to effectively utilize its $700 million investment in the country.
Nissan’s strategy for India is supported by a $700 million investment in partnership with Renault. This funding will be used to develop six new models—three from each company—set to be produced at their shared facility in Chennai. Nissan has already introduced the first of these models, the new Magnite, which is currently the brand’s only mass-market offering in India, starting at a price of ₹5.99 lakh ex-showroom.
