Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi announce plans to scale up electrification ahead of 2030

The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance has announced a huge investment into electric cars as the brand scales up its plans for its ‘2030 roadmap’. 

The three global brands aim to work together more closely to help share resources and bring costs down. It’s Nissan and Renault that are the main focus here, with Mitsubishi withdrawing from the UK car market last year. 

As part of a €23bn (£19.18bn) investment into electrification, by 2030, the three firms will introduce 35 new EVs (for global markets, not just the UK), with 90 per cent of these based on five newly developed electric car platforms.

The most important platform is called ‘CMF-EV’, and will be used for 15 of these new electric cars alone. These include the new Nissan Ariya and Renault Megane E-Tech Electric, both of which launch in the coming months. By 2030, the Alliance says 1.5 million cars will have been produced with this platform.

The ‘CMF-BEV’ platform will also play a key part, with this set to be used from 2024 on Renault’s upcoming electric 5, while Nissan has today confirmed an EV replacement for the Micra, which will also use this setup. It’s said to offer greater power, efficiency and reduced cost compared to those used currently. 

Speaking of battery costs, the Alliance wants to reduce the price of these by 50 per cent in 2026, by scaling up the production capacity for EVs. Nissan will also lead the research into solid-state battery technology, which will allow for greater ranges and reduced charging times.

The three firms are also working on a ‘smart differentiation’ policy, which means that the cars will use shared powertrains and technology, but will be very different when it comes to the way they look. 

Jean-Dominique Senard, chairman of the Alliance, said: “Among the world’s automotive leaders, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance is a proven, unique model. For 22 years, we have been building on our respective cultures and strengths for our common benefit.

“The three member companies have defined a common roadmap towards 2030, sharing investments in future electrification and connectivity projects. These are massive investments that none of the three companies could make alone. Together, we are making the difference for a new and global sustainable future; the Alliance becoming carbon neutral by 2050.”