Forget Tesla – this $13,000 tiny car is Japan's best-selling EV

[艹艹艹]

Forget Tesla – this $13,000 tiny car is Japan's best-selling EV​

Oct 24, 2023, 6:36 PM GMT+8


The Sakura is Japan's best-selling EV. SOPA Images/Getty Images

• The 11-foot-long Nissan Sakura is Japan's best-selling electric vehicle, data from Bloomberg shows.
• The $13,000 "kei car" has left rivals such as Tesla in the dust.
• Mini kei trucks are taking off in the US, with some being sold for as little as $5,000.

Tesla may dominate the global EV market — but for drivers in Japan, a $13,000 tiny car is proving a better investment.

Data compiled by Bloomberg shows the Sakura — a $13,000 minicar developed jointly by Nissan and Mitsubishi — is the best-selling electric car in Japan this year, accounting for about half of all EVs sold in the country so far this year. Bloomberg reported that the cost of the vehicle included government subsidies.

The Sakura launched last year and has quickly become a phenomenon in its home country, winning Japan's car of the year in 2022. The 11-foot-long car has a range of 180 kilometers on a single charge and can get up to speeds of 130 kilometers an hour.

The cozy interior of the Nissan Sakura. SOPA Images/Getty Images

With 35,099 vehicles sold this year, the Sakura has far outperformed its rivals — including Tesla. The automaker, owned by Elon Musk, may dominate the EV market in the West, but in Japan, its larger passenger cars lag behind smaller electric vehicles, which are known as "kei cars."

It makes for a more challenging market for Tesla, which slashed prices of its Model 3 and Y electric cars in Japan earlier this year. The Chinese EV giant BYD, backed by Warren Buffett and closing in on Tesla globally, also started selling its cars in Japan in January.

Kei cars are extremely popular in Japan, especially in rural areas with little public transport. Their cousins, kei trucks, have become increasingly in demand in the US in recent years.

Kei trucks such as the Daihatsu Hijet have become increasingly popular in the US TORU YAMANAKA/Getty Images

These 11-foot-long pick-up trucks, such as the Suzuki Carry and the Daihatsu Hijet, can cost as little as $5,000 and are very economical to run — although vehicles under 25 years old are subject to tight restrictions in the US.

Despite this, they have become popular in parts of rural America, with the diminutive Japanese vehicles being used on ranches, as delivery vehicles, and even as beekeeper wagons.

 

[REhorror]

I want this in Vietnam.

Mini-cars are the future here.

@Menthol you were asking about good japanese products, here's another!

 

[Stranagor]

Forget Rolls-Royce. KEI cars dominate Japan's EV market.

Daihatsu.

Both are cool.

 

[REhorror]

I'm surprised the japanese don't try to export kei cars.
Would buy them in a heartbeat!

 

[Menthol]

I want this in Vietnam.

Mini-cars are the future here.

@Menthol you were asking about good japanese products, here's another!

In Indonesia, there's a Wuling Air EV.

A similar city car, but pricey. around USD 15.000 for the lowest level.

To be honest, for a car like that, it should be around USD 7000-8000.

It's a small and very minimum car.

I'm surprised the japanese don't try to export kei cars.
Would buy them in a heartbeat!

In Indonesia, it will be popular as well.

What Indonesia needs is a very cheap car.

Small is not a problem, as long as it's a car, instead of driving a motorcycle.

A car is far more comfortable compared with a motorcycle, not to mention for delivering goods and a family car.


Chinese car in Indonesia is not cheap thou.

They sell more expensive models, on the same level as Honda CR-V and HR-V, while what we need is a very cheap car.

The cheapest cars in Indonesia are Japanese brands like Toyota and Daihatsu instead.

 

[REhorror]

In Indonesia, there's a Wuling Air EV.

A similar city car, but pricey. around USD 15.000 for the lowest level.

To be honest, for a car like that, it should be around USD 7000-8000.

It's a small and very minimum car.



In Indonesia, it will be popular as well.

What Indonesia needs is a very cheap car.

Small is not a problem, as long as it's a car, instead of driving a motorcycle.

A car is far more comfortable compared with a motorcycle, not to mention for delivering goods and a family car.


Chinese car in Indonesia is not cheap thou.

They sell more expensive models, on the same level as Honda CR-V and HR-V, while what we need is a very cheap car.

The cheapest cars in Indonesia are Japanese brands like Toyota and Daihatsu instead.

Wuling is making a killing there because it's only a 2-seater yet it costs more than the Nissan Sakura

This is manufactured in Indonesia too.

Might as well get a gas car at that price.

 

[Viet]

Forget Tesla – this $13,000 tiny car is Japan's best-selling EV​

Oct 24, 2023, 6:36 PM GMT+8


The Sakura is Japan's best-selling EV. SOPA Images/Getty Images

• The 11-foot-long Nissan Sakura is Japan's best-selling electric vehicle, data from Bloomberg shows.
• The $13,000 "kei car" has left rivals such as Tesla in the dust.
• Mini kei trucks are taking off in the US, with some being sold for as little as $5,000.

Tesla may dominate the global EV market — but for drivers in Japan, a $13,000 tiny car is proving a better investment.

Data compiled by Bloomberg shows the Sakura — a $13,000 minicar developed jointly by Nissan and Mitsubishi — is the best-selling electric car in Japan this year, accounting for about half of all EVs sold in the country so far this year. Bloomberg reported that the cost of the vehicle included government subsidies.

The Sakura launched last year and has quickly become a phenomenon in its home country, winning Japan's car of the year in 2022. The 11-foot-long car has a range of 180 kilometers on a single charge and can get up to speeds of 130 kilometers an hour.

The cozy interior of the Nissan Sakura. SOPA Images/Getty Images

With 35,099 vehicles sold this year, the Sakura has far outperformed its rivals — including Tesla. The automaker, owned by Elon Musk, may dominate the EV market in the West, but in Japan, its larger passenger cars lag behind smaller electric vehicles, which are known as "kei cars."

It makes for a more challenging market for Tesla, which slashed prices of its Model 3 and Y electric cars in Japan earlier this year. The Chinese EV giant BYD, backed by Warren Buffett and closing in on Tesla globally, also started selling its cars in Japan in January.

Kei cars are extremely popular in Japan, especially in rural areas with little public transport. Their cousins, kei trucks, have become increasingly in demand in the US in recent years.

Kei trucks such as the Daihatsu Hijet have become increasingly popular in the US TORU YAMANAKA/Getty Images

These 11-foot-long pick-up trucks, such as the Suzuki Carry and the Daihatsu Hijet, can cost as little as $5,000 and are very economical to run — although vehicles under 25 years old are subject to tight restrictions in the US.

Despite this, they have become popular in parts of rural America, with the diminutive Japanese vehicles being used on ranches, as delivery vehicles, and even as beekeeper wagons.

Good car
lets see if German carmakers can offer similar cars. Good for inner cities.
I recently visited Audi showroom. EVs with Samsung batteries selling prices not under 100,000 euros. That is too much.

 

[StraightEdge]

Wuling is making a killing there because it's only a 2-seater yet it costs more than the Nissan Sakura
View attachment 965583
This is manufactured in Indonesia too.

Might as well get a gas car at that price.

This has been replaced by Bingo.

 

[REhorror]

This has been replaced by Bingo.
View attachment 965639

View attachment 965640

Cute!

 

[Menthol]

Wuling is making a killing there because it's only a 2-seater yet it costs more than the Nissan Sakura
View attachment 965583
This is manufactured in Indonesia too.

Might as well get a gas car at that price.

Version sold in Indonesia is 4 seaters.

The car itself is pretty basic.

 

[StraightEdge]

Version sold in Indonesia is 4 seaters.

The car itself is pretty basic.

Yes, it's too basic. You are better off looking at Bingo or new BYD Seagull. Seagull should have NA-Ion battery in 2024 which will make it even more cheaper. Bingo is also great design and good value for money.

 

[艹艹艹]

This has been replaced by Bingo.
View attachment 965639

View attachment 965640

Sales of Wuling Bingo exceeded 26,000 in Oct, and cumulative sales exceeded 150,000​

 

[StraightEdge]

Sales of Wuling Bingo exceeded 26,000 in Oct, and cumulative sales exceeded 150,000​

View attachment 967143

That's expected, nice looking car. Younger people will love this. I would have bought 1 if it was available here.

 

[艹艹艹]

This dainty $13,000 EV is beating Tesla in Japan. Owners say it's better at narrow roads and city driving.

Nov 6, 2023, 7:56 PM GMT+8

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - 2022/05/23: The Nissan Sakura on display at Nissan Gallery in Yokohama, Kanagawa. SOPA Images

• The Nissan Sakura was the best-selling EV in Japan this year.
• Drivers told Insider the tiny car is a "blast" to drive and perfect for driving in busy cities.
• The Sakura is a rare success story for Japan's EV industry, which lags behind the rest of the world.

Japan's best-selling EV is a tiny car that sells for just $13,000 — and drivers have told Insider exactly what they like best about it.

Data compiled by Bloomberg has shown that the Sakura, an electric "kei car" jointly developed by Nissan and Mitsubishi, is the best-selling electric car in Japan this year, accounting for around half of all EVs sold in the country in 2023.

The miniature vehicle has sold 35,099 units, outperforming domestic competition and well-known imports like Tesla. It is currently not available to buy outside of Japan.

Nissan told Insider that prices for the Sakura start at 2.5 million yen ($16,700), with Japan's government offering a national subsidy of 550,000 yen ($3,600) for customers who buy domestic electric cars. Hence, it comes out at just over $13,000.

There are also several add-ons that can drive up the price, including assist steering, USB power sockets, extra speakers, and airbags.

The diminutive Nissan Sakura is Japan's best-selling EV this year. SOPA Images/Getty Images

The Sakura is ideal for city driving​

Michael Brown, who lives in Higashimurayama City in the western suburbs of Tokyo, bought his Nissan Sakura in 2022 for 3.1 million yen ($20,700).

Having previously owned a Nissan Leaf, Brown and his wife decided they wanted a smaller electric vehicle to travel around the suburbs of Tokyo.

They ultimately settled on a Sakura, and have been satisfied so far — even if driving the 11-foot car took some getting used to.

"At first, it felt so light and like it might tip over during a turn," he said. "It feels perfectly normal now."

"We don't drive it every day — we mainly cycle and use buses and trains for most trips, so we tend to use the car on days when the weather isn't good and for trips to the grocery store," he added.

Brown says that the Sakura is ideally suited to a country like Japan, where excellent public transport means there is less need for cars with a bigger range.

He told Insider that his Sakura will travel 150 to 165 kilometers on a single charge, and he generally charges it once a week.

The Nissan Sakura is capable of traveling around 180km on a single charge. SOPA Images/Getty Images
"I think the Sakura is so popular because the appetite for a car like this has been present for a while, and now that it's here, people are quick to get one," Michael said.

"A smaller electric car is more sustainable and suits a lot of people's actual driving needs. I think that's at least partly why bigger electric cars, like Teslas, are not so popular here," he added.

'It takes off like a rocket'​

Kei cars are popular in Japan as they are economical to run and can navigate Japan's narrow roads with ease.

One Sakura owner who also posted about the car on Reddit told Insider they bought it with all available add-ons apart from automatic parking for 3.3 million yen ($22,000) and received a 55,000 yen ($370) rebate from the Japanese government.

"The Sakura is a blast to drive," they said. "It's a lot more comfortable and quiet than a combustion engine kei car.

"It takes off like a rocket from a standing start and can climb hill and mountain roads like a full-sized car with all that torque," they added.

The interior of the Nissan Sakura. RICHARD A. BROOKS/Getty Images
The success of the Sakura is a rare win for Japan's electric vehicle sector. Despite being home to famed automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Suzuki, Japan has lagged behind other nations in transitioning to EVs.

Battery-powered vehicles and hybrids accounted for 13% of all cars sold globally in 2022, but only 2% in Japan.

Larger imported EVs made by companies like Tesla have struggled to make inroads into Japan, partly because of their steep price tags but also because of Japan's lack of charging infrastructure.

Brown said that Japanese automakers have "dragged their feet" in developing a wide range of electric cars for consumers — something that he thinks might now be changing thanks to the Sakura's popularity.

"I think Japanese automakers underestimated the appeal of electric cars here for a long time," he said.

He continued: "There is always demand for kei cars here, but for a long time there wasn't a serious effort to make and market an electric kei car to households."

 

[RescueRanger]

I'll stick with my carbon emitting gas guzzling billorani thanks