It’s evident at this point that the majority of automakers are making significant adjustments to their plans and investments in electric vehicles. Nissan is no exception, as they are currently reevaluating their approach to electric vehicle production at their Canton, Miss., plant. According to a report from Automotive News, Nissan has instructed suppliers to halt development activities related to electric sedans until further notice.
This marks the second delay in Nissan’s timeline, with production now scheduled to begin in November 2026 instead of the initial plan for 2025. This delay also impacts a promised $500 million investment in the Canton facility for electric vehicle production.
The Canton plant currently produces the Altima, Frontier, and Titan models, with a capacity to assemble 410,000 units annually. Nissan’s projection for the current financial year ending in March 2025 is around 210,000 units, in part due to the discontinuation of the Titan pickup.
The revised plan is expected to prioritize the production of two or three crossovers before the sedan, accelerating the timeline for midsize crossovers initially slated for 2028. This new strategy will introduce a fifth model to the existing lineup, likely a third electric crossover known as PZ1L. The emphasis will be on shared parts and modular components in manufacturing.
As EV sales continue to grow, albeit at a slower pace than before, automakers are adjusting their strategies accordingly. Nissan’s sales saw a 7% increase in Q1 2023 compared to the previous year. The company aims to commence production of the electric sedan in November 2026, followed by the Infiniti version in April 2027.
In an interview with Reuters, a Nissan spokesperson mentioned, “We are adjusting the timeline for the introduction of these five new models to ensure we bring the vehicles to the market at the right time.”
FAQ
Q: What is Nissan’s revised timeline for electric vehicle production?
A: Nissan plans to start assembling electric vehicles in November 2026, with the Infiniti version following in April 2027.
Conclusion
Despite challenges and delays, Nissan is adapting its strategy to align with the evolving landscape of electric vehicle production. The focus on shared components and modular manufacturing processes reflects a commitment to efficiency and innovation in the future of automotive technology.
