Nissan today unveiled the all-new Sakura electric minivehicle (Kei car) in Japan. Sales of the newest addition to Nissan’s EV lineup are scheduled to start in the market this summer.

Named after the iconic Japanese cherry blossom, the Sakura’s affordable price provides more consumer choice in the EV market.

The Sakura EV takes the minivehicle class to the next level. Its nimble handling and 4.8 meter turning radius allows drivers to execute sharp maneuvers with ease. Despite its size, the Sakura has a spacious interior and an ample driving range, making it perfect for daily driving needs such as commuting and shopping. It also features ProPILOT Park, an automated system designed to make parking easier and driving more pleasurable.

Powerful, smooth driving performance
The Sakura features the instant, smooth power and quietness that are the hallmarks of EVs. Equipped with advanced control technology and a motor producing 47 kW and 195 Nm of torque, the Sakura’s quick and steady acceleration makes merging on highways effortless. Meanwhile, the technology Nissan has cultivated through its development of the LEAF over more than a decade has enabled the Sakura to have the highest level of cabin quietness in the minivehicle class.

Three drive modes — Eco, Standard and Sport — provide optimal performance for different situations. Using e-Pedal Step, the driver can decelerate smoothly and steadily by easing off the accelerator pedal — an action that also charges the battery through regenerative braking. The Sakura’s speed can be modulated using just the accelerator pedal. This makes driving more enjoyable on city streets, where repeated acceleration and deceleration are necessary, and on snow-covered roads that require smooth deceleration.

In addition, the Sakura’s low center of gravity enhances stability and offers superior ride comfort over uneven road surfaces.

State-of-the-art e-powertrain
The Sakura is equipped with a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery that has a track record of performance and reliability in the LEAF. Thanks to the special stacking method of its cells, the battery is compact, allowing the Sakura to have a spacious interior. Yet it offers a range of up to 180 km (based on WLTC Japan cycle), making it perfect for daily use. The battery can also be used as a mobile power source during emergencies and provide a day’s worth of electricity to a home.

Advanced driving systems — a first for minivehicles
In addition to the ProPILOT driver assistance system, the Sakura is equipped with the ProPILOT Park system — a minivehicle first. ProPILOT Park automatically controls steering, acceleration, braking, shifting and the parking brake while parking. These advanced technologies enhance driving ease and pleasure, from city streets and parking lots to highways.

Scheduled to go on sale in Japan this summer, the Sakura is priced starting at approximately 1.78 million yen (including consumption tax and the clean energy vehicle subsidy).

Nissan Sakura Specifications:
▪ Length/width/height/wheelbase – 3,395/1,475/1,655/2,495 mm
▪ Kerb weight – 1,070-1,080 kg
▪ Cargo volume – 107 litre
▪ Engine – Electric
▪ Max output – 47 kW (64 hp)
▪ Max torque – 195 Nm
▪ Transmission – Single speed, FWD
▪ Battery capacity – 20 kWh
▪ Top speed – 130 km/h
▪ Driving range – 180 km

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Video Timeline
0:00 – Driving
3:58 – Interior
6:13 – Exterior