The alliance between Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi has set out a five-year plan which will launch long-range fully electric vehicles across all main segments, based on shared technology.

Alliance CEO, Carlos Ghosn

Aiming to be the world’s biggest provider of mass-market, affordable electric vehicles, the companies have announced plans to develop shared, scalable platforms by the end of the decade, powered by a new ‘family’ of motors and batteries.

The product roll-out will be quick; 12 fully-electric vehicles by 2022, 70% of which will be on the new platforms, while battery technology will enable 400-mile ranges, recharging at a rate of almost 145 miles per 15 minutes plugged in. That’s three times faster than today’s typical charging speed.

Ongoing development of EV technology is expected to yield a 30% increase in battery cost by that point, compared to 2016, while better packaging will enable them to occupy less cabin space and offer more design freedom.

C and D-segment Renault and Nissan vehicles will also be offered with plug-in hybrid technology, sourced from Mitsubishi. The Outlander PHEV had recorded 80,768 cumulative sales globally at the end of 2016, and has been Europe’s biggest-selling plug-in hybrid for its first four years in the region.

Carlos Ghosn, chairman and chief executive officer of the Alliance, said: “By the end of our strategic plan Alliance 2022, we aim to double our annual synergies to €10 billion. To achieve this target, on one side Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors will accelerate collaboration on common platforms, powertrains and next-generation electric, autonomous and connected technologies. From the other side, synergies will be enhanced by our growing scale.

“Our total annual sales are forecast to exceed 14 million units, generating revenues expected at $240bn (£176.7bn) by the end of the plan.”

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