Japanese daily Nikkei is reporting that Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi will use the same platform for their future electric vehicles. The three manufacturers plan to use the platform developed for the next generation of the Nissan LEAF, scheduled for production in 2018, as well as the battery and engine. This should lead to significant savings in production costs, and in turn be reflected in their vehicles’ sales prices.
Speaking to Automotive News, Renault-Nissan Alliance First Vice-President Arnaud Debœuf said that the Renault ZOE and the Nissan LEAF would have the same platform, while featuring distinct dimensions and designs. The two manufacturers would however continue to use their own battery systems.
It is not yet know when the other vehicles based on this platform will be produced, but many industry watchers in Europe are betting on 2020.