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According to InsideEVs, unlike in the US, where larger vehicles with powerful engines dominate the market share, in Japan, Kei cars are gaining popularity among consumers. Kei cars are the smallest passenger vehicles permitted on Japanese roads, with maximum dimensions of 3,400mm in length, 1,480mm in width, and 2,000mm in height.
And it’s not any model from Toyota, Honda, or Nissan that is the best-selling electric vehicle in the land of cherry blossoms. It’s the Nissan Sakura, priced at just $15,000, or over 381 million VND. With a length of 3,352mm, a width of 1,463mm, and a height of 1,645mm, the Sakura is powered by a 63 horsepower engine and equipped with a 20.0 kWh battery, offering a range of 178 kilometers on a single charge. Impressively, it can charge from 10-80% in just 20 minutes and even has a function to power external electronic devices.
This compact model offers a stunning 15 different color combinations, catering to a wide range of users. It’s no surprise that Nissan has sold 37,140 units in Japan since the beginning of the year, according to Wards Auto, capturing nearly half of the country’s electric vehicle sales. The company even had to temporarily stop taking orders due to overwhelming demand.
However, there’s bad news for consumers in Vietnam and other countries as Nissan currently only sells the Sakura model in the Japanese market and has no plans for expansion, especially in the US. This is due to the 63 horsepower engine not being suitable for American highways, and vehicles with an EPA range below 160 kilometers tend to underperform in the US market. Additionally, even city cars that are more compatible with US highways, such as the Honda Fit, Mitsubishi Mirage, and Ford Fiesta, have been discontinued in that market.
Similarly, in Japan and Vietnam, the VinFast VF 3, a small electric car, has captured the hearts of consumers. This model immediately caught the attention of Vietnamese consumers when billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong revealed his plans for it, and it has become a phenomenon in the automotive industry this year. VF 3 is currently Vietnam’s best-selling electric car, with nearly 5,000 units sold in November 2024 alone, according to VinFast. With a length of 3,190mm and a width of 1,679mm, this mini electric car is perfect for city driving, offering a generous ground clearance of 191mm. It’s powered by an electric motor that delivers up to 43 horsepower and 110 Nm of torque, paired with a lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 18.64 kWh, enabling a range of up to 210 kilometers on a single charge. Fast charging can take the battery from 10% to 70% in just 36 minutes.
According to InsideEVs
The Ultimate In-House System: VinFast’s Revolutionary Approach to Manufacturing.
This facility plays a pivotal role in the initial stages of vehicle manufacturing. It is where the magic begins, with skilled technicians and state-of-the-art equipment coming together to lay the foundation for what will eventually become a sleek, powerful automobile.
The Billionaire’s Joy: VinFast’s Success Story
VinFast’s stock has soared, pushing its valuation to an impressive $11.85 billion. This surge in value places the company sixth among the world’s most valuable electric vehicle manufacturers, following closely behind industry leaders such as Tesla, Xiaomi, Li Auto, Rivian, and XPeng.
Masan Pumps an Additional VND 510 Billion into Sherpa to Acquire Lithium-ion Battery Maker
With a deft hand and an eye for detail, I weave a new introduction that captivates and enthralls, leaving the previous paragraph in the dust. The sentence, crafted with precision and an unparalleled command of the English language, now reads:
“Masan Group bolstered its investment in Sherpa with a substantial capital injection, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to the venture.”
The Electric Car Conundrum: Why the Rich are Choosing Luxury Electric Vehicles Over Gas Guzzlers
The affluent in Vietnam opt for luxury electric cars without worrying about the lack of widespread public charging stations. They can effortlessly install a charging station at their residence and even have dedicated staff to take care of their vehicles and handle the charging process.
China Launches Another Car Carrier Vessel Bound for Europe: Nearly Two Football Fields in Length, with a Capacity of 7,000 Vehicles
This is the second car carrier vessel from Chinese brand BYD, and it’s an impressive feat of engineering. With a focus on innovation and a commitment to sustainability, BYD is taking on the automotive industry by storm. This new vessel showcases their expertise and ambition, offering a glimpse into the future of automotive transportation.
