ARE JAPANESE AUTOMAKERS FINALLY TAKING EVS SERIOUSLY?

EV Channels Review

The Japan Mobility Show signals a potential shift in Japanese automakers' EV strategies, with several intriguing concepts unveiled. While Infiniti showcased the QE concept, a potential first EV sedan, its production viability and performance remain uncertain. Nissan's Hyper Force electric supercar concept, boasting 1000 kW, is unlikely for production but hints at future GTR electrification. Lexus presented LF-ZC and LF-ZL concepts, appearing as larger RZ variants, with potential for improved range. Subaru's Sport Mobility concept and flying car were also shown, though the former's design was questioned. Honda's Prelude concept garnered significant praise for its attractive, production-ready design, though its powertrain (hybrid vs. full EV) is debated. Toyota's FTS-E concept, a sporty EV, was also discussed, with the brand's continued focus on hybrids for fleet decarbonization noted. Mitsubishi's D:X concept, a plug-in hybrid Delica, and Mazda's SP concept, a hybrid with a rotary range extender, were also featured. The hosts expressed skepticism about the rotary's return and the production likelihood of most concepts, emphasizing that many are merely design studies rather than concrete future products.