Renault and Nissan will jointly develop a new platform for the next-gen Zoe and Leaf electric cars, according to Automotive News Europe. This push for more cooperation between the two companies is to enhance economies of scale, a goal set by Carlos Ghosn, chairman and CEO of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.
While both cars will share the same underpinnings and electric motors, they will get their own distinct styling, stated Arnaud Deboeuf, senior vice president of Renault-Nissan BV. Both models will also compete in the same segment, although he Deboeuf declined to mention if there will be any changes in size for the vehicles.
He also did not provide an expected timeframe for the introduction of a new Leaf and Zoe, but hinted that it will take place after a planned Leaf facelift in 2018. French news site Les Echos reports that the Zoe will be the first Renault-Nissan Alliance model to use the new EV platform before 2020.
Even with the shared components, Renault and Nissan might continue to use different battery cells, with the former purchasing theirs from LG Chem, while Nissan makes its own batteries thanks to Automotive Energy Supply Corporation, its tie-up with NEC. However, the Nikkei Asian Review reports that Nissan is looking to cease that operation, preferring to buy them from outside suppliers as they are cheaper.
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Leaf for us n asian markets
Renault for Europe
Where is our Proton Iriz EV? 3 years ago showcased. Mana?
P1 Perdana share platform with Honda Accord, yet getting bashed. Wewwww,