Nissan Motor and Mitsubishi are joining forces to launch a new joint venture focused on services for self-driving and electric vehicles (EVs), slated for establishment by the close of fiscal 2024. Their primary objectives include offering Level 4 autonomous driving services — allowing vehicles to operate independently under specific conditions — and integrating EV batteries for home energy storage and other innovative uses.
Equally funded by Nissan and Mitsubishi, this venture will kick off verification tests in 2025. Nissan is taking the lead on vehicle development for autonomous driving, while Mitsubishi is advancing AI-powered systems to optimise routes. Based on these advancements, the joint venture will introduce unmanned taxi services and more, aligned with government deregulation, initially launching in Yokohama and Namie, where Nissan is actively testing automated driving technology.
In the EV battery sector, Nissan and Mitsubishi plan to enable connectivity between EVs, homes, and power grids, allowing users to utilise or sell stored energy from their EVs. They also aim to promote the collection and recycling of used EV batteries within Japan, addressing the concern of battery exports to other countries. Nissan projects an ambitious increase in sales to ¥2.5 trillion from its autonomous and EV-related business by 2030, while Mitsubishi is pushing investment in startups focused on autonomous driving software, anticipating growth in the sector due to labor shortages and Japan’s aging population.
Mitsubishi’s collaborations extend across the EV battery field with other major automakers, positioning both companies at the forefront of future mobility and sustainable energy solutions.
