Nissan, the Japanese automotive giant, is poised to revolutionize the world of electric vehicles with an ambitious plan to introduce an electric GT-R featuring All-Solid-State Batteries (ASSBs) by the year 2028. These state-of-the-art batteries, developed in-house, are creating quite a buzz in the automotive industry as they promise to be a “game-changing technology.” Their standout feature is doubling the energy density compared to the liquid lithium-ion batteries we use today. This advancement could also lead to a remarkable reduction in charging times, potentially cutting them down to just a third of what we experience with conventional batteries. Notably, Nissan’s plan is not limited to ordinary cars; they intend to employ ASSBs in high-performance vehicles as well.
The Iconic GT-R in Focus
Among the notable vehicles in Nissan’s electrification strategy is the venerable GT-R. This performance legend, in its current R35 generation since late 2007, has been a symbol of automotive excellence. In a recent interview with Top Gear magazine, Nissan’s global product boss, Ivan Espinosa, shed light on the challenges of supercars, particularly the burden of weight. Current batteries, being on the heavier side, pose a significant obstacle to electrifying supercars. Nissan’s approach is clear: they’re waiting for ASSBs to fully electrify the GT-R, and the reason is simple. Doubling the energy density allows engineers to incorporate a smaller battery, mitigating the weight penalty while preserving the GT-R’s classic 2+2 seating arrangement.
What to Expect from an Electric GT-R
Espinosa’s insights reveal a promising future for the electric GT-R. He suggests that an electric version of this supercar could feature two, three, or even four electric motors, depending on the packaging preferred by the development team. With four-wheel drive as a given, one motor would drive the front axle while another powers the rear wheels. A recent glimpse into this electrified future was provided by the Hyper Force concept, which debuted at the Japan Mobility Show. This concept boasted an astonishing 1,341 horsepower, thanks to a pair of electric motors.
Nissan’s Forward-Thinking Approach
Nissan is already contemplating a future Nismo version of the electric GT-R, designed to be even more performance-oriented. To achieve this, they plan to use a smaller battery, further reducing weight. The standard model, on the other hand, will likely incorporate a larger battery for an extended range. By offering a track-oriented variant and a long-range model, Nissan aims to cater to a wider range of enthusiasts.
Espinosa emphasizes that the electric GT-R should remain relatively affordable, resisting the temptation to enter the realm of supercar pricing. This approach is in line with Nissan’s long-standing commitment to making the GT-R accessible to performance enthusiasts. It’s worth noting that the GT-R R35 has seen a significant price increase over the years. While it initially entered the U.S. market in 2009 at a price of $69,850, the 2024 model year now starts at $120,990. Opt for the Nismo variant, and you’ll be paying at least $220,990.
The Road Ahead
With All-Solid-State Batteries still approximately four years away from becoming a reality, the fate of the GT-R R35 remains uncertain. However, it’s essential to consider that this aging supercar has already been discontinued in Europe due to noise regulations and in Australia due to safety standards it cannot meet.
