Nissan Abandons Plans for Altima and Maxima Electric Sedans to Concentrate on SUVs | Carscoops

      The company admits that the U.S. sedan market has diminished, making new releases imprudent.

      

      

      Nissan has canceled its plans for electric sedans and crossovers due to the decline in the sedan market.

      Instead, the company will launch a new electric SUV featuring a rugged design.

      Upcoming Nissan electric vehicles will utilize a new platform with enhanced motors and quicker charging capabilities.

      In May of last year, it was reported that Nissan had paused the development of two electric sedans initially slated to be produced in the United States. It has now been confirmed that these models are officially canceled, with an internal memo indicating that the company is also changing its plans for two all-electric crossovers.

      Earlier this month, Christian Meunier, chairperson of Nissan Americas, remarked that "the sedan market is shrinking" and that the company had to "face reality." After an internal memo was leaked to the press, the automaker confirmed that evolving market conditions had compelled it to reassess the EV projects originally intended for its Canton, Mississippi facility.

      Nissan stated, "In response to recent changes in industry market conditions, we have decided to modify our plans for the Canton EV family projects," as reported by Auto News. "We have decided to cancel the development of the LZ1F/LZ1E [sedan] projects and to reevaluate them as part of a new vehicle program."

      These two canceled models were meant to succeed the Maxima and Altima sedans. Additionally, an electric crossover codenamed PZ1L, approximately the size of the Rogue, was also in development but has been abandoned. The positive aspect? Nissan is not entirely discarding its EV initiatives at the Mississippi plant.

      New Focus on Electric SUVs

      In January 2028, Nissan plans to commence production of a new electric SUV, internally referred to as the PZ1K. This model will feature a "brawny" design akin to the Xterra crossover. It will be accompanied by an Infiniti version, designated as the PZ1J, which will begin production in May 2028. These new vehicles will be built on a versatile platform that can accommodate crossovers, sedans, and potentially even a lightweight pickup truck.

      The new platform will also incorporate improved electric motors and provide accelerated charging capabilities. Moreover, these vehicles will utilize more cost-effective lithium-ion batteries.

      Interestingly, Nissan acknowledges that there remains a demand for electric sedans in specific markets, such as China. This week, the company introduced the all-electric N7, developed in collaboration with its local partner Dongfeng. Featuring a 400-volt architecture, the N7 will be available with 58 kWh and 73 kWh battery packs, as well as electric motors generating 215 hp and 268 hp.