Nissan Sakura Mini EV Domestic Sales Surpass 100,000 Units in Japan

Nissan Motor Co Ltd announced on July 9 that cumulative domestic sales of the Nissan Sakura mini EV exceeded 100,000 units as of June 2026. Introduced in June 2022, the compact electric vehicle quickly became one of the leading models in Japan's mini EV segment. In April 2026, the company revealed a partially redesigned version featuring updated styling as part of its strategy to maintain customer interest and strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive market.

Sales Performance Reflects Changing Market Conditions

The Sakura was introduced in 2022 alongside Mitsubishi Motors Corporation's eK X EV. Domestic demand reached its highest level in 2023 when annual sales totaled 37,140 units. Sales later declined, with 14,093 units recorded in 2025. Between January and May 2026, deliveries reached 3,059 units, representing a 59.9% decrease compared with the corresponding period of the previous year, highlighting softer demand after the model's early success.

Nissan Plans Product and Pricing Updates

To support renewed demand, Nissan plans to launch the partially redesigned Sakura this summer. The updated model will feature revised exterior styling while also adopting a more competitive pricing strategy. The company will reduce the price of the highest-grade trim and introduce a new entry-level variant. The new starting price has been set at JPY 2,448,600, including consumption tax, allowing Nissan to target a broader range of customers seeking an affordable electric vehicle.

Mini EV Competition Continues to Expand

The competitive landscape is becoming increasingly active. Honda Motor Co Ltd entered the mini passenger EV segment in September 2025, adding another established manufacturer to the category. Meanwhile, BYD Co Ltd from China is preparing to introduce its "Racco" mini EV in Japan during July. These developments are expected to intensify competition and influence future sales performance across the country's growing mini electric vehicle market.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Nissan Sakura domestic sales surpass 100,000 units?
Nissan announced on July 9 that cumulative domestic sales of the Sakura mini electric vehicle exceeded 100,000 units as of June 2026. The model was originally launched in June 2022 and achieved strong early demand before sales slowed in later years. Nissan is now introducing a partially redesigned version with updated styling and revised pricing to strengthen its competitiveness as more manufacturers enter Japan's expanding mini EV market.