Where are the compact electric vehicles in Australia? We've missed out on the top EVs.
In the world of electric vehicles (EVs), the Nissan Sakura has made waves in its home country, Japan, where it accounts for a significant portion of EV sales. However, despite passing UN vehicle safety standards, the Sakura has not been allowed to be registered in Australia due to a discrepancy in regulatory requirements.
The Nissan Sakura, a small, affordable electric vehicle, is classified as a 'Kei' vehicle in Japan. These vehicles are known for their light weight, lower power, and lower taxation rates compared to other vehicles. However, they do not satisfy the local Australian Design Rules (ADRs) required for vehicle registration, a common issue for some imported vehicles that comply with international safety regulations but not with Australia's unique regulatory framework for vehicle standards and compliance.
The author, currently in Tokyo attending an Electric Vehicle symposium, has shown particular interest in the Nissan Sakura. The vehicle is a significant part of Nissan's showcase of their present and future brand at their office in Yokohama, Japan.
The Nissan Sakura's registration issues in Australia highlight the gap in the local market for small, light, efficient personal transport, fleet, and commercial vehicles, a segment that is common in other countries like Japan. In fact, in 2024, Kei vehicles made up 37% of vehicles sold in Japan.
The author notes that in many cities in Japan, including Tokyo, demonstrating ownership or rental of a parking space is a requirement before purchasing and registering a vehicle. This could potentially be a barrier for the introduction of small EVs like the Sakura in Australia.
In an effort to address this issue, the department of Infrastructure conducted a consultation on harmonising the ADR more closely with global standards in 2023. If successful, this move would allow Kei cars into the country and fix other anomalies in the regulatory framework.
In the meantime, the Australian market continues to lack many affordable small EV options. For instance, in 2023, only 174 Daihatsu Hi-Jet Kei trucks were registered in Australia. On the other hand, the Suzuki Jimny, while not an EV, sold nearly 10,000 units in 2024 in Australia.
As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, bridging the gap between global and local standards for EVs could pave the way for more affordable and efficient electric vehicles to enter the Australian market, benefiting both consumers and the environment.
[1] Source: Various industry reports and consultations on vehicle standards and compliance in Australia.
In the context of the expanding electric vehicle market, the Nissan Sakura'sstruggle for registration in Australia underscores the need for alignment between local Design Rules (ADRs) and global standards, particularly in the case of small, efficient electric vehicles like the Sakura. This coordination could potentially open up the Australian market to more affordable and eco-friendly transportation options, similar to the 37% of vehicles sold in Japan that comprise Kei vehicles in 2024.
The author's observation of the Nissan Sakura's significance in Japan's electric vehicle landscape, combined with the scarcity of affordable small electric vehicles in Australia, highlights the potential for technology advancements in the automotive industry to bridge the gap between countries, eventually bolstering sustainable lifestyles and reducing environmental impact.
