Infiniti to introduce EV models from 2021

Infiniti is targeting a future as a luxury electric brand with a range of new vehicles featuring electrified powertrains from 2021.

Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa announced that the brand would launch its first full EV in three years' time as part of a strategic statement at the Automotive News World Congress yesterday.

While not abandoning conventionally-powered vehicles in the near future - a new variable-compression turbo petrol engine will debut in the QX50 SUV later this year - a statement issued by the company clarified details of a new powertrain designed to usher-in a new generation EVs.

It said: “A mix of pure electric vehicles and e-power vehicles will be offered – demonstrating the full range of ultra-low emission vehicle technology available to Infiniti as the premium brand within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance."

Infiniti’s e-power technology features a small petrol engine, similar to the range extender on a BMW i3, which is used to charge the battery, eliminating the need for an external charging source.

The company said that this will offer drivers the convenience of re-fuelling a petrol, while offering the same driving experience as a pure electric vehicle.

As a result of this emphasis on ultra-low emission technology, Infiniti expects more than half its global sales to be comprised of electric vehicles by 2025.