Life cycle Assessment (LCA)

Nissan identifies potential risks by conducting life cycle assessment (LCA). The LCA method is used to quantitatively evaluate and comprehensively assess environmental impact, not only during vehicle use, but at all stages, including raw material extraction, manufacturing and transport, as well as reuse or end-of-life vehicle recycling and by carrying out LCA for new technologies.

The evaluation method is based on international standards (ISO 14040/14044). In 2010, Nissan obtained third-party certification from the Japan Society of Industrial Environmental Management, and in 2013, we transitioned to certification by TÜV Rheinland, a German third-party organization. Currently, our assessments are conducted in accordance with international standards and are aligned with industry benchmarks.

Through continuous Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), we are committed to visualizing and reducing the environmental footprint throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle.

Nissan is continuously improving internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle performance. DST (down-sizing turbo) engine is a one of examples, it is applied to new Juke and new X-trail (Rogue) and reduced around 10% CO₂ emission due to substantial fuel economy improvement. The new Qashqai in Europe resulted approximately 20% CO₂ reduction by appling mild-hybrid system. The new Pathfinder in US and new Serena in Japan, foundation technologies are applyed to reduce environmental impact like idling stop system, reducing several type of resistance, lighten vehicle weight etc. In addition, the new Murano in US has been updated with a wide cabin space and the latest technologies that represents ProPILOT, and the CO₂ emissions have been reduced to the same level as the previous model by updating the powertrain etc.

Nissan introduced its new e-POWER powertrain in 2016, marking another significant milestone in the electrification strategy with life cycle emission improvements. Compared to their gasoline-powered counterpart models, Note e-POWER, Kicks e-POWER, Qashqai e-POWER, X-Trail e-POWER and Serena e-POWER emit approximately 20% less life cycle CO₂.

Note e-Power which is launched in November 2020, improved simultaneously life cycle emissions and power efficiency by the second generation e-POWER. X-Trail e-POWER launched in July 2022 achieved all of powerful driving, quietness, feeling safe on every road condition and pleasant ride comfort, without environmental negative impact by second generation e-POWER, VC-Turbo engine and the e-4ORCE, an electric-drive four-wheel-control system. Serena e-POWER, launched in April 2023, reduced not only running but also production CO₂ emission thanks to combination with second generation e-POWER with newly developed exclusive engine and low-CO₂ blast furnace steel on several body structure parts which eliminates CO₂ emissions from the manufacturing process. Qashqai e-POWER, launched in September 2025, achieves the highest fuel efficiency in the European C-segment crossover market through the adoption of the third-generation e-POWER. It also reduces lifecycle CO₂ emissions.

Since the launch of the world's first mass-produced electric vehicle Nissan Leaf in 2010, we have been committed to reducing environmental impact through expanding our EV lineup.

Nissan Ariya launched in 2022 achieves both further improvement of EV product performance and reduction of environmental impact. It extends EV driving range and reduces lifecycle CO₂ emissions by approximately 20% compared to same segment gasoline-powered models in Japan. Nissan SAKURA reduces approximately 20% lifecycle CO₂. It keeps compact body, but also implemetns enough EV driving range for daily use and affordable price to accelerate EV spreading. The third-generation Nissan Leaf launched in 2025 features an increased battery capacity, however, its lifecycle CO₂ emissions are approximately 30% lower than the same class gas-powered vehicle in Japan.

Nissan Leaf and Nissan Ariya produced in Japan are manufactured at the Tochigi plant which incorporates the "Nissan Intelligent Factory" concept—an initiative dedicated to achieving carbon neutrality.

Nissan Intelligent Factory
https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/INNOVATION/TECHNOLOGY/ARCHIVE/NIF/