Life cycle Assessment (LCA)

Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) to reduce environmental impact

On a daily basis, we implement several mechanisms such as risk management conducted by field personnel, validation and periodical audits by supervisors to ensure solid environmental management. Furthermore, we use lifecycle assessment (LCA) as a tool to extract potential risks.

Nissan uses the LCA method to quantitatively evaluate and comprehensively assess environmental impact not just while vehicles are in use but at all stages of their lifecycle, from resource extraction, manufacturing and transport to disposal. Nissan is working to understand the current status of environmental activities and review the path for future environmental impact reduction during the period of NGP2022, and by carrying out LCAs for new technologies.

Nissan's LCA methodology was certified by the Japan Environmental Management Association for Industry in 2010, and by TÜV Rheinland (Germany) for the first time in December 2013. These certifications are based on ISO 14040/14044 standards and guarantees the soundness of the environmental impact calculations in Nissan's product LCAs.

During the NGP2022 period, Nissan will seek to further reduce the lifecycle environmental impact of new vehicles and new technologies through LCA and advancing on use-phase vehicle and manufacturing efficiency.

CO2 equivalent emissions over the life cycle of ICE vehicles

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 19% CO2 reduction by appling mild-hybrid system. In case of 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.

Global Top Selling Model's Lifecycle Improvements

CO2 equivalent emissions over the life cycle of e-POWER vehicles

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, X-Trail e-POWER and Serena e-POWER emit 18-23% 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 "green steel" on several body structure parts which eliminates CO2 emissions from the manufacturing process.

Electrified e-POWER vehicles use a system which is supported by a gasoline engine as a power generation source. Since the engine only operates under certain fixed conditions, it is possible to achieve lower exhaust emissions and better fuel efficiency for driving. Also e-POWER achieve to save environmental impact on production slightly high level that of conventional vehicles because of less battery capacity compared with 100% electric vehicle. We promote further CO2 equivalent emission reduction with additional vehicle weight reduction and optimization of running energy efficiency with e-Power system.

CO2 equivalent emissions over the life cycle of e-POWER vehicles

CO2 equivalent emissions over the life cycle of electric vehicles

The "Nissan LEAF" reduces its lifecycle CO2 emissions by approximately 32% compared to conventional vehicles of the same class in Japan.
The "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 18% compared to same segment gasoline-powered models in Japan.
The "Nissan SAKURA" is 3rd model as Nissan mass production EV and reduces 17% lifecycle CO2. It keeps compact body, but also implemetns enough EV driving range for daily use and affordable price to accelerate EV spreading.

Nissan has enhanced carbon reduction attempt through ARIYA's vehicle life cycle.
Nissan keeps continuously to reduce CO2 emission from EV production process by improving the yield ratio of materials and increasing the use of recycled materials. On top, by introducing "the Nissan Intelligent Factory" to our Tochigi-plant, Nissan accelerate carbon neutrality in manufacturing with improving productivity in vehicle assembly, energy efficiency and electrification with uses of electricity generated from renewable energy sources.

To reduce environmental load in vehicle use, Nissan continually reducing CO2 emissions by improving efficiency of electric powertrains including battery, power savings on accessories and increasing renewable energy usage.

Nissan is also promoting vehicle battery reusing to realize the decarbonization of whole society as a stationary battery for distributed power supply to storage various renewable energies.

Nissan will keep reducing the environmental impact from the entire life cycle of electric vehicles.

CO2 equivalent emissions over the life cycle of electric vehicles