Zhengzhou Nissan has launched a new, plug-in pickup in the Chinese market called the Z9. Itβs the same size as the Nissan Frontier Pro, offers over 35 miles of all-electric range, and pricing starts at just $16,600.
* in China.
Positioned as the electrified sibling of the domestically-built Nissan Frontier Pro, the Zhengzhou Nissan Z9 is essentially a Chinese-market version the Frontier Pro, and itβs specβed and priced accordingly, with the as-yet undisclosed price of the Frontier Pro expected to come in a bit higher than the Z9.
Thatβs less interesting. Whatβs more interesting is that the Z9 offers 35 miles (60 km) of range on the base, 17 kWh battery, at a price that significantly undercuts even the Slate EVβs $28,000 pre-$7,500 incentive price tag βΒ and that incentive is far from a sure thing.
Whatβs more, if you feel like spending a bit more, you can get a Zhengzhou Nissan Z9 equipped with a 32.85 kWh battery thatβs good for almost 85 miles (135 km) of all-electric range. And even that extended-range model,Β at Β₯168,900 (about $23,400) is still price-competitive with the Jeff Bezos-backed Slate EV.
In short, itβs bound to be a winner.
Itβll sell, but it wonβt sell here
With excitement surrounding the Kia Tasman, Slate, and other, similarly affordable light-duty pickups building on the success of the Ford Maverick hybrid, it should come as no surprise that Nissan has international ambitions for its newest electrified pickup.
βIn alignment with our βIn China, For China, Toward the Worldβ strategy for electrification and smart transformation, Nissan will fully support ZNAβs βoff-road strategy,’β explained Stephen Ma, Chairman of Nissan (China) Management Committee and President of Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. βWe are working to strengthen our research and manufacturing capabilities, further advancing our presence in the core markets of pickups and off-road vehicles, with the ultimate goal of achieving global expansion.β
Itβs exciting stuff, but with all the recent troubles itβs been experiencing, itβs doubtful that Nissan will bring either of its new, Chinese-built mid-size pickups to the US (electrified or otherwise).
βThe mission of the new generation of Chinese automotive professionals is clear β to ensure that made-in-China cars are driven across the world. ZNA will utilize its dual-brand and dual-channel advantages to expand its global footprint,β Mr. Mao Limin, Executive Vice President of ZNA, at the Z9βs launch. βWe aim to be one of the top exporters of pickups within three years and to reach a sales milestone of 100,000 units.β
That said, Nissan Hardbody fans shouldnβt lose hope quite yet. If Nissan is able to find a new savior in Toyota, a Taco-based BEV pickup with a new LEAF/Ariya-type front fascia might make more sense than you think.
Electrekβs Take
Iβve already written out my own comeback plans for Nissan, and this new Chinese truck doesnβt really fit into them. Like many of you, Iβm of the belief that a PHEV isnβt an EV βΒ but I do see their value as βlilypadβ cars, and the two Lightning owners I know? Their last F-150s were hybrids.
SOURCES: Zhengzhou Nissan; side-by-side image via Carscoops.
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