For decades, Japanese cars have been the go-to daily – mainly for their incredible reliability, great fuel efficiency, and low cost. This allowed brands like Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and all of their luxury siblings to become some of the most prominent and popular vehicles to hit the highway. Times are changing, however, and EVs have become an increasingly hot segment within the automotive market.
You’ve more than likely heard of brands like Tesla or Lucid and what they are capable of. Either way, there’s no need to count out Japanese EVs when trying to go green. Some of the brands mentioned below were a bit late to the EV party, but that’s completely fine because the quality, efficiency, and cost make up for the wait.
Chances are, a Subaru Solterra or a Nissan Leaf won’t be violently fast like a Tesla Model S Plaid. With that being said, if you’re searching for an efficient and reliable Japanese EV, speed is not going to be much of a concern. You can still expect a satisfying amount of torque due to the way that electric powertrains operate, but for a majority of the models mentioned, most of the attention goes to the quality and performance (range) of the vehicle.
This is a list of upcoming vehicles that have not been completely revealed yet. While we make every attempt to verify facts and back up any speculation, the information provided below may not be entirely accurate or may change prior to a vehicle’s release. We will make every effort to update this content with new developments as they arise. All information contained here was obtained from authoritative sources, including Car and Driver and manufacturers’ build pages.
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1 2024 Acura ZDX
325-mile Range
2024 isn’t the first year that we’ve seen the ZDX nameplate. The first generation was made from 2009 up until 2013 and utilized a 3.6-liter gasoline engine that made 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.
The new ZDX not only flaunts an entirely new design, but a fully electric powertrain that is sure to please – partly due to the great range but also due to the great performance option. While the exact release date of the 2024 ZDX is unknown, it’s been made official by Acura that it will be coming to the market in 2024.
Notable Features And Options
- The first all-electric Acura
- Three trim options with the base getting 325 miles per charge and the high power Type S getting 288 miles per charge
- 0-60 in under five seconds for the Type S trim
- Intuitive driver features such as a customizable 11.3-inch touchscreen with Acura integration of “Google Built In”
- Standard Bang & Olufsen luxury audio system
Unlike most of the other models on the list, the ZDX will feature a base 340 horsepower electric powertrain, but also have an option to opt for the Type S EV model. Noted by Car and Driver, this allows for an all-wheel drive system combined with an output of 500 horsepower. On top of that, the Type S trim also adds a more aggressive suspension tune with adaptive dampers and bigger Brembo brakes.
Do keep in mind, however, that opting for the Type S trim will drop the range down to an estimated 288 miles per charge. With the best range on the list (base powertrain) along with an optional performance trim, you’ll probably understand why this Japanese EV came in the number one spot.
2 2024 Nissan Ariya
304-mile Range
When it comes to EVs, Nissan may not be the first brand to come to mind. What you may be unaware of, is that it has been one of the big dogs in the EV segment for a while now. The Nissan Leaf, along with the recent arrival of the Nissan Ariya has allowed Nissan to become one of the most popular options – giving all the benefits of a fully electric vehicle while also maintaining a cost that is reasonably lower than something like a Tesla Model 3.
Trims And Statistics
- The base front-wheel-drive version produces 238 horsepower while the dual motor, high-power trim produces 389 horses
- Various different trims ranging from 216 miles on one charge to 304 miles on one charge
- Five FWD trims and four AWD trims are available
- Fast charge gives up to 175 miles in 30 minutes of charging
Unlike the Nissan Leaf, the Ariya has a much more modern exterior that truly gives the impression of a futuristic electric vehicle. Instead of recycling the same platform used for the Nissan Leaf, a brand-new platform was produced with the help of Renault, meaning the Ariya is a brand-spanking new EV from top to bottom.
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3 2024 Honda Prologue
300-mile Range
The Prologue is a fully electric vehicle that is completely new for the upcoming year and is set to be released by Honda in the early months of 2024. This will actually be the brand’s second attempt at an EV after the short-lasted Honda Clarity, which was produced as an EV in 2020 before utilizing a plug-in hybrid or optional hydrogen fuel cell powertrain up until the end of 2021.
Features And Statistics
- Sporty driving experience with a tech-filled and roomy cabin
- DC fast-charging system adds up to 65 miles of range per 10 minutes of charging
- Honda Smart Charge system notifies you of the best, most cost-efficient time to charge the vehicle
- Honda will offer discounts on home chargers, free AC cord sets, and public charging credits
- Three AWD trims and two 2WD trims available
The Prologue will utilize a platform that was developed jointly with GM, or General Motors, and will also feature the same Ultimum Battery pack seen on GM’s new electric vehicles such as the Equinox EV. This means that the same quality and durability that Honda is known for will remain, while also adding a tried and true EV system.
4 2024 Lexus RZ 450e
220-mile Range
After various hybrid and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), Lexus has finally brought its first fully electric vehicle to the market in the form of the RZ 450e. Premium and Luxury trim levels will be made available – allowing you to go green while still having a ride that is sleek, luxurious, and packed with modern features.
Additional Features
- Multicolor ambient interior lighting
- MARK LEVINSON® 1,800 watt premium surround sound
- Built on a dedicated battery-electric platform for instant power and a low center of gravity
- Electronic axle integrates the motor, transaxle, and inverter to benefit cruise range
- Sound frequencies are matched with the vehicle speed and sound levels during dynamic actions to allow for a unique in-cabin sound to keep your driving experience invigorating
- Five drive modes which are switched with a simple tap of the screen
Just like the previous year’s RZ, you’ll have two trim options available for 2024 – Premium and Luxury. Both options will come standard with the DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system and a total power of 308 horses. As far as price, the official MSRP for the 2024 model has not yet been released by Lexus, but you can expect it to be in the higher range when compared to the other vehicles on the list.
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5 2024 Subaru Solterra
220-mile Range
The Subaru Solterra, unlike some of the other models mentioned, is not new for 2024. Honda has plans to bring multiple EVs to the market by 2025, and the Solterra was one of the first to make an appearance. This EV originally debuted in 2022 and has since made a name for itself as one of the most practical and capable electric vehicles available. And while the range of this EV may not be up to par with some of the other Japanese EVs on the list, it makes up for it with the various safety systems (seven to be exact) and the spacious, high-quality interior.
Features And Charging Statistics
- DC fast charging option can provide 80 percent of a charge in under an hour
- Normal mode, Eco mode, and an extra-responsive Power mode
- eSubaru platform increases the safety and rigidity of the vehicle
- Highly advanced 12.3-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Aerodynamic design to increase efficiency as well as add to the aesthetics
In true Subaru fashion, the Solterra will feature an all-wheel drivetrain and higher ground clearance, meaning you won’t be limited to just the pavement. Dual electric motors allow for optimal power and acceleration, and a range of 228 miles on a single charge can be expected.
6 2024 Nissan Leaf/Leaf SV
149/212-mile Range
Nissan, as previously mentioned, has played a role in the EV segment for a while now – over a decade to be exact. The Leaf entered the market in December of 2010 and was sold in Japan, Europe, and America. Nowadays, the Leaf spans 59 different markets and has had more than half a million units sold across the world.
Features And Statistics
- Lacks range and horsepower but makes up for it with its reliability and efficiency
- SV Model available, offering improved acceleration, battery capacity, charging times, torque, and horsepower
- Base S model produces 147 HP and 236 lb-ft. of torque while the SV produces 214 HP and 250 lb-ft. of torque
- Both models utilize a front-wheel drive system
- 149-mile range on the Base S and 212-mile range on the SV model
The Nissan Leaf has always been a popular option due to the efficiency and cost of the vehicle, and 13 years after its release, the major benefit of owning one of these electric vehicles remains the cost. Other EVs have made the move towards long-range capabilities and modern tech, while the Leaf has stayed true to its roots, offering an emission-free vehicle that is built to get you from point A to point B without breaking the bank. A starting price of $28,140 has been published by Nissan – this means you’ll be spending around half of what you’d pay for some of the other models listed.
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