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.
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 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.