Nissan halts EV sedan development in U.S., expands lineup By Reuters

(Reuters) – Nissan Motor Co said on Tuesday it is expanding its EV lineup in the United States to five vehicles while halting development plans for two battery-powered sedans.

“We are adjusting the launch schedule for these five new models to ensure we can bring the vehicles to market in a timely manner,” a Nissan (OTC:) spokesperson told Reuters.

The company’s new lineup for the U.S. also includes a battery-powered crossover SUV.

Nissan’s electric sedan is still on production plans, but the company expects the SUV to launch sooner than the sedan.

The company also said its Canton, Mississippi, plant will support manufacturing the next generation of vehicles.

The announcement comes as weaker-than-expected demand for EVs has forced global automakers to back away from ambitious electrification plans and instead focus on hybrid and gas-powered models.

Additionally, demand for crossover SUVs and pickup trucks has surpassed sedans and other vehicle formats over the past few years as Americans prefer the convenience offered by these platforms.

Last March, Nissan laid out plans to accelerate the EV transition globally, including seven new models to be sold in the U.S. by 2026 and an EV manufacturing hub in the United States.

Automotive News first reported that Nissan has halted U.S. production plans for its first next-generation electric vehicle.