The 2024 Nissan Sakura is the car that will kill the petrol station habit for city dwellers. Launched in May 2022, it is the first mass-market electric Kei car from Nissan (co-developed with Mitsubishi as the eK X EV). It became the best-selling EV in Japan instantly. For Kenya, it represents the perfect second car: silent, powerful, and costing roughly Ksh 3 per kilometer to run. It isn't a toy; it's a revolution.

The Sakura uses a 20 kWh Lithium-ion battery. While 180km sounds low compared to a Tesla, it is more than enough for 3-4 days of typical Nairobi commuting (avg 30km/day).
Charging: It takes about 8 hours to charge from empty on a standard home socket (AC). It also supports ChaDeMo fast charging (80% in 40 mins), available at several malls in Nairobi.

• Instant Torque: With 195 Nm of torque available from 0 RPM, it accelerates faster than a 2.0L Noah or Voxy up to 60 km/h. It zips through traffic gaps effortlessly.
• e-Pedal: Like the Leaf, it has "One Pedal Drive." Lifting off the accelerator brakes the car using regeneration, recharging the battery. It makes traffic jams much less tiring.

• Premium Cabin: The interior features a fabric-wrapped dashboard and dual 9-inch screens. It feels far more premium than a petrol Dayz. It is whisper quiet inside.
• Space: The battery is under the floor, so interior space is identical to a petrol Kei car. Four adults fit comfortably.

Ground Clearance: At 145mm, it is standard for a city car. The battery pack is the lowest point, so you must avoid straddling large rocks. It is strictly for paved roads. The low center of gravity makes it extremely stable in corners.

Standard ProPILOT (autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist). As an EV, it has fewer moving parts than a petrol car—no oil changes, no spark plugs, no gearbox issues. Maintenance is largely just tyres, wipers, and cabin filters.

The following are average showroom prices for fresh imports in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.

Who is this for? The homeowner who wants to slash their fuel bill to zero for the daily school/work run. Who is it NOT for? Apartment dwellers without charging access or anyone who drives to Mombasa weekly.