A new contender has entered the hybrid vehicle arena with Nissan's introduction of the Frontier Pro, a powerful pickup truck boasting over 402 horsepower derived from an innovative hybrid system centered around a compact 1.5-liter petrol engine. Initially launched at the Shanghai Auto Show and targeted for the Chinese market, this unique plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) could potentially expand to other regions, including Europe. The truck’s impressive performance figures are largely attributed to its electric motor, which plays a pivotal role compared to the modest contribution of the combustion engine.
At the heart of the Frontier Pro lies a sophisticated powertrain that integrates a small turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor housed within the gearbox. This combination delivers an astounding output exceeding 300 kW (402 bhp) and a peak torque of 590 lb-ft. Nissan equips the vehicle with an intelligent all-wheel drive system capable of dynamically adjusting power distribution between the axles, complemented by an electromechanically locking differential on the rear axle. Drivers can select from various modes such as hybrid, full EV, performance, and snow, with the latter offering an estimated range of 84 miles in EV mode under China's testing standards.
Design elements of the Frontier Pro were crafted by Nissan's Shanghai studio, incorporating subtle references to past models. Notably, three slim LED strips connecting the main headlights pay homage to the air intake design of the 1980s D21 Hardbody pickup popular in the U.S. market. Inside, the cabin features contemporary technology including a 10-inch digital instrument panel and a large 14.6-inch infotainment display. Additional luxury amenities comprise a standard panoramic roof and optional front seats equipped with heating, ventilation, and massage functions.
The exact performance metrics stemming from the vehicle's robust power and torque have yet to be disclosed. However, it is confirmed that the Nissan Frontier Pro will hit the Chinese market before the end of the year. As Nissan contemplates further international expansion, potential buyers worldwide eagerly await news regarding its availability in their respective regions. The question remains—would British consumers embrace this cutting-edge hybrid pickup?
Beyond its technical prowess and stylish design, the Nissan Frontier Pro symbolizes a bold step forward in the evolution of hybrid vehicles. With its versatile capabilities and advanced features, this model not only challenges existing norms in the pickup segment but also opens up exciting possibilities for future automotive developments. Its potential global rollout marks a significant moment in the industry, inviting diverse markets to consider the benefits and appeal of integrating such innovative technology into everyday transportation solutions.
In a bid to reduce transport emissions, the Albanese government introduced a tax break for electric vehicles (EVs) in mid-2022. This initiative aimed to make EVs more affordable and competitive against traditional internal combustion engine cars. However, the Coalition has vowed to end this tax break if elected, arguing that it disproportionately benefits wealthier individuals and exceeds budget forecasts. While concerns exist about its financial implications, the policy remains pivotal in transitioning Australia towards cleaner transportation.
The Impact of the Albanese Government’s EV Tax Break
Since its inception in mid-2022, the EV tax break has significantly boosted the popularity of electric vehicles in Australia. By February 2025, nearly 100,000 people had opted for novated leases on EVs, far surpassing initial expectations. This surge in demand can be attributed to the fringe benefits tax exemption granted to employees purchasing low or zero-emission vehicles under a specific price threshold. The exemption eliminates a substantial annual tax burden associated with higher-priced EVs, making them more financially viable for potential buyers.
Despite its success, critics highlight that the scheme primarily benefits high-income earners who are more likely to afford EVs. Consequently, the cost of the program escalated tenfold compared to forecasts, reaching $560 million for 2024-25 instead of the anticipated $55 million. Nevertheless, the policy has encouraged car suppliers to import more affordable EV models, gradually narrowing the price gap between EVs and conventional vehicles. Without this incentive, Australia's progress in adopting EVs would likely regress to pre-2022 levels, where the fringe benefits tax acted as a deterrent.
Potential Reversal and Broader Implications
If the Coalition follows through on its pledge to eliminate the EV tax break, Australia risks reverting to an era where outdated fuel efficiency standards dominate. Such a move could stall recent advancements in reducing transport emissions, which currently constitute the second-largest source of emissions in the country. With projections indicating that transport will become the leading source of domestic emissions by 2030, addressing this issue is imperative.
Compared to global leaders like Norway and China, where EV adoption rates exceed 90% and 60% respectively, Australia lags significantly behind. These nations employ a combination of tax incentives and stringent fuel efficiency regulations to accelerate EV uptake. In contrast, Australia's heavy reliance on cars, coupled with a long-standing absence of fuel efficiency standards, results in vehicles emitting substantially more carbon per kilometer than their counterparts in other OECD countries.
Ending the tax break without proposing alternative measures to curb transport emissions undermines efforts to transition towards sustainable mobility. While acknowledging the inequities within the current system, it is crucial to refine rather than discard policies promoting environmental sustainability.
From a journalistic perspective, the debate surrounding the EV tax break underscores the broader challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with ecological imperatives. It highlights the need for innovative solutions that ensure equitable access to green technologies while fostering economic growth. Policymakers must strive to create inclusive frameworks that drive meaningful change in reducing carbon footprints across all sectors.
In the first quarter of 2025, the European Union's automotive market witnessed a significant shift in consumer preferences, as electric and hybrid vehicles continued to grow in popularity. Battery-electric cars (BEVs) captured 15.2% of the market share, up from 12% in Q1 2024. Despite this growth, BEVs remain far from meeting initial expectations. Meanwhile, hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) surged ahead, securing 35.5% of the market share and maintaining their position as the top choice for buyers. In contrast, petrol and diesel cars experienced substantial declines, with their combined market share falling to 38.3%, down from 48.3% in the same period last year. The overall new car registrations in the EU decreased by 1.9% compared to Q1 2024, reflecting ongoing economic uncertainties.
During the first three months of 2025, sales of battery-electric vehicles increased by 23.9%, reaching 412,997 units sold across the EU. This growth was driven primarily by robust gains in key markets such as Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, which together account for 63% of all BEV registrations. However, France saw a decline of 6.6%, marking an exception to the general trend. Notably, the rise in BEV sales occurred against the backdrop of challenging global economic conditions that have affected automakers' performance.
Hybrid-electric cars also demonstrated impressive growth, with registration figures rising by 20.7%. This increase was fueled by strong performances in the four largest EU markets: France, Spain, Italy, and Germany. A total of 964,108 hybrid-electric vehicles were registered in Q1 2025, representing 35.5% of the EU market share. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) showed modest growth, increasing by 1.1% to reach 207,048 units. Significant increases in Germany (+41.8%) and Spain (+30.7%) contributed to PHEVs accounting for 7.6% of total car registrations in the EU.
Petrol and diesel cars faced steep declines during the same period. Petrol car registrations dropped by 20.6%, with major markets like France (-34.1%), Germany (-26.6%), Italy (-15.8%), and Spain (-9.5%) reporting significant decreases. As a result, petrol cars' market share fell to 28.7%, down from 35.5% in Q1 2024. Similarly, diesel car registrations plummeted by 27.1%, leaving them with just a 9.5% market share in the first quarter of 2025. These declines reflect a broader trend toward alternative fuel sources and highlight the challenges facing traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
March 2025 data revealed further insights into the evolving dynamics of the EU automotive market. Year-over-year comparisons showed a 17.1% increase in battery-electric car registrations and a 23.9% rise in hybrid-electric models. Conversely, petrol and diesel car registrations declined by 20.7% and 25.5%, respectively. Overall, new EU car registrations in March 2025 reflected a slight 0.2% decrease compared to the previous year. This data underscores the growing appeal of electric and hybrid vehicles while signaling a potential paradigm shift in the automotive industry.