By Satoshi Sugiyama

KURASHIKI Japan (Reuters) – Japan’s Mitsubishi Motors Corp and Nissan Motor Co presented their first light-electric vehicles (EVs) jointly. The aim is to encourage more Japanese drivers to switch to electric cars through low-priced models.

These two Japanese carmakers are part of an alliance that includes French carmaker Renault SA (OTC) but were once thought to be pioneers in Japan’s electric vehicle market. However, they have failed to gain customers and now face competition from Tesla (NASDAQ).

At a unveiling ceremony of the new models, Makoto Uchida, Chief Executive Officer of Nissan said that he was confident about (the new vehicles representing the alliance) being a game-changer for electric cars in Japan.

They hope to make a strong presence in Japan’s micro “kei”, which is home to nearly 40% of Japan’s automobiles.

In early 2012, the three companies formed an alliance to share a 5-year investment plan of $26 billion in EV development and kei cars.

After factoring in a subsidy from the government, Nissan will launch its first light EV the Sakura. It costs 1.78 million yen ($13.891) and has a range that is 180km (112 miles).

Mitsubishi Motors, the maker of iMiEV electric vehicles, will offer the “eKcross EV” at a starting price of 1.85 million yen (including the subsidy) and a range up to 180 kilometers.

According to both automakers, they plan on selling new lines of electric “kei” vehicles this summer.

Riho Suzuki (Nissan regional product manager), stated that people who once thought EVs were too costly will now be more open to trying them.

($1 = 128.1400 yen)