Nissan reveals new zero-emission electric car

Nissan unveiled its super-quiet, zero emission electric car technology today, a key design for the company which has fallen behind in hybrid development.

Nissan showed the prototype in an existing Tiida bodyshape. It will reveal the car’s exterior next week.

“Nissan will be a leader in zero-emission vehicles,” company boss Toshiyuki Shiga said.

It is due to go on sale in Japan and the US next year. Nissan says it plans to mass produce zero-emission cars globally from 2012. Until then, it will produce all initially targeted 100,000 units at its Oppama plant, including export models.

The car uses a lithium-ion battery pack that is placed under the vehicle floor to allow for more cabin and luggage space. The braking system recharges the battery while the car is driving, extending the range to around 100 miles from a full charge. With the lighter weight and more energy efficient batteries, the new electric car can double the mileage of the current Hypermini model introduced in 1998.

Nissan shares the battery design with partner Renault as part of a cost-cutting effort.

Proponents of hybrids, like market-leader Toyota, the world’s biggest car maker, say the limited driving range of electric vehicles makes them suited for daily commutes or shopping at best, and hybrids are the best all-round solution.

Hybrids have petrol engines as well as an electric motor and they charge themselves while running so they do not have to be plugged in for charging.

But Nissan said it plans to cut gas emissions by 90% by 2050, “a challenge that goes far beyond what hybrids can achieve but not electric vehicles.”

Although Nissan has yet to announce the price, it said the electric vehicle would be “competitive” with regular gasoline vehicles.