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Nissan is considering plans for an all-electric vehicle “early in the next decade”. The OEM’s Mixim concept car will be the forerunner of a Micra-sized vehicle powered by batteries.

The OEM has developed lithium ion cells in a joint venture with NEC and electric motors in-house. Nissan is also a leading manufacturer of forklift trucks. The two technologies are key to its future strategy.

General manager of Nissan’s exploratory and advanced product department, Francois Bancon, said: “Nissan’s an electric vehicle company. Between 2010 and 2015 we’ll have a breakthrough for the electric car, but it won’t be just a commuter vehicle.”

Bancon is in charge of the OEM’s crystal ball, working on developments eight to 12 years ahead.

Cost is the biggest issue. “To be profitable and attractive, it will have to sell for €16,000 to €18,000,” said Bancon. Nissan’s aim is a 15-minute recharge time.

But range and performance are still far from ready. Mixim has a theoretical range of 250km/h and a top speed of 180km/h. It’s never been driven, however. The battery makes up a lot of the car’s 950kg weight. The next generation will weigh 30 per cent less for the same power, said Bancon.

Nissan’s “Super Motor” differs from conventional electric motors by combining power source and generator in one package. It has two rotors – one inside and one outside the stator coil to achieve greater power density. By controlling the shafts separately, it could also drive left and right wheels separately.

The OEM is also investigating in-wheel motors.
“The young generation aren’t petrol heads,” said Bancon. “They’re digital and identify more with electricity.”