New York '08 Preview: Nissan to show EV concept based on Cube
For those of you who were so disappointed when Toyota super-sized the second-generation Scion xB, Nissan may soon offer an alternative. Next week at the New York Auto Show, Nissan will be showing an electrified version of the Cube equipped with lithium ion batteries. Nissan is planning to introduce an electric Cube in the U.S. and Japan in 2010 with fleets getting them for field testing for the first two years. After that, Nissan plans to expand availability to retail customers starting in California and, eventually, worldwide. The production edition is expected to have a range of 100 miles per charge.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tim 9:17AM (3/11/2008)
This is may not be aerodynamic, but it is most certainly ugly.
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Adam 2:17PM (10/17/2008)
Coming from an Element owner, I think this is just what we need on the market. Looks like I will be getting one.
Randy C. 11:27AM (3/11/2008)
Who cares if it's ugly. It runs on batteries that's good enough for me. I like this better than the mythical Volt. I need cargo space that the Volt obviously lacks.
My question is: What's taking so long? We could use it now.
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Bancho 11:50AM (3/11/2008)
The aesthetics are subjective. I like the way it looks. The aerodynamics aren't optimal but if I had one of these on my commute that would be a moot point as I rarely get up to speeds where aerodynamics play a significant role (most of the time at
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ug 12:41PM (3/11/2008)
Oh, this rollout plan is so achingly slow considering the Rav4EV is what, 10 years old already? This is not rocket science. Just get it out already.
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Whopper 2:24PM (3/11/2008)
Each Cube should come with a heavy logging chain an a substantial lock so it doesn't ugly-away at night.
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TBlueMax 9:00AM (3/12/2008)
Amazing... Nissan announces a lithium ion powered electric vehicle and the comments generally focus on the aesthetics of the vehicle and the development/release time... with a comparison to a Toyota that has perhaps been around for several years, but not running on Li batteries.
The Cube was designed from the outset as a space-efficient city vehicle, hence the size (small) and shape (useful) compromise. The overall shape of the Cube is likely to remain the same but you can expect the detailing to be updated by the time the EV is released. The shape is certainly different from the current crop of aero-defined, wedge-shaped vehicles such as the Prius, FCX Clarity, and Volt, but if you focus on functionality, this vehicle provides better packaging relative to its footprint. If you're looking for a long-distance highway commuter, there are certainly other options on the market.
And yes, please give me a validated, finished product instead of rushing this vehicle to market.
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Pu_DeKcUf 12:52PM (3/12/2008)
Wow, Thanks Nissan this is exactly what I asked for a few months ago.
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