Automaker Nissan announced that it plans to sell an electric car by 2010 in Japan, with worldwide mass-production only 2 years later.
The AP’s Yuri Kageyama writes from Tokyo:
Nissan is also in talks with parking lot and railway companies on deals to put recharging stations near commuter stations … That’s one of the main complaints about electric cars: Skeptics say electric vehicles will stay niche for some time because they can’t be used for long drives without recharging, and recharging stations aren’t widespread. Proponents say tax breaks, preferential highways lanes and other incentives will boost their appeal.
Subaru and Mitsubishi also intend to have electric vehicles available next year. The video is of Nissan’s “Pivo” electric prototype; the electric cube, pictured below, is a more convincing example of how a production vehicle may look.
A rotating cab would be better with a gun turret on top.
Who designed this? Tetrapak?
Question 2: Why is the other company and most of its rivals employing only mentally challenged designers to their electric car teams?
well that egg shaped one was just one of those fun things they do for Motor Shows to get attention, while the Cube model looks almost exactly like the gas-powered Nissan Cube that sells in Japan now, and is very popular.
I often wish some of these concept cars actually made it onto the streets.
The world would be a more interesting place, at least.
Compare those to what Tesla Motors has in the works.
Question 1: Which company is seriously planning to sell electric cars?
Question 2: Why is the other company and most of its rivals employing only mentally challenged designers to their electric car teams?
If that was green it would look a little bit like Homer Simpson’s dream car
The Pivo should go over well with the Czechs, who will know it as The Beer.