Nissan Denki Cube electric vehicle
The lithium-ion battery-powered Denki Cube electric vehicle concept was created to promote Nissan’s environmental efforts but also serves as a preview as Nissan plans to sell a redesigned gasoline-powered, next-generation Cube in the United States and Canada in 2009
In creating the Denki Cube Concept, the designers started with a well-defined canvas, the current-generation Nissan Cube. The Denki Cube Concept exterior also features new door mirrors and unique 16-inch wheel covers. Though the production Cube offers three rows of seating, the Denki Cube Concept offers only two rows and the wheelbase has been stretched 9.4 inches in order to better accommodate the lithium-ion battery cells. The laminated structure and unique material technology offer more power, energy and battery stability, as well as compact size and packaging flexibility, versus conventional cylindrical batteries.
“Our ongoing goal is to dramatically enhance future battery performance while reducing battery costs.”
The occasion is the world debut of the Nissan Denki (Japanese for “electric”) Cube Concept at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. The lithium-ion battery-powered Denki Cube electric vehicle concept, which will be on public display at the Nissan exhibit at Jacob Javits Convention Center from March 21 to March 30, was created to draw attention to Nissan Motor Co., Ltd’s (NML) global environmental efforts.
“Our ongoing goal is to dramatically enhance future battery performance while reducing battery costs.”
Denki is Japanese for "electric." Nissan's latest concept, the aptly-named Denki Cube, illustrates that the future of electric drive will likely take many forms and reach diverse markets. The Nissan Cube is a very popular platform in Japan with a cult following that Nissan hopes will translate well to the trendy North American market.
The Cube is quirky and cute, offering unique design elements that include an asymmetrical "C" pillar treatment that features wrap-around glass only on the vehicle's left side.
"Like the production Cube on which it is based, the Denki Cube Concept is boxy yet charming, fashionable and functional, and completely tuned in to today's needs for enjoyable efficiency."
In order to accommodate its lithium-ion battery cells, the Denki Cube has been stretched 9.4 inches between the wheels, providing a more substantial stance. Nissan has been researching electric vehicle viability for more than six decades. Nissan was also first to release a lithium-ion battery powered vehicle in 1996, the Prairie Joy Electric Vehicle. Nissan is advancing battery technology through Automotive Energy Supply Corp. (AESC), a joint venture with NEC Corp. and NEC Tokin Corp.
There is certainly no mistaking that the Denki Cube is an electric vehicle. The Denki Cube is right-hand drive, though the U.S. Cube variant will obviously move the driver's position to the left. Nissan is striving to take a leadership role in the green car movement with a mid-term action plan known as the Nissan Green Program 2010. Given Nissan's long commitment to electric vehicles, we expect that much of what we see in the Denki Cube is not implausible.
