Nissan Denki Cube Concept
New York City is about to get a lesson in what happens when geography meets geometry – specifically, when the world, which is round, meets the Nissan Cube, which is essentially square. 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.
It also serves as a preview of Nissan’s future small car strategy for the North American market, which includes plans to sell a redesigned petrol-powered, next-generation Cube at Nissan dealers in the United States and Canada beginning in 2009.
“The Denki Cube Concept is a fun way to expose American buyers to one of Nissan’s most popular home market cars at a time when fuel economy and packaging efficiency are on a lot of people’s minds,” said Al Castignetti, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nissan North America, Inc. “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.”
“Nissan first had an electric vehicle on the road in 1947 and has been field-testing lithium-ion batteries for more than 10 years,” said Castignetti. “Our ongoing goal is to dramatically enhance future battery performance while reducing battery costs.”
The batteries are a new laminated lithium type that are stashed under the floor and rear seats. Nissan has a joint venture with NEC to supply batteries for the new energy storage system.
