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Nissan plans to launch an electric car and a hybrid in 2010, according to product planning bosses at the company.
The electric car will use technology the company is developing through its Pivo concept cars.
Pivo2, the latest version was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, and features more compact and efficient electric motors, as well as lithium-ion battery packs that extend its range and allow the batteries to be packaged more easily.
Nissan is thought to have a significant lead in the race to develop viable batteries and electric motors, although it has not yet offered the technology for sale.
The company has not yet decided whether the electric model will be a version of an existing vehicle, such as the Micra, or a dedicated design.
Either way, it will be pitched as an urban commuter car.
Nissan's first hybrid is also targeted to appear in 2010 - it will use technology slightly different from that used by Toyota and Honda, say insiders, in a bid to offer something new in this developing market.
The hybrid powertrain will almost certainly be used with an existing model.
- REUTERS
