Nissan's Denki Cube Electric Car
By Todd Kaho
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.
Nissan’s next generation Cube, which is headed for the U.S. market later this year as a 2009 model, is ready to elbow in on the youth oriented, boxy, tall wagon market. Primary competition includes the Scion xB and Honda Element, but the Cube is an even bolder statement with a decidedly Japanese flavor. 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.
“The Denki Cube 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,” says Al Castignetti, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Nissan North America. “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.”
The gasoline version of the Cube is powered by a small 1.3-liter four cylinder internal combustion engine and is smaller yet than the concept you see here. 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. The laminated lithium-ion batteries are located beneath the floor and seats, while the electric motor and controller displace the gasoline powertrain under the hood.
Nissan has been researching electric vehicle viability for more than six decades. Its first electric car, the Tama EV, debuted in 1947. Nissan was also first to release a lithium-ion battery powered vehicle in 1996, the Prairie Joy Electric Vehicle. The company’s current compact lithium-ion battery technology uses chemically stable spine structured manganese for the electrode material that’s said to offer safer operation and deliver twice the energy when compared to conventional cylindrical battery designs. 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 front grille section features no less than twelve lightning bolts and a dramatic headlight treatment that appears to have a blue electric charge arcing through. This is offset with five point “X” turn signals, a design element that carries to the tail lamps and interior design. An AC power charge port is incorporated into the front of the Denki and the whole package is finished with a monochromatic pearl white paint treatment, right down to the flush, aerodynamic wheels.
The interior yields quite a contrast to the all white exterior. Swing open one of the five large doors and your eyes take a moment to adjust to the bright yellow tuck-and-roll upholstery that’s offset with light gray surfaces and white accents. The Denki Cube is right-hand drive, though the U.S. Cube variant will obviously move the driver’s position to the left. Nissan designers intended the interior to reflect a “relaxing, moving social hub, like the favorite room in the owner’s house.”
In the Denki Cube, a driver is greeted by a bold steering wheel, an electronic instrument cluster that features push-button drive shift, and futuristic controls for the entertainment and climate control systems. Production Cubes typically offer three rows of seats, but the Denki has two rows, which along with the large glass roof panel provides a very spacious feel considering the Denki’s rather compact exterior dimensions.
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. “Symbiosis of people, vehicles, and nature” is Nissan’s environmental philosophy, which along with the NGP 2010 strives to reduce CO2 and exhaust emissions, and accelerate recycling efforts.
Given Nissan’s long commitment to electric vehicles, we expect that much of what we see in the Denki Cube is not implausible. It has potential as a commuter and in local delivery fleet applications that require the maneuverability of a vehicle sporting the Cube’s compact dimensions. We will bring you a full review of the gasoline powered 2009 Nissan Cube as soon as units are available for testing.
Want to know more about Nissan and electric drive? Be sure to check out these articles on GreenCar.com:
Nissan Shows a Refreshing Electric Concept Coupe
2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
Nissan Cube Coming to U.S.
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