Nissan unveiled the latest edition of prototype electric Cube a few days ago as part of an advanced technology forum in Japan. Unfortunately ABG didn't get an invite to this event. Popular Mechanics however did have someone on hand and he got to sample the EV-02. The Cube stores electrical energy in a lithium ion battery pack, but Nissan officials told PM that the battery chemistry has not been settled yet. Nissan is apparently still testing at least 16 different battery chemistries trying to find the optimum combination of power and energy capacity. Nissan's target is to have a range of at least 100 miles but they would prefer 150 miles. In addition to a decent range, engineers also want to achieve the ability to get an 80 percent charge in 15 minutes. They will have to come up with a chemistry that can withstand such fast charging but special high-powered charging stations will be required as well. The first early production versions for commercial and government fleet tests should appear in 2010 with retail sales two years later.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Carlos Ghosn has some harsh-sounding words for alternative vehicles which still use some form of oil for their operation -- think current hybrids and future extended-range electric vehicles. "I want a pure electric car. I don't want a range extender. I don't want another hybrid. It's not going to be zero emissions in certain conditions. It's going to be zero emissions." Sounds like Ghosn is taking a little shot at today's hybrids like the Toyota Prius and even Nissan's own Altima, which uses technology licensed from Toyota. Also under fire from the Nissan chief would be the next generation of green cars like the Chevy Volt. Intriguingly, Ghosn also claims that Nissan's electric vehicles will be profitable right from the get go, unlike many other impending alternatives... again, the Volt.

Another interesting tidbit revealed by Nissan's head honcho is the fact that the EV's his company sells in America will have the ability to travel 100 miles before being depleted, while Europeans will only require half that range.

[Source: The New York Times]

Click the Denki Cube for a high res gallery.

According to Nissan and Renault head Carlos Ghosn, Nissan has plans to become a global leader in affordable electric vehicles. Citing rising oil costs and environmental issues, especially in emerging markets, Ghosn is quoted as suggesting that it was a "very easy" decision when it comes to justifying Nissan's commitment to zero-emission vehicles. Ghosn says, "We are looking at a future of permanently high energy costs." He goes on, "That is why in our opinion it is time for zero-emissions cars, those that will be completely neutral to the environment." While much of Nissan's planned growth centers around emerging markets - oh, and the Middle East - those electric vehicles will most likely be offered here in the States as well, starting in 2011.

Don't hold your breath for fuel cells, biofuel vehicles or more hybrids from Nissan, though. Nissan has partnered with NEC for the development of large-scale automotive batteries and believes that fully-electric vehicles are the way to go.

[Source: Autocar]

Nissan has announced a new mid-term environmental action plan called Nissan Green Program 2010. They are planning to introduce a variety of alternative fuel vehicles over the next few years in order to demonstrate their commitment to improving the environment and reducing fuel consumption. Nissan has an aggressive plan to reduce carbon emissions from their vehicles and factories. The company plans to expand the availability of flex fuel vehicles by 2010, as well as introduce an in-house designed hybrid vehicle. They are also developing a plug-in electric vehicle in conjunction with corporate partner Renault for introduction around 2010. They also plan to launch a car by 2010 with a fuel efficiency of 3L/100km by 2010.

On a corporate level Nissan will also be adding CO2 reduction as a key performance indicator for their management. They have targeted a seven percent reduction in carbon emissions from their plants by 2010 compared to the 2005 levels. Nissan expects internal combustion engines to remain the primary power source for vehicles for the foreseeable future but is also working on other advanced technologies, such as battery power, fuel cells and in-wheel electric motors. In addition direct fuel injection, clean diesels and other advancements are being developed for the internal combustion engines. The full Nissan press release is after the jump, but here are the highlights of the plan:

• Use in-house technology to build a hybrid
• Develop a new 2.0-liter clean diesel for Europe by next year, then offer in North America in 2010
• Expand flex-fuel, E85 capability to the Armada
• Launch a test version of an electric vehicle
• Work on a plug-in hybrid
• Launch next-generation fuel cell vehicle
• Develop a car that can go 100 kilometers on three liters of fuel, or 62 miles on four-fifths of a gallon of gas
• Improve environmental impact of its dealers

[Source: Nissan]

Renault and Nissan are working on a new zero carbon emission power-train that is expected to be applied to a vehicle in 2010. The two companies are cooperating on a lithium ion battery to power the vehicle. Nissan will be focusing on the Japanese market while Renault will tackle the European fleet market. The joint development work is targeting developments in packaging the full system, the electric motor, and the control software for the regenerative braking, battery charging and optimizing battery life.

[Source: Just-Auto.com - subscription required]