Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Hatchbacks, Nissan
New York '08 Preview: Nissan to give Big Apple a charge with Denki Cube EV
by Sam Abuelsamid on Mar 18th 2008 at 9:31AM 
Click image for a high-res gallery of the Nissan Denki Cube concept
We've known for several weeks now that Nissan was planning to show off an all-electric car based on the JDM Nissan Cube at this week's New York Auto Show. The Denki (meaning electric) Cube has of course spilled out onto the interwebs in advance of it's official unveiling tomorrow at the Javits Center. Looking much like the battery pack that will power it, the Denki Cube should appeal to fans of the now-departed first-gen Scion xB. The basic Cube has been dressed up inside and out to better shout out about its high tech power supply. Nissan has a lithium battery joint venture in Japan with NEC that will likely be the source of the energy storage systems. Stay tuned for more details tomorrow!
Gallery: Nissan Denki Cube
[Source: SuperNissans via AutoblogGreen]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Snark 10:38AM (3/18/2008)
Denki? Danke!
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SPG 10:43AM (3/18/2008)
A funky little car that would have some sales succces in North America even with a gas only engine.
However, I'd much prefer a hybrid Sentra or Rogue.
And I think alot of the 35+ people that make up the majority of the hybrid buying population would strongly agree.
Well the types that don't drive with their vanity mirrors open at all times, if you know what I mean.
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Curtis 12:02PM (3/18/2008)
You are wrong about the "majority of the hybrid buying population". Most people want a hybrid that stands out, not a hybrid variant of the Camry, Civic, etc... This is why the Prius does so well, it's unique in it's class unlike the Camry for instance. Hybrids for the "majority of the hybrid buying population" are a status symbol as much as they are a more environmentally and fuel efficient vehicle. Point said, I think this Cube EV will do extremely well in the US. It's instantly recognizable; it's different, sports unique looks, will catch everyone’s eyes on the road and flaunt its status as a hybrid. I believe this car will sell very well to the "majority of the hybrid buying population". Now I'm not disagreeing with you in that Nissan should offer more hybrid variants to there fleet, but the Cube will be far more appealing to the mass as a hybrid vehicle than a hybrid variant.
SPG 12:28PM (3/18/2008)
Curtis,
I do agree with some of your points.
I still believe that most of the hybrid buyers are 35+ however.
In fact, all the vehicles (not the cube) you mentioned (Camry, Civic, Prius) are all more popular with the "mature" set then younger generations. The Civic falls into the youngest category but even that is very popular with the 30+ crowd.
You're definatly correct about hybrids being a status symbol. Thusly my vanity mirrors comment.
tony raso 2:23PM (3/18/2008)
this article is about an all electric vehicle not a hybrid. look under the hood, it doesnt look anything like any gas engine ive ever seen.
9394 4:44AM (4/05/2008)
As a Prius owner, I don't care how the car looks. I care only about -- a 4 door with 5 seat belts and the best MPG. I get 48MPG. Civic lost my vote because it gets less MPG. Period.
Whether EV should be on Cube, Sentra or Rogue, I guess the EV provides the most mileage on the smallest verhicle, and that's why it is EV Cube.
chrisdavis 11:27AM (3/18/2008)
Nice grille. "When I get done with you, you're gonna piss lightning and crap thunder!"
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John P. 11:34AM (3/18/2008)
the one nissan I like.
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Quattrofan 11:54AM (3/18/2008)
I bet a panel version/small van type would sell like hotcakes.
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zamafir 12:27PM (3/18/2008)
Actually, he's not wrong. I've a pair of hybrids, camyr and highlander, both purchased precisely because they provided benefit to fuel economy and reduced emissions while NOT looking like a prius. Were the prius toyota's only hybrid offering, I wouldn't own any toyotas at current.
Re: the Denki - BUILD IT and sell it in the US. I'll buy one provided it's under 20k (having driven the Cube the last time nissan brought a few over, there's no way in hell i'd pay GTI money for that 80's parts bin interior, hence my 20k threshold :P)
Todd 12:40PM (3/18/2008)
So it's the "Electric" (Denki) Cube Electric Vehicle?
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NewSunSEO 2:02PM (3/18/2008)
I have to agree with Zamafir on this one. I buy cars based on looks and performance. If I was to buy a hybrid car then I would definitely want it to look nice at the same time. Prius in my opinion is not that appealing to me but they also have the Lexus RX-H, GS-H, and LS-H hybrids.
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daz 7:11PM (3/18/2008)
As "unique" as this little vehicle looks, I think it will fit in very well in overcrowded metropolitan areas.
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