Nissan have unveiled their new prototype electric vehicle which comes equipped with batteries that are twice as powerful as those in use today. The boxy-looking car also features a new motor, delivering 80kW (105 hp) of power for quick acceleration.

The batteries were developed in partnership with NEC and use advanced lithium-ion technology, offering twice the power of nickel-metal hydride batteries in current electric vehicles. They are stored under the floor of the vehicle to maximize interior space.

Nissan wants in on the electric car market and is aiming to be industry leader, despite a very slow start. They plan to begin selling an electric vehicle in both Japan and the U.S. in 2010 and the rest of the world in 2012.

Nissan have also unveiled a hybrid vehicle with numerous innovations to improve on efficiency such as a parallel-powertrain. The hybrid will launch alongside the electric model in 2010.

They are clearly taking the low/zero-emission market very seriously and are working on the development of a hydrogen fuel-cell car to round out their offerings.

Sources:
TGDaily
Physorg