First look: Nissan's electric Mixim

NISSAN is pointing out that environmentally friendly cars don’t have to look cute and cuddly with the bold Mixim concept.

To be presented at next week's Frankfurt motor show, the Mixim concept looks more like a stealth fighter than planet-saving crusader.

Underneath its aggressive lines is a small electric-powered city car.

It is shorter and sits lower than a Micra but is wider, which gives the car a sporty stance.



The Mixim is not about to appear in a showroom near you any time soon as it is more of an attention-grabbing concept car.

Nissan said the Mixim was aimed at young drivers who were “mostly engaged by their computer and the world via the internet.” It is a three-seater comprising a central driver’s seat with two passenger seats at either side.

Computer geeks are looked after with a control screen designed to resemble a computer game interface.

The Mixim is powered by two electric Super Motors fed by compact lithium ion batteries. One of the motors feeds the rear wheels and another feeds the front wheels.

The Mixim features doors that open up and out at an angle, which allows for easy access, but also looks very cool.

By showing the zero-emissions Mixim, Nissan is again demonstrating its push to develop electric-only vehicles rather than petrol-electric hybrid models.

Nissan believes that while there is a future for both hybrids and, eventually, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles - electric cars with no exhaust pipe emissions - will have a prominent role in built-up cities.