Monday, November 15, 2010

Nissan Clones the Renault Twizy EV

Nissan has unveiled a two-seater electric city car concept named the New Mobility Concept or NMC for short. If it reminds you of a recently seen model, then you've got a good eye, because the NMC is nothing more than a rebagded version of the Renault Twizy, which made its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show last month.

The Japanese automaker didn't release many details on the NMC, but the two-seater concept most likely feature the same 20 hp (15 kW) electric motor and lithium-ion battery set found on the Twizy, which help the latter achieve a top speed of 47 mph (76 km/h).

Nissan says it will study the use of the NMC for a variety of services, such as a "2-mode EV car sharing" solution, where the vehicle is used as a private commuter in the mornings and evenings, and as a corporate car during business hours, and for revitalizing communities by providing improved mobility in urban areas and tourist locations.

Even though the Japanese carmaker doesn't mention any plans for production, being that it's French twin will go on sale next year, chances are the NMC will follow suit.