Nissan to launch new electric nanocars with calls for all vehicles to be 'smarter, smaller and lighter'

The "small but powerful" vehicles will be rolled out across the country through Nissan's new partnership with Silence, the car manufacturing arm of ACCIONA.

Two variants of the popular S04 Nanocar will be launched - the L6e and L7e, with both being described as perfect for "cleaner, smarter, more flexible city living".

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The L6e has an electric range of 109 miles and a top speed of 28mph, while the L7e can travel 92 miles with an impressive maximum speed of 54mph.

Both vehicles are powered by two 5.6kWh batteries and can be charged at home or in public. Some drivers can even swap the batteries at dedicated stations.

The S04 Nanocar will also allow drivers to access the My Silence app, with features including "cutting edge" digital services, keyless entry and location tracking.

Urban mobility has become more crucial in recent years, especially amid the push to electric vehicles, with Nanocars and other quadricycles offering drivers the chance to switch.

Gareth Dunsmore, managing director of e-micro mobility at Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania), said: “Following Italy, France and Germany, I am excited to see our partnership now expanding to the UK.

"Through this Nissan partnership with ACCIONA, we’re ensuring that many more people across Europe have access to electric mobility and can embark on their EV journey.

"By opening access to Silence’s diverse range of alternative products, we are easing the EV transition by combining clean mobility with cutting-edge technology, in functional and flexible vehicles.”

Prices have not yet been confirmed, although the Silence website shows initial prices starting from £14,614 - cheaper than the vast majority of other electric vehicles on the market.

The S04 Nanocar positions itself as the only electric car with removable and exchangeable batteries, with the battery swapping technology available via a subscription.

With the battery subscription, drivers can save up to 40 per cent on the purchase of any Silence vehicle, allowing drivers to make major savings before even getting behind the wheel.

Carlos Sotelo, CEO of ACCIONA’s mobility business and Silence, praised the new partnership with Nissan, saying that transport needed to become "smarter, smaller and lighter".

He added: “The needs of drivers in today’s towns and cities are changing – their commute, their attitudes to mobility, and what constitutes a realistic and efficient way for them to get around urban areas.

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"Silence’s light electric vehicles, partnered with Nissan’s strong distribution network, offers new, exciting, and clever options for urban mobility in Europe, shaping a more sustainable future.”