Nissan is out ahead of other major automakers on electric vehicles, expecting to launch a vehicle in 2010. The vehicle shown here is a Nissan Cube fitted with an electric powertrain. This body style may not be the electric car that Nissan releases--it is just serving as a test mule. Nissan has also been aggressively working out deals with utility companies to set up charging stations.Nissan's big advantage is the battery technology it has developed in partnership with NEC. Its laminate lithium-ion batteries will give its electric car a range of 100 miles. The car is expected to cost between $20,000 and $30,000.Mitsubishi has been using its i model to test an electric powertrain and is in heavy competition with Nissan to put an electric car on sale. This car is called the i MiEV, meaning it is built on the i car platform and is a Mitsubishi Electric Vehicle. Similar to Nissan, Mitsubishi is also partnering with utilities to make sure the cars get tested and infrastructure will be in place.Mitsubishi showed a concept for its production i MiEV at the New York auto show. The launch car is expected to go 100 miles on a single charge using lithium ion batteries and a 47 kilowatt electric motor.Ford ramped up its electric car development quickly by partnering with automotive supplier Magna Steyr, which developed a complete electric powertrain. Ford is testing this powertrain in its Focus model, and plans on releasing a Focus Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in 2011.
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