North American consumers haven’t had much experience with all-electric vehicles in recent years. Companies like Tesla Motors, however, are looking to change that. The company’s production-ready Roadster packs 6,381 lithium-ion cells into its battery pack, can bolt 0-60 in 4 seconds and race all the way to a top speed of 130 MPH. The Tesla Roadster also has a hefty price tag of $100,000.
Nissan is looking at the lower-end of the pricing spectrum with its all-electric Mixim concept car [pic1, pic2]. The Mixim uses what Nissan calls a "Super Motor" powertrain and lithium-ion batteries. From the outside, the tiny three-seater looks like the Batmobile — if the actor playing Batman was Vern Troyer. Nissan, however, says that the vehicle is designed to look like the visor of a crash helmet. Diamond shapes are used throughout the exterior and Nissan based the steering wheel design and driver controls on video game consoles.
