Nissan Qazana Concept May Reach Production As An Electric Vehicle

REPORTS OUT OF JAPAN this week suggest that the Nissan Qazana concept may enter production as an electric vehicle.

Revealed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, the Qazana concept was inspired by the styling of modern sports motorcycles and the popular beach or 'dune' buggies of the 1970s.

Now, an unconfirmed report in the Japanese press indicates that Japan's third largest manufacturer is working on an electric version of the Qazana to go on sale in 2013, while the regular petrol-powered model will be launched in 2011.

The all-electric Qazana would utilise the same lithium-ion battery technology as the 2012 Nissan LEAF, offering a driving range of around 160 kilometres.

The production version of the petrol-powered Qazana is expected to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next year.

Rumours are also circulating that Nissan will soon unveil a production version of the all-electric ultra-mini Nuvu concept, revealed in late 2008.

It was known in 2008 that Nissan was working on an all-electric small car, but as stated at the time and proven this week in the unveiling of the Nissan LEAF, the Nuvu was not the car in question.