Nissan Hypermini was introduced as a concept car at Tokyo Motor Show in November 1997 and started sales in February 2000.
The ultra-small Nissan Hypermini EV concept has been developed as an urban commuter car with a dedicated vehicle body and seating for two passengers.
One of the new technologies adopted for the Hypermini is its dedicated "Hyperbody" construction based on a lightweight aluminum spaceframe with high rigidity. Comprising a combination of steel and plastic parts, the Hyperbody makes effective use of the respective advantages of each type of material. Another feature is the use of run-flat tires that can be driven approximately 80 km at a speed of 60 km/h even after suffering a puncture.
The exterior design has been rendered in expressive sheetmetal surfaces that exude such a sense of dynamism everyone will want to drive the Hypermini the instant they see it. Inside, the interior design combines functionality with an advanced look, centered on the instrument panel with its horizontal motif and feeling of openness.
The Hypermini provides a driving range of 115 km* on a single battery charge under Japan's 10-15 test mode, thanks in part to its lightweight, highly rigid body based on the aluminum spaceframe construction. This range has also been made possible by adopting a neodymium magnet synchronous traction motor and compact, lightweight, high-performance lithium-ion batteries that use lithium-manganate cathode positive electrodes for cost savings. The Hypermini achieves a top speed of 100 km/h. Moreover, it can be operated on approximately one yen per kilometer for exceptionally high economy, assuming that the batteries are charged overnight when electricity rate is lower.
The batteries can be fully recharged in approximately four hours using a compact 200-volt AC charger that is designed to be permanently installed in a garage or some other location. A non-contact inductive charging system has been adopted that is simple and safe to use.
For enhanced environmental friendliness, easy-to-recycle thermoplastic resins are used extensively, in addition to easily recyclable aluminum that forms the base of the vehicle body. As another eco-friendly feature, the bumpers, instrument panel, instrument panel ducts and floor carpet of the Hypermini are made of plastic materials that have been recycled from these same parts recovered from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs).
The Hypermini won the fourth annual "New Energy Grand Prize," sponsored by the New Energy Foundation which is associated with Japan's Ministry of International Trade & Industry and Good Design Award 2000, hosted by the Japan Institute for Design Promotion, a public interest incorporated foundation.
*Nissan's measured range when the air-conditioning system is not used. The driving range will vary depending on road conditions, weather and other factors.
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