According to a Japanese report, Nissan will introduce a new electric vehicle complete with a petrol-powered range extender.
Nikkei Asian Review asserts that the manufacturer will create an electric variant of the Note subcompact with a range extender and offer it for sale exclusively in Japan.
Operating in a similar way to BMW‘s i3 with the optional range extender, this derivative of the Nissan Note will use a small petrol engine alongside the battery pack and electric motor. However, the engine won’t send any power to the wheels and instead by used solely to recharge the battery.
It is reported that this system could result in 40 per cent better fuel economy than the standard engine-driven Note, meaning the range-extended Note will become the country’s most fuel efficient compact car.
To compete with more traditional petrol-powered cars, Nissan will price the model at around 2 million yen ($19,234) with dealer deliveries expected to take place as soon as November.
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