The Nissan Leaf is the first of eight all-electric vehicles expected from Nissan-Renault in the next five years or so. In addition to the Leaf, there�"s the Renault Fluence Z.E., an electric version of the stylish Fluence sedan�plus a trio of funky people movers of various sizes (probably headed to Asian markets). But what electric-drive vehicles should we expect from Infiniti, Nissan�"s luxury brand?
Renault's lineup of future electric cars, including the Renault Fluence (far left).
UK�"s Top Gear reported a couple of weeks ago that a small electric Infiniti hatchback is slated for 2014. The small Infiniti EV will share the Leaf�"s platform but will be more powerful. According to Top Gear, Nissan will produce a next generation battery suitable for the increased power. Why a hatchback and not a larger high-performance electric vehicle? There are two reasons, according to an Infiniti executive: to attract the biggest market, and because bigger vehicles are too heavy for today�"s batteries.
H is for Hybrid⬦And Horsepower
Consumers looking for a larger model, and more oomph, will need to look to Infiniti�"s hybrids. In October 2009, Nissan announced that it will produce a hybrid gas-electric version of its Infiniti M luxury performance sedan, to go on sale in Europe in 2011. It will likely be sold in the United States as well, although no date has been set for North American distribution.
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