The new kei car is being designed and developed by NMKV Co., Ltd.—a 50/50 joint-venture between Nissan and Mitsubishi engaged primarily in the product planning and project management for mini-vehicles. Currently, the JV makes the Nissan Dayz Roox (pictured above) and the Mitsubishi eK.

The new Nissan-Mitsubishi-developed car will have a battery capacity of 20 kWh—about half that of the LEAF—but because of its design as an urban runabout, it’ll have enough driving range to cover the daily needs of Japanese drivers. Moreover, the vehicle can provide electricity from its battery to a home, and in emergencies can act as a mobile power source.

The planned mini-vehicle is aimed to redefine the popular car category in Japan, featuring instant acceleration, smooth driving, and cabin quietness that are key characteristics of electric vehicles (EVs). It will also come available with a variety of advanced technologies, including driver assistance technologies.

At 3,395 mm long, 1,475 mm wide, and 1,655 mm high, the mini-vehicle has been designed to provide easy driving and handling in Japan’s often cramped traffic environments. Purchase prices are expected to start at just 2 million yen (P 906,900).

As a pioneer of zero-emission vehicles, since 2010 Nissan has sold more than 500,000 units of the all-electric Nissan LEAF globally, with more than 150,000 of those in Japan. As part of its broader initiatives to contribute to a sustainable society, Nissan is carrying out a Japan-focused electrification program called Blue Switch, within which it aims to tackle issues such as environmental load reduction and disaster countermeasures.

Going forward, Nissan will continue to develop electrified technologies and expand its lineup of electrified models, aiming for every all-new model introduced in key markets to be electrified by the early 2030s.