Nissan Denki Cube: Electric sprog wagon

Our interest in all things electric continues apace as we take a look at Nissan's latest concept vehicle. We present to you the Denki Cube -- one of the oddest-looking vehicles at the recent British International Motor Show.

If this car looks familiar, that's because it's based on Nissan's Cube. We're told the word Denki is Japanese for electric, but it could just as easily mean "slightly car-shaped". Or "stretched 24cm to accomodate the lithium-ion battery pack".

Some of its highlights include a solar panel on the roof, lightning bolts on the front grille, LED headlamps, brake lights and indicators, and the word 'electric' written on every side. We can't tell you what the range or performance will be, because Nissan won't say. That could either mean nobody knows, or it's rubbish.

It's certainly the largest, most spacious electric vehicle we've seen, and it bodes well for school-run mums who want to save heaps of cash on petrol and road tax. Word is, these will start cropping up towards the end of 2009. Hopefully your nippers won't have left school by then. -Rory Reid