Nissan will sell an electric quadricycle in Europe after signing a deal with a Spanish start-up company called Silence.
From June 2024, the Japanese giant will begin distributing Silence’s tiny 504 Nanocar in Italy and France, followed by an ‘expansion into additional European markets’ in September.
You’re not alone if you have never heard of Silence or the 504 Nanocar. Described as a vehicle ‘specifically designed for urban living’, it comes in two guises. The lower-spec L6E is powered by a 6kW (8hp) motor, offering a range of 108 miles and top speed of 28mph. It has two 5.6kWh batteries and can be driven without a driving licence – in Spain, at least.
Meanwhile, the higher-spec Silence Nanocar L7e offers 14kW (19hp) of power, a top speed of 52mph and a range of 92 miles.
Will the Silence Nanocar come to the UK?
It isn’t clear if the Nanocar will come to the UK yet. We have asked Silence for further information and will update this article when we hear more. Intriguingly, a price in UK pounds is shown on the company’s website: the entry-level model costs from £13,044, while the L7e is £14,614.
Silence does have a small presence in Britain via independent motorcycle dealers (as well as making the Nanocar, it builds electric scooters and motorbikes). The impact of the Nissan deal is unknown when it comes to these distributors, though.
Battery swaps
As well as offering conventional recharging, the two-seat vehicle uses a removable EV battery system. Silence says it will extend its battery exchange service to further European markets next year, mirroring its existing network in Spain and reducing the initial purchase cost of its cars.
The battery station ecosystem in Spain already includes more than 110 locations and 1,110 battery-swap units. The goal is to reach 160 stations and 1,600 battery-swap units before the end of this year.
Broadening Nissan’s horizons
According to Silence, the distribution deal with Nissan ‘will lower the barrier for those who want to go electric’. It’s part of a Nissan programme named The Arc that aims to use partnerships to drive business growth.
“Opening access to Silence’s diverse range of alternative products creates new and exciting possibilities for customers who are eager to join the EV revolution – combining clean mobility with cutting-edge technology, in functional and flexible vehicles,” said Leon Dorssers, senior vice president of marketing and sales at Nissan Europe.
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