► ‘Dynamic’ two-seater EV concept
► Points to Nissan’s design-led future
► First appeared as virtual concept in 2021
Oh, what a time to be alive. Nissan has unveiled a ‘physical concept model’ of the Max-Out – a two-seater convertible electric car that previously appeared in 2021 as a digital-only concept.
The real thing (in a manner of speaking) makes its debut at the Nissan Futures event taking place in Japan to showcase Nissan’s thinking about ‘sustainable mobility and innovative design’.
Is the Nissan Max-Out an innovative design, then?
Well, it’s quite fun, at least. It’s a low-slung, two-seater sportscar with an electric drive system and an appearance that’s something between The Jetsons, The Flintstones and miniaturised Dodge Challenger.
In the real, this Nissan electric car concept looks a little less kinked in the middle than the virtual concept did, but the vast sweeping windscreen and fancy infinity-style lights carry over very nicely.
Beyond this, Nissan is being rather scarce with the details at the moment (there’s more to come), except to say that it’s supposed to ‘provide a liberating sense of openness while offering an enhanced, dynamic driving experience.’
Is there a plan to put the Nissan Max-Out into production?
Nissan isn’t saying that exactly. Rather: ‘The Max-Out displays Nissan’s innovation to develop a diverse range of advanced and striking vehicles, with a clear vision of how they can benefit both individuals and society.’
Certainly, the Max-Out is striking. Presumably the individual benefit comes with it being fun to drive, and the societal benefit comes from a low carbon footprint.
There’s a bit of looking backwards to look forwards, as Nissan is planning a panel discussions about its ‘decade-long’ initiatives in Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communications systems and second-life electric vehicle battery re-use.
Part of this will involve considering how this experience will help overcome the future challenges involved with large-scale transition electric mobility – not least of which is managing electric storage and demand.
There will also be a number of Talk 4 Futures ‘dialogues’ between Nissan and ‘people of influence’ in the areas od sustainability, economy, innovation and culture.
Through this, Nissan hopes to achieve a better understanding of what people really want while aiming ‘to better understand individual and societal needs and drive towards a cleaner, safer and more inclusive world.’