Nissan has announced its new cooperation with Acciona, the parent company of Silence, to close out April 2024.
Nissan will distribute a brand-new electric car under the agreement that isn’t even a two-wheeler. It’s known as the S04 Nanocar, and it resembles a Smart ForTwo at least somewhat upon first look. Despite being entirely electric, the Silence S04 Nanocar will be able to utilise swappable battery stations that will be installed in the markets where it is sold.
There are two flavours available for the newest member of the Silence family: L6e and L7e.
According to Acciona, the L6e can be operated without a driver’s licence. 45 km is its maximum speed per hour, or just under 28 miles per hour. It utilizes a single six kilowatt battery for operation.
The L7e offers both a little more range and a little more power, and does require a driver’s license to use. The estimated range given by Silence is about 149 kilometers (around 92 miles) using its two batteries that offer a combined 14 kilowatts. Top speed, says Acciona, is about 85 km/h (or just under 53 mph).
The S04 will join the other Silence electric scooters in the firm’s lineup, which will now be distributed in Nissan dealerships in select markets in Europe.
Beginning in June 2024, Nissan and Silence will offer Silence electric scooters and nanocars in dealerships in France and Italy. From September 2024, they will also become available in Germany.
In Spain, Silence already says that it has over 110 locations where its battery swap stations are available. The current plan is to see that number rise to at least 160 locations by the end of 2024.
Vehicles like these seem like they could work well in built-up urban environments where life is lived in a more compact amount of space. Add in a place with too much sprawl and the practicality seems like it would be more difficult, but congested cities seem ideal for solutions like these.
Rather uniquely, Silence also offers owners the option to participate in their battery-as-a-service subscription plan.