A TWO-seater electric Nissan, designed for shared public use and integration with public transport systems, has just gone on sale in Japan. The lightweight Hypermini is powered by a lithium-ion battery, has a top speed of 60mph and a range of 70 miles on a single charge.

The city car costs slightly more than a Micra in Japan and sales are being targeted mainly at government departments and agencies. Nissan Motor (GB) says there is no plan to bring Hypermini to Britain.