Nissan Opens Europe Dealer Network to City BEV Maker

Nissan opens up its European dealership network to a Spanish micro-mobility start-up bringing its urban micro-car to market.

Acciona announces the Japanese BEV pioneer now holds the rights to distribute its Silence-branded S04 NanoCar and its electric motorcycle products in France and Italy from June and is expected to extend distribution to more European markets in September.

The Silence NanoCar is a lightweight, electric 4-wheeled BEV designed for urban living. The 2-seater vehicle employs a removable battery system, allowing easy remote charging at a home high-rise apartment or office. Silence says it will extend its battery exchange service next year to more European markets, mirroring its existing network in Spain and reducing the initial purchase cost of its vehicles.

The battery station ecosystem already available in Spain has more than 110 locations and 1,110 battery swap units. Its goal is to reach 160 stations and 1,600 battery swap units before the end of the year.

The S04 comes in two models, the L7e and the L6e. The L7e is equipped with two batteries and offers 14kW of power, reaching 53 mph (85 km/h) with a range of 92 miles (233 km). The L6e, which can be driven without a driving license in some markets, operates with one battery and 6kW of power, reaching a maximum speed of 28 mph (45 km/h).

The vehicle is currently priced from £14,614 ($18,263) and Acciona says its agreement with Nissan lowers the barrier for urban consumers to go electric. This agreement is part of Nissan’s business plan, The Arc, which includes the use of strategic partnerships to drive business growth and transformation.

Leon Dorssers, senior vice-president marketing and sales at Nissan AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania), says: “We believe the future is electric… but to make that future a reality, we have to do more to make it as inclusive as possible, available to all. Through this significant new partnership with Acciona, we’re ensuring that many more people can experience the power and excitement of electric mobility and take the first step on their EV journey. Opening access to Silence’s diverse range of brilliant, 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.”