The main purpose of the alliance between Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors is the development of minicars. Mitsubishi Motors President Osamu Masuko said, "The alliance came about naturally without either of us coming forward, and it took less than a year. We're joining forces to go a step further than OEM."
On the other hand, was there a possibility of a partnership remove background image with Suzuki on Nissan's side? Nissan Executive Officer Andy Palmer said, "There are various ways of thinking, but you can't have a romantic relationship with someone you're married to. At least that's how I see it." He was referring to the partnership between Suzuki and VW.
Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors are the world's number one and number two EV manufacturers. Their core technology is lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries have a low energy density, so they are primarily suited to small cars like minicars.
Nissan has teamed up with NEC to develop a laminated battery similar to that used in retort curry pouches, while Mitsubishi Motors has worked with GS Yuasa to develop a high-capacity rectangular battery in a metal can. The positive electrodes in both cases are manganese-based. Mitsubishi Motors' EV "i-MiEV" is based on the "i" minicar developed by Aikawa. The rear midship layout of the i is used to store the battery and power unit.