NEW YORK - The next generation of the Nissan Cube will join the US market for the first time. But in another - possibly more significant  first -  an electric version of the low-end Nissan also could be bound for America by 2010.

At the New York Auto Show, Nissan is displaying two customized versions of the current Japanese market Cube along with the Denki Cube. Denki is the Japanese word for electric, with the Denki Cube being a battery powered version. The Cube will be a new entry level model for Nissan slotting in below the Versa subcompact in the US.

In the Denki Cube, the battery pack is located under the floor and rear seat of the car. Test fleets of electric cubes may debut as soon as 2010 in Japan and the US. Retail availability of an electric Cube could come as soon as 2012, Nissan says.

The Denki Cube uses a new type of lithium ion battery produced by Nissan Automotive Energy Supply Corp. (AESC). AESC is a joint venture created by Nissan, NEC Corp. and NEC Tokin Co. in 2007.

The cells, described as laminated lithium-ion, are essentially a flat prismatic cell. The design appears to be similar to the cells produced by A123 Systems for the Chevrolet Volt development program.

The flat type cells have an advantage over traditional cylindrical cells by providing additional packaging flexibility. The flat cells also have greater surface area for superior heat transfer and easier cooling.

The current version of the conventional cube is powered by a 1.3L four cylinder engine. Nissan did not give any details of the new car, although the styling is expected to maintain a similar look and size.

MARCH 2008