Launched two years ago in London, NICE is back with a bang – or as loud a bang as an all-electric vehicle company can make.  For, as well as being emissions-free, exempt from the London congestion charge and with running costs of a few pence per mile per mile, all NICE electric vehicles are quiet. Very quiet. It’s just another reason why government, opinion formers and customers are increasingly turning to all-electric motoring.

Stand highlights include a global debut for the new Ze-O. European styled and developed and built in China, it will be the world’s first affordable, 5-door electric family car. Ze-O brings all the benefits of electric motoring in a package that boasts a range of up to 65 miles in typical city driving and makes no compromise on specification or styling. It will cost from as little as £13,995 when it goes on sale in the Autumn.

Another world first on the NICE stand comes from the stunning MyCar. This Italian-styled two-seater is small, attractive and competitively priced. It will start from under £9,000 when it too goes on sale in the Autumn and has a range of around 40 miles - perfect for city motoring.

All-electric motoring has a bright future. Battery technology will continue to improve with better range and performance. Incentives like free parking and juice points will also increase convenience for customers.

Concerns about carbon footprints mean more and more people (and companies) will turn to emissions-free vehicles. Noiseless, tailpipe free and with zero CO2, electric vehicles are the urban-friendly, sustainable transport solution.

But as well as environmental benefits, there are very strong financial reasons why the electric revolution has come. According to the AA, fuel costs have risen by more than 20 per cent in the last year, a fact drivers of any conventionally-powered vehicle can’t have failed to notice.

For those on a tight budget, electric motoring is becoming an increasingly attractive proposition. Running an electric car is about 15 times cheaper than a conventionally-powered car at between two and three pence per mile.

Super Light Electric Concept - This research project was developed by NICE Car Company in partnership with Cranfield’s Power and Drive Systems group, based in Shrivenham

The group develops enabling technologies for electric vehicles including electric generators that provide compact and efficient power; electric motors with high efficiency, power and torque density; compact electric actuators and systems controlling power, energy and battery management.

Extensive field tests have been carried out on the Super Light Electric Concept. It is designed around a tough carbon fibre cell, increasing occupant protection and maximising resistance to stress and impact. Electro-magnetic and electronics replace traditional mechanical assemblies.

The result is a car weighing less than 400kg including batteries with a range of more than 100 miles. Independent wheel drive on the rear wheels provides scope for unprecedented dynamic road-holding.

Although not a production car, it does demonstrate what is possible when design starts from the principle of electric-drive upwards. When integrated with advanced, lightweight materials, the benefits of the approach are very clear. As is the NICE Car Company’s commitment to research and development.

Range-busting electric Fiat Doblo - Converted by NICE’s Italian partner, Micro-Vett, the Doblo Electric recently won the Turin stage of the 2008 Monte Carlo Rally for alternatively-fuelled vehicles. Traveling 140 km and in hill-climbs of up to 3,000m, the Doblo finished ahead of all other electric entries and proved to have the longest driving range of currently commercially available electric cars. The vehicle has a top speed of 75 mph and has a range of 95 miles thanks to lithium-ion batteries.

MyCar

Price: from £8.995
On sale from: September / October 2008
Warranty: Two years
Insurance group: TBC
Origin: Hong Kong
Maximum speed: 40 mph
Range: 40 miles
Charging time: 6-8 hours
Battery type: No maintenance, lead gel deep cycle
Battery capacity: 8.5 kWh
Regenerative braking: yes
Transmission: Automatic
Construction: Fibreglass reinforced plastic on steel tubular spaceframe with tubular roll-bar
Suspension front: independent
Suspension rear: independent
Weight (gvw):; 635 kg
Seats (number): 2

Standard equipment includes: Electric windows and mirrors, Radio/MP3 player, 14” Alloy wheels, remote central locking, Hi/Lo and boost button, LCD multifunction display, 12V aux socket

Optional equipment: Glass roof, 15” Alloy wheels, leather interior, work ‘n’ play pack (forward folding passenger seat with laptop dock), drive ‘n’ play pack (Bluetooth, sat-nav, upgraded audio), cooled and heated seats, boot rack

Ze-0

Price: from £13,995
On sale from: September / October 2008
Warranty: 2 years
Insurance group: TBC
Origin: China
Maximum speed: 50 mph
Range: 65 miles in typical city driving
Charging time: 5-8 hours
Battery type: AGM sealed lead acid – Lithium-ion option
Battery capacity: 18 kWh
Regenerative braking: Yes
Transmission: Manual (auto optional)
Construction: Steel monocoque
Suspension front: independent
Suspension rear: independent
Weight (gvw): TBC
Seats (number): 5
Standard equipment: High performance brushless electric motor, side impact beams, child locks, radio/CD, fog lights, reclining front seats, 50/50 folding rear seats, 12V aux socket

Optional equipment: Air con, electric pack (powered windows, locks and mirrors), alloy wheels, reverse sensors, dual airbags (from Dec 08), automatic transmission.

NEWS UPDATE: On 5 December 2008, Nice Car Company Ltd went into administration.  We will keep you updated with any details, especially on the availability of the above vehicles.