NISSAN'S TINY NEW ELECTRIC IS A DREAM TO PARK IN TIGHT CITY SPACES
While the world waits for Nissan to turn over a new version of pioneering battery-electric Leaf to the car-driving public, Nissan is filling the gap with a zero-emisison quadricycle marketed as your "convenient, comfortable cocoon".
The nifty two-seater measures just 1.29 metres across and can be driven from the age of 15 years upwards in some countries.
The runabout is built by Spanish conglomerate Acciona and has been on sale through Nissan dealers since the start of the year at a comparably affordable €11,995 in Europe.
For the purchase price, you get a cockpit on wheels with space shuttle looks, headlights positioned in the centre, angular daytime running lights and a snazzy two-tone finish. The Silence looks overall like a shrunken Smart.
This is in marked contrast to the cute design code of rivals such as the Fiat Topolino, the Microlino, the Opel Rocks-e and even the new Mobilize Duo from sister company Renault in comparison.
Inside the tiny car makes a valiant effort to appear more upmarket, junking bare plastic surfaces in favour of imitation leather and offering upholstery worthy of the name.
What's more, the makers even treat the two occupants, who are seated in a slightly offset and therefore surprisingly airy manner, to creature comforts such as air conditioning - rare at this price.
And the 247-litre boot is more than sufficient for short journeys, shopping or driving to work too.
The biggest difference to other EVs lies in the battery concept: instead of screwing the batteries firmly to the floor, Acciona spin-off Silence has developed a removable battery trolley. Click a release catch and you can slide it out and wheel it indoors for charging.
In theory, the battery can be removed in two easy steps but the size and weight of the battery makes this a bit of a hassle. Especially if you live on the third floor of an apartment complex with no lift.
That's why most customers will prefer to wait for the battery exchange stations that Nissan wants to set up in major cities in the medium term, similar to those in Spain.
This makes the journey less arduous and reduces the time needed for charging from seven hours at best to just a few minutes for swapping. And because you no longer have to buy the battery but can rent it, the vehicle will also be much cheaper to buy.
Depending on the version, the rear wheels are driven by electric motors with 6 kW/9 hp for the legally-limited 45 km/h in the L6 version or with 14 kW/19 hp in the L6 for a jaunty 85 km/h top speed.
The Silence manages 75 standard kilometres on one battery while the twin battery version will cover 175 kilometres between charges.
The Silence is as firm to drive as other miniature cars while the limited range and low top speed is not a problem in an urban environment.
Admittedly, the 45 km/h of the L6 version is always 5 km/h too little, although the L7 can keep pace with traffic even on country roads. You have to keep reminding yourself that the runabout lacks ABS braking so caution is advised.
The fun stops when you hit big road bumps since the Silencer whacks into them with virtually no suspension. It shakes you up even moving at walking pace.
To sum up, the Silence S04 is not supposed to be full-size car and it makes a lot of sense as a second family vehicle or a holiday rental.