Nissan teases new EV concept debuting this week: Tune in and Max Out

Nissan is showing a new electric concept this Wednesday, February 1st at 8pm EST. Or it could be the physical version of a concept we’ve seen. The tagline for the live stream encourages everyone to tune in and “see what happens when virtual becomes physical.” Discover how our latest concept car takes zero-emission mobility to the max!” The placeholder image shows the rear corner of the Max-Out concept, one of Nissan’s concepts to support the automaker’s Ambition 2030. The initiative involves an investment of 2 trillion yen (US$17.7 billion) over the next five years, part of which will pay off for the launch of 23 new electrified models, 15 of which will be all-electric. The other models could use the company’s e-Power powertrain, which adds a petrol range extender engine. Nissan wants its offering and Infiniti range to be 50% electrified globally by 2030, with different targets for different markets. Europe is targeted for 75% electrified sales in the next five years; the target for the US and China is 40%.

Nissan described the Max-Out as “so responsive it feels like a part of you”, the convertible concept aims “to offer a new driving experience with its superior stability and comfort. Dynamic cornering and steering responses are balanced with limited body roll to optimize driver and passenger comfort, creating a sense of oneness with the car.” Aside from the expected EV concept parts like a full-width screen for the instrument panel, this stood out Concept characterized by a lightweight construction and a passenger seat that could be stowed away to create more cargo space.

The Max-Out debuted alongside three other purely virtual concepts, the Chill-Out Crossover, the Hang-Out SUV, and the Surf-Out Pickup. In a previous video about these concepts, the automaker touted its vision of EV technology as “ultra-light” with “ultimate hardware,” “minimal components,” and “innovative integration of body, chassis and battery,” the latter of which is solid-state batteries. This would all be an evolution of Nissan’s Advanced e-4Force twin-engine powertrain, which debuted on a modified Leaf in late 2019. Combined power was 304 horsepower and 501 pound-feet of torque. The system made its debut at the 2023 X-Trail in Europe late last year, our Rogue boasting 210 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque.

What does that mean for the debut in a few days? In December, Nismo CEO Takao Katagiri told Autocar that Nissan is developing a new sports car for North America and Europe that is believed to be a sort of preview of a GT-R successor with hybrid and all-electric powertrains. We’re expecting a physical version of the Max-Out this week, but we’re not sure how far the concept pushes its vision and how much of what we’ve come to expect from Nissan will be included in that vision. So, as the TV ad says, tune in on Wednesday to find out.