What's our vision of urban motoring in the 21st century? Take a look at one example: the Nissan Hypermini - an ultra-small concept electric vehicle tailored for real-world, emissions-free driving.

Packaging: Approximately 90% of all passenger cars travel less than 42 miles a day, and roughly 90% of compact vehicles carry only one or two occupants. Designed with these trends in mind, the Hypermini accommodates two people in complete comfort, while a rear cargo compartment provides space for everyday items such as groceries, sporting equipment and light luggage.

Batteries: Lightweight lithium-ion batteries offer high energy and power densities in a compact unit, enabling the Hypermini to travel nearly 80 miles on a single charge in urban driving conditions. Inductive charging re-energizes the lithium-ion battery pack. The non-contact charging system utilizes a plastic paddle with a built-in coil that generates a high frequency magnetic field. A portable battery charger lets you charge the batteries from any ordinary electric outlet.

Recycling and Economy: The Hypermini makes extensive use of recycled materials -- including bottle plastic and materials from scrapped vehicles -- and is 90 percent recyclable by weight. In addition, Nissan estimates that the Hypermini can operate at one-fifth the cost of a gas-powered vehicle.

Performance: The Hypermini offers remarkably smooth acceleration and a top speed of 60 miles per hour, and with the batteries at the lowest position on the vehicle and the tires at the outer corners, the Hypermini also offers a low center of gravity and superb driving stability. Vehicle efficiency is enhanced by tires manufactured of a rubber compound that reduces energy loss. The result is exceptional road-gripping performance and reduced rolling resistance.

Design: There are two exterior styling packages: a chic town package and a casual leisure package. The sleek instrument panel positions frequently used switches in front, while concealing the remaining controls. And a tilt/sliding glass power skyroof offers a dose of unfiltered moonlight.

Seating: An offset seating arrangement provides a spacious area in front of the passenger's seat and creates a side pass-through for easy entry and exit from either side of the vehicle. For additional interior and cargo space, you can fold up the passenger's seat cushion or remove the seat entirely.

Climate Control: While the batteries are recharging, a state-of-the-art air conditioning system can pre-cool or pre-heat the cabin. This feature ensures a comfortable interior on short trips, where you often reach your destination before a conventional air conditioner begins to function. You can even operate this function with the keyless remote entry system.

Communication: In addition to essential information like air conditioning and stereo status, the large liquid crystal display in the center of the panel uses an advanced communication system to access traffic reports, parking availability, charging locations and digital navigation/mapping technology.