Nissan to sell Acciona-made electric ‘nanocars’ and e-motorcycles in UK

Nissan has acquired the rights to sell a range of light electric vehicles (EVs) and e-motorbikes made by Spanish energy group Acciona in the UK.

The partnership, announced yesterday, gives Nissan the UK distribution and service rights for the entirety of the Spanish company’s ‘Silence’ micro-mobility range from October 2024.

The range includes the Silence SO4 electric nanocar – a four-wheeled, two-seater vehicle with a swappable battery designed for city driving – and a number of e-motorcycles.

The UK deal marks an extension of a partnership between the two firms already in place in Germany, France, and Italy.

Nissan said giving customers access to a greater range of e-mobility solutions would “lower the barrier to entry” for those who want to transition to electric vehicles (EVs).   

Carlos Sotelo, CEO of Acciona’s mobility business and Silence, said the partnership offered “new, exciting, and clever options for urban mobility in Europe” that would “shape a more sustainable future”.

“The needs of drivers in today’s towns and cities are changing – their commute, their attitudes to mobility, and what constitutes a realistic and efficient way for them to get around urban areas,” he added. “To respond to this, we need to think smarter, smaller and lighter.”

Gareth Dunsmore, managing director for e-micro mobility at Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceana, also welcomed the partnership. 

“Following Italy, France and Germany, I am excited to see our partnership now expanding to the UK,” he said. “Through this Nissan partnership with Acciona, we’re ensuring that many more people across Europe have access to electric mobility and can embark on their EV journey.

“By opening access to Silence’s diverse range of alternative products, we are easing the EV transition by combining clean mobility with cutting-edge technology, in functional and flexible vehicles.”

The tie-up comes as Nissan is in the process of re-engineering its manufacturing plant in Sunderland to prepare for increased EV production.

The company is aiming to produce three EV models at the site by 2030, up from zero today after production at the site of its popular Leaf electric car was halted earlier this year.

The tie-up also comes as campaigners have urged the auto industry and policymakers to prioritise the production of smaller EVs which are less emissions, materials and energy intensive than electric SUVs.

And it coincides with a new report this week from trade body ChargeUK detailing how the UK’s charging network is expanding rapidly. 

The analysis found the UK now has more than 930,000 charge points installed at homes, workplaces, and public locations, with a new public charge point being installed every 25 minutes. 

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