Nissan previews BladeGlider before Geneva motor show debut

New electric cars need consular and diplomatic staff, led by ambassadors, preferably with diplomatic immunity. And Margot Robbie has just been named ambassador for Nissan’s electric vehicles. Her official ride (still missing the required diplomatic license plates) is the fully electric Nissan BladeGlide, which she has just taken for a spin around Monaco Grand Prix circuit at midnight — exercising diplomatic privilege that apparently includes this sort of thing, but not in the daytime.

*Nissan Bladeglider with Nissan ambassador, Margot Shot*

Haven’t seen the BladeGlider down at your local Nissan dealership? That’s because the three-seater is still a prototype, which will be on display at the Geneva motor show in a matter of days.

Here’s what we know about this EV, which looks like a prop from “Tron: Legacy,” so far: The BladeGlider is powered by a 220-kWh battery producing 268-hp and 521 lb-ft of torque, and it’s good for sprints from 0-62 mph in “less than five seconds.” The BladeGlider also has a top speed of 118 mph. And it seats three.

“It’s a really exciting time for electric vehicles,” said Ambassador Robbie. “More people are choosing to go electric, leading the way to a more sustainable future, and the Nissan BladeGlider hints at the future of smarter performance cars.”

Even though the BladeGlider will be shown in Geneva, don’t count on it making into production in this form. The prototype is meant to generate buzz for Nissan’s other electric-car efforts before the debut of the next-generation Leaf or an even more affordable model. Hopefully the BladeGlider will point the way to a sportier version of the Leaf even if it does not adopt the exterior design of this prototype.

“As the global leader in electric vehicles, and with mass adoption just around the corner, it is more important than ever that we showcase all of the benefits of driving an electric car — from energy efficiency to sustainability, from handling to performance,” said Gareth Dunsmore, director of electric vehicles for Nissan Europe. “Having Margot on board will support us in spreading news of the personal and societal benefits of electric vehicles to more people than ever before. Nissan’s Electrify the World movement recognizes the importance of us all working together to achieve positive change in our communities. We want to inspire people to take meaningful steps toward cleaner, safer cities.”