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This is how some designers have approached current and future zero-emission cars as exhibited in the Tokyo Motor Show earlier this month...

Land Glider

This is a single-seater electric vehicle (EV) and Nissan’s take on the future of urban mobility. The narrow body and sheer size has been made possible thanks to the thin lithium-ion batteries discreetly housed beneath the floor. The car leans into corners, much like a motorbike, for stability. Project design director Koji Nagano says he designed the car for a younger audience who are not necessarily interested in big power hungry cars.

The Land Glider is only a prototype at this stage but certain design cues would filter through to an upcoming entry-level EV car.

Skydeck

Honda's Skydeck is a cleverly configured six-seater hybrid-powered concept car with scissor-doors up front and sliding doors to the rear. It's the car maker's vision for zero-emission MPV design.

With many of the hybrid system components, including the high power battery, housed centrally - rather than behind the rear seats or under the floor – there is enough cabin space for three rows of two seats. The middle row can also slide under the front thanks to the slim laminated wood seat design.

Leaf

This is the first large-scale volume production EV made for a global market by Nissan. It is also a car designed to be someone’s first electric car experience. For this reason the designers have played it pretty safe sticking to a square five-door hatchback shape.

Subtle manipulation of surfaces, however, helps achieve maximum aerodynamic performance with lots of surface movements and sharp edged bodyside lines that direct airflow from the nose to the rear and away from the car.

The up-slanting LED headlights consume half the energy of conventional lights and the clever design also redirects airflow away from the door mirrors, helping to reduce wind noise and drag.

FT-EV II

This is an urban concept EV by Toyota that sets to deconstruct our view of the conventional motorcar. It is tiny, but the lithium-ion batteries housed beneath the floor open enough space to enable the cabin to fit four adults.

The drive-by-wire technology allows all driving functions to be controlled using a joystick.

P70t Conch

This is a compact three-seater EV inspired by a golf cart. Designed by students for consultant Phiaro, the urban car features just one door which slides back to reveal a 1+2 layout.