If Nissan was given three wishes, one of those wishes would be for them to produce an electric car by the year 2010, with a line-up to follow suit on 2012. While other car manufacturers have come up with their own concept vehicles, Nissan’s goal makes them the first to commit a date when they will make their own electric powered car.

Their goal of selling electric vehicles is part of Nissan’s five-year business plan dubbed the Nissan GT 2012. A formal announcement is expected to be by Nissan’s chief executive, Carlos Ghosn, regarding their plans. But to answer the question as to why Nissan is headed for this direction, it’s pretty simple. It’s not to compete with the other car manufacturers who have already started toying with the idea of producing cars powered by electricity. It’s actually high fuel prices and environmental concerns that prompted this automotive biggie to focus on this direction.

Although Nissan is optimistic that the new business plan will work, they are also realistic about those who will end up purchasing it first and how it will have to slowly expand. As per Nissan, those who might take an interest in getting this type of vehicle will be those living in the city since they’re the ones who have easy access to outlets where they can charge the car. After which, the company expects the trend to filter to the suburbs and the rural areas.

Sources: Kicking Tires, The New York Times