More Details on Nissan's EV Offerings

Nissan EV Prototype Based on New EV Platform



Continuing today's theme of the Nissan EV stable of products is the following.

From Green Car Congress:

Nissan Motor Co., previewed its electric vehicle (EV) platform on a Tiida-based prototype in Japan. Nissan’s EVs go to market in the US and Japan in 2010. It also showcased a EV-IT system developed to support electric driving 24/7 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

A 24 kWh laminated compact lithium-ion battery pack from Nissan joint venture AESC is placed under the vehicle floor for more efficient packaging, without compromising cabin or cargo space. The battery layout also allows smooth underfloor air-flow which helps reduce drag. Additionally, the regenerative brake system employed to recharge the battery during deceleration and braking extends the driving range to more than 160 km (99 miles) on the US LA4 cycle under a full charge.

The dedicated EV platform comprises a highly rigid body, high-performance motor, and compact lithium-ion battery with high power output and energy capacity. The Nissan-developed electric motor delivers 80 kW/280N·m for high response and powerful acceleration. Nissan’s motor control also contributes to the vehicle’s acceleration.

High durability is achieved by employing an additional frame for the battery pack to significantly improve the rigidity of the platform. The combination of a high rigidity platform and electric powertrain minimizes vibration and external sounds to produce a quiet and pleasing drive.

Nissan has developed a sophisticated IT system for its zero-emission EVs, connecting the vehicle’s on-board transmitting unit to a global data center to support EV driving 24 hours 7 days a week. Usability and convenience for EV driving is achieved via the following:

• Maximum range display. With a touch of a button, the navigation map shows the driving radius within range under the current state of charge. The system can calculate if the vehicle is within range of a pre-set destination.

• Update on charging stations. The navigation system points out the latest information on available charging stations within the current driving range. Detailed information for each charging station will also be displayed.

• Timer function. The timer function enables the air-conditioner or battery charging to begin at a specified time. The air-conditioner can be pre-set while the vehicle is plugged-in to cool the cabin to a desirable temperature before driving begins, without taxing the vehicle's battery. Meanwhile, the battery charging can be set to start at a specified time at night to benefit from more favorable electricity rates.

• EV remote control and monitoring function. The driver can monitor the state-of-charge of the EV via an online website and a cellular phone. For example, when the battery is fully charged, a message alert is sent to the cellular phone. Additional remote control functions range from switching the charging system ON/OFF or setting the air-conditioner timer.

The all-electric vehicle slated for launch in 2010 will have a unique design and body. Nissan plans to unveil the design of the production EV at its new Global Headquarters Opening in Yokohama on 2 August. A Nissan Zero-emission Website will also go live then.