Autoblog

Nissan shows off Pivo 3's new angles, considering quirky EV for production [w/video]

Autoblog Staff — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Electric

Sometimes, even concept cars evolve. Take the Nissan Pivo, an ungainly, all-electric bubble-on-wheels that first appeared in 2005 at the Tokyo Motor Show. The first version was pretty round, but the Pivo 2 somehow managed to add extra curves around the wheels. For the Pivo 3, unveiled today in advance of this year's Tokyo show, Nissan is keeping some of the quirkiness of the first two Pivos but has scrapped most of the supple round curves. Instead, the new Pivo gets some artistic angles to go with its city functionality. Whether this is an improvement or not is in the eye of the beholder.

The changes don't mean that the Pivo is ready for sale quite yet, but Nissan does say that the third-gen Pivo is "what Nissan envisions to be a more 'realistic' EV of the near future." Aside from the zero-emission powertrain (note the "e" logo, as also seen on the Leaf) and in-wheel motors, what's notable about the Pivo 3 is that has got a lot of automated parking capability. In "specially equipped parking lots," you can even let the car park and recharge itself using "Automated Valet Parking." Even better, you can have the Pivo 3 come to you using your smartphone and the car's autonomous driving skills. Bruce Wayne's got nothing on Pivo. When you are driving, the center-located driver's seat and ultra-tight (two-meter) turning radius.

As you can see in the video after the jump, Nissan is considering putting the Pivo - of something like the Pivo - into production. Would you buy one? Sound off in the Comments.

Continue reading Nissan shows off Pivo 3's new angles, considering quirky EV for production [w/video]

Nissan shows off Pivo 3's new angles, considering quirky EV for production [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Esflow concept is a sporty RWD Leaf [w/video]

Autoblog Staff — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 11:44:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Nissan, Design/Style, Electric

Nissan Esflow concept rendering- Click above to watch the video after the break

Nissan has just announced it's bringing a new sports car concept called the Esflow to the Geneva Motor Show next month. The released images show a vehicle with classic sporty proportions, but we're advised its potential for shrieking rubber has been tempered by the environmental credentials that electric propulsion can bring.

The Esflow uses tech developed for the mass-market Leaf EV hatchback, but uses a separate motor to turn each rear wheel and should hit 60 miles per hour from a standstill in under five seconds. The laminated lithium batteries are mounted low to help out the center of gravity and are said to be good for 150 miles (240 km) per charge. Any weight penalty of the energy storage system is offset by an rollbar-integrated aluminum chassis swathed in a composite shell.

While we doubt this particular concept will find a home in dealerships or driveways, it's nice to see Nissan isn't just concentrating their electric efforts on its more pedestrian platforms, and it could point the way to a sportier EV future for the brand. Hit the jump for a little video of the concept cruising the rendered road in animated action.

Gallery: Nissan Esflow concept

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan Esflow concept is a sporty RWD Leaf [w/video]

Nissan Esflow concept is a sporty RWD Leaf [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Nissan, Mitsubishi will work together on small, possibly electric, cars

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Mitsubishi, Nissan, Electric

Following reports that Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will open a new, efficient global small car plant in Thailand, rumors that MMC and Nissan are talking about a 50-50 joint company in 2011 are a lot more interesting. Automotive News is reporting that the two Japanese automakers could bring a small car to market together in 2012 and - here's where it gets good - they might also work together on electric vehicles. Mitsubishi has been making the Mitsubishi iMiEV for years and Nissan just delivered its first Leaf. The two automakers also participate in a joint car-sharing program in Kyoto, Japan.

According to a statement from Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, no details have been decided, but an analyst at a consulting company in Tokyo told AN, "The alliance of the two automakers seems to be a good one as we can expect more cooperation in electric vehicles going forward." Ghosn's statement said the partnership, "is important for Nissan as it supports our expansion in emerging markets, meets immediate capacity needs overseas and enables us to grow our minicar business in Japan."

Mitsubishi and Nissan already work together on some vehicles, like the Mitsubishi Lancer Cargo (made by Nissan) and the Minicab, Town Box, eKWagon and Pajero Mini models (built by Mitsubishi for Nissan).

[Sources: Automotive News - sub. req., Green Car Reports]

Report: Nissan, Mitsubishi will work together on small, possibly electric, cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2011 Nissan Leaf assembly process detailed

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Videos, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric

2011 Nissan Leaf assembly - Click above to watch video after the jump

Earlier this week, we rolled out a time-lapse video of the assembly of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. In that video, General Motors took us inside its Detroit-Hamtramck plant to watch its plug-in hybrid undergo a transformation from a bodyshell to a ready-to-roll vehicle. In the all-too-brief clip, GM attempted to capture the complex steps of assembling the Chevy Volt but, as many of our commenters pointed out, failed to provide a detailed look at the intricate technologies that differentiate the Volt from more conventional vehicles.

In an attempt to be as fair as possible, it's only fitting that we also showcase the assembly of the 2011 Nissan Leaf. This video, shot inside Nissan's plant in Oppama, Japan, captures the production of the Leaf in painstaking detail. Hit the jump to watch the Nissan Leaf as it comes together right before your eyes.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Leaf: First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2010 Damon Lavrinc / AOL

[Source: Nissan via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: 2011 Nissan Leaf assembly process detailed

Video: 2011 Nissan Leaf assembly process detailed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Nissan considering Leaf-based EV sportscar

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Infiniti, Nissan, Rumormill, Electric

Nissan is reportedly considering building a sports car based on the electric drive hardware from its new Leaf EV. From a business perspective, it would likely make sense for Nissan to follow the same path set forth by Toyota/Lexus with premium hybrid models, and indeed, the Leaf is already pegged to get a pricier sibling at Infiniti. A premium battery electric vehicle could be sold a significantly higher price point, helping to subsidize the cost of more mainstream models like the Leaf.

The big question is what platform to use. Mercedes-Benz and Audi are both developing electric versions of their respective supercars. Nissan could do a battery powered version of the 370Z, which has both its positives and negatives. The Z is relatively lightweight for a modern car, although its small size could make packaging the battery problematic. A more likely scenario might be a version of the 2009 Infiniti Essence concept which was originally shown as a hybrid. The larger car would allow for more battery and range.

A third possibility that might actually be the best option is a new car based on the Leaf platform but with the motor moved to the rear axle. The compact size of the electric motor could make packaging easier than with an internal combustion vehicle, and much of the rest of the hardware could stay the same.

[Source: Inside Line]

Rumormill: Nissan considering Leaf-based EV sportscar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple demos Nissan Leaf ad on iPhone 4 with exclusive contest

Autoblog Staff — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 17:19:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric

Nissan Leaf iAd on 4th generation iPhone - Click above for high-res image gallery

One or two of you may have noticed that Apple CEO Steve Jobs "officially" revealed the new fourth-generation iPhone today at the Apple World Wide Developers Conference. What you may not know is that the Nissan Leaf played a small part in his demonstration of Apple's new iAd mobile advertising platform. Nissan will apparently be using the iAd system to promote its upcoming electric car with some cool interactive features.

The ad begins with a small banner that shows up at the bottom of the iPhone screen. iPhone users can tap the banner to expand the ad to full screen where they will find the Leaf on a pedestal. A swipe across the screen will spin the pedestal to reveal different features of the car. One of the pages allows users to register for the Leaf reservation list and even enter an iAd-exclusive contest to win a Leaf.

Users will be able to check out the ad on iPhones, iPod touches and iPads after it goes live on July 1.

Gallery: Apple iAd for Nissan Leaf

[Source: Engadget]

Apple demos Nissan Leaf ad on iPhone 4 with exclusive contest originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Nissan sending out Leaf registration emails, will take money Tuesday

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric

We found an email in our inbox today that should make a lot of long-term plug-in vehicle fans happy. For the first time in about forever, a major OEM is taking orders on an all-electric passenger vehicle. Yes, Nissan is about ready to take your money in exchange for a purchase or a lease on the new Leaf, starting Tuesday. That's when Nissan will open the doors to accepting refundable $99 reservations from people who signed up on NissanUSA.com. Once these hand-raisers are taken care of, anyone interested can send in the reservation money. Actual pre-orders for the Leaf begin in August.

We did notice something interesting. In our email, the image announcing the reservation fee was divvied up into two parts, with our specific reservation time listed separately:

Did anyone get a different time? Maybe Nissan is staggering the reservations a bit? In any case, weʻre getting close to a time when all of the prognostications weʻve heard about this car (it'll flop! it won't!) will be firmly locked in the past. Either people will want to drive the Leaf or they won't. The time for proof is (almost) here. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Leaf EV

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Officially Official: Nissan sending out Leaf registration emails, will take money Tuesday

Officially Official: Nissan sending out Leaf registration emails, will take money Tuesday originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Nissan may offer optional higher-capacity batteries at premium

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Technology, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric, Electric

2010 Nissan Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

It looks like Tesla probably won't be alone in offering different-sized battery packs in its future electric vehicles. At a U.S. launch event for the Leaf electric car on Friday, Nissan product planner Mark Perry told Paul Eisenstein of the Detroit Bureau that the Japanese automaker is investigating a similar idea.

Lithium ion batteries are likely to remain expensive for the foreseeable future, so in a bid to make EVs more affordable, they could be offered with different battery capacities. Tesla is planning to offer three sizes for the Model S with ranges from 160 to 300 miles. The Leaf doesn't have room for a pack larger than the initial 100-mile range, but future models may be designed to accommodate larger packs while the base versions could come with a smaller unit.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan LEAF

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

REPORT: Nissan may offer optional higher-capacity batteries at premium originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Nissan's Ghosn rules out hybrid-only models like Toyota Prius, Honda Insight

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Nissan, Electric

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn with Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Quick, think of a hybrid automobile. Got it? Are you thinking of the Toyota Prius? Pretty much everyone instantly recognizes the well-known profile of the Prius, and it's by far the most popular fuel miser on the market. A good bit of Toyota's success with the Prius has been attributed to its unique look - some owners want everyone to know that they care about their environmental footprint, and the Prius currently accomplishes that better than any of its competitors.

Honda followed a similar path with the second-generation Insight hatchback, which some believe follows the form of the Prius a little too closely. According to Nissan head Carlos Ghosn, though, there's no chance that Japan's number three automaker will join that club. Speaking to Automotive News at the Tokyo Motor Show, Ghosn said:

We are not intending to play a leadership role in hybrids. One company already assumed leadership in the technology. We want leadership on EVs.

Obviously, the company that leads in hybrids is Toyota, and Nissan's intention is to score a similar position in the world of pure electric automobiles. The opening salvo on that front will be the upcoming Nissan Leaf, which is slated to hit the market about a year from now, and the company has ambitious plans for its following act. We'll know if Ghosn's plan is successful or not about five years from now. Stay tuned.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Leaf EV

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Nissan's Ghosn rules out hybrid-only models like Toyota Prius, Honda Insight originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Nissan confirms three EVs for production, including Infiniti

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:44:00 EST

Filed under: Tokyo Motor Show, Infiniti, Nissan, Electric

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn with Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're here at the Tokyo Motor Show, where CEO Carlos Ghosn has just confirmed that Nissan, Renault's Japanese alliance partner, will boast a lineup of at least three electric vehicles in the next few years - and a fourth vehicle is also possible. We already know about the Leaf hatchback (above) that was unveiled back in August. In addition, Nissan will build an electric version of the NV200 light commercial van that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show. For the first time, Ghosn also confirmed that Infiniti will get a compact four-passenger sedan powered only by batteries.

No other information was available on this car, but Ghosn did say that it would be unveiled in the near future. In all likelihood, the Infiniti will be based on the Leaf platform that is designed for purely electric drive. The fourth model that is being considered for production is the Land Glider concept that was shown publicly for the first time here this morning.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Leaf EV

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Nissan confirms three EVs for production, including Infiniti

Tokyo 2009: Nissan confirms three EVs for production, including Infiniti originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan to begin retail sales of Leaf EV next year in five major U.S. markets

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Nissan, Electric

2010 Nissan Leaf EV - Click above for hi-res image gallery

Nissan is wasting little time planning for the release of its Leaf electric car. Perhaps the details of the car's U.S. launch were so slim at launch is because Nissan was waiting for the official announcement of the Obama administration's $2.4 billion investment into electric vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support them, $99.8 million of which has been awarded to eTec, a division of ECOtality that specializes in electric vehicle charging systems.

That sum of money (to be matched by "regional project participants") will allow eTec to install 2,500 EV charging stations in the states of Tennessee and Oregon, along with San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; and the Phoenix/Tucson region in Arizona. Of course, chargers aren't any good without any vehicles to use them, so Nissan has pledged to support the project with up to 1,000 new Leaf EVs in each of these selected markets.

This announcement puts retail sales of the upcoming Leaf two years ahead of the previously planned schedule. Nissan hopes to gather information on the charging patterns of these initial 5,000 Leaf owners, so buyers will need to agree to carry an on-board data logger that will be monitored by the automaker and the U.S. Department of Energy. Click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Leaf EV

Continue reading Nissan to begin retail sales of Leaf EV next year in five major U.S. markets

Nissan to begin retail sales of Leaf EV next year in five major U.S. markets originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Nissan-ZeroEmission micro-site provides teaser of new EV

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Nissan, Electric

Nissan has launched a micro-site dedicated to its new electric car, and although it doesn't provide any technical information yet, Nissan has given us our first glimpse of the unnamed EV before its unveiling this Sunday at Nissan's headquarters in Japan.

The site's animation rotates around the front of the new battery-powered five-seater and it's immediately apparent that Nissan's designers have taken full advantage of the compact dimensions of the electric motor and its flexible platform. The extremely short deck slopes down from the windshield to the front bumper, and like the Versa-based prototype, the new EV also appears to have its charging socket front and center, making it suitable for use in both right- and left-hand drive markets. Check back this weekend for all the details.

New Nissan-ZeroEmission micro-site provides teaser of new EV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan shows off new Versa-based electric vehicle prototype

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Technology, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric

Nissan EV-11 prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

A week before it shows the world what its new dedicated electric vehicle will look like, Nissan is showing off its latest-generation prototype. The company's previous iteration was based on the original Cube, but the new test units are based on the Versa/Tiida. A 108-horsepower / 206 pound-feet electric motor designed in-house at Nissan drives the front wheels, while a lithium ion battery pack created by Automotive Energy Supply Corp. stores electricity. The 24 kWh pack is fitted under the floor and is expected to yield a 100-mile range.

Nissan is aiming to make life as stress-free as possible for its EV drivers. To that end, the navigation system will automatically display the driving radius that the current battery state of charge will support. It can also download information about currently available charging stations. Drivers can also access the charging status of their cars remotely via a cell phone, so no doubt an iPhone app will be on the way. More details after the jump.

Gallery: Nissan EV-11 prototype

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan shows off new Versa-based electric vehicle prototype

Nissan shows off new Versa-based electric vehicle prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Nissan considering building EVs and batteries in the U.S.

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Nissan

Nissan EV-02 prototype - click above for high res image gallery

Earlier this year, Nissan applied for low interest loans under the Department of Energy Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Incentive Program. In order to qualify for those loans, Nissan would have to use the government funds to build something "green" in the U.S., and it appears that if Nissan gets the loan it plans to build electric vehicles at its Smyrna, Tennessee assembly plant. The line, which is expected to have a capacity of 50-100,000 units annually, could be up and running by 2012.

Automotive Energy Supply Company, the Nissan-NEC battery joint venture, also plans to set up shop in Smyrna. Initial production of both batteries and electric cars will start in Japan in 2010. Reuters is reporting that Nissan is expecting to get approval for a loan of $1 billion for the assembly and battery projects.

Gallery: Quick Drive: Nissan EV-02 prototype

REPORT: Nissan considering building EVs and batteries in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan EV could come to US in 2010, two years earlier than expected

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:21:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Green, Nissan, Renault

Nissan appears to feel the electricity in the air, and has said it is open to selling its EV to retail consumers two years ahead of schedule. That doesn't mean it will go on sale everywhere -- said a Nissan rep, "if a market is ready for it, we'll go ahead earlier." When it does arrive, it will be a "uniquely designed stand-alone model" that will focus attention on the brand and its EV credentials.

This announcement follows the recent news of Renault-Nissan's alliance with San Diego Gas & Electric to build an electric vehicle charging network. At the time it was thought that Nissan's sales would be limited to fleet and commercial users until 2012, but it follows that if the infrastructure is in place and consumers are ready to buy in 2010, why should drivers charge their Volts, Karmas, and Teslas on Nissan's hard work? Call us crazy, but we have a feeling that California can get ready to start its electric engines very soon...

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Nissan EV could come to US in 2010, two years earlier than expected originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan and San Diego utility partner to build EV charging infrastructure

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Nissan

Out in San Diego today, the Renault-Nissan Alliance officially brought its electric vehicle ~~world domination plan~~ project to California. Renault-Nissan will work with local utility company San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) in a partnership "to advance zero-emission mobility by promoting the development of an electric vehicle (EV) charging network."

Nissan will bring the electric cars to the U.S. next year and SDG&E will help build up the charging infrastructure. The partners will also work with local groups to get the network up and running, maintain it, and teach people how to use it. As we mentioned earlier today, the word on the street is that Nissan is "not going to be charging a premium for this car, batteries included," for when the EV goes on sale in the U.S. in 2010.

Renault-Nissan is also moving forward with EV plans in Zürich, London, and is working with Better Place in various locations (see gallery below). Read more in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Project Better Place Renault Nissan Signs Deal

[Source: Renault-Nissan Alliance]

Continue reading Nissan and San Diego utility partner to build EV charging infrastructure

Nissan and San Diego utility partner to build EV charging infrastructure originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan's plan for electric cars: buy the vehicle, lease the battery

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Green, Nissan

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan Nuvu concept

Remember when you were a kid and wanted that shiny new radio-controlled car from Toys 'R Us? The fine print at the bottom of the package almost always read, "Batteries Not Included." If Nissan's current plans go forward, that little saying may come back to haunt you when Nissan's electric vehicle goes on sale sometime after 2010.

Carlos Tavares, Nissan Motor Co.'s executive vice president for product planning and design, believes that in the not-so-distant future, we'll all be driving zero-emissions cars powered by electrons. When you make your way into the dealership to sign the paperwork, you'll be presented with two forms; one to purchase the car and one to lease the battery. Before we all get too upset about paying separately for our power packs, remember that filling up with gasoline will be a thing of the past as well -- in this particular vision for the future, at least -- so Tavares assures us that the overall cost to the consumer will actually be lower than it is today.

Another possibility presented by Tavares is car sharing, which is already taking place around the world on a very small scale. Instead of owning your own vehicle, you'd merely have access to one, time-share style, that would allow you entry into a garage full of vehicles from which to choose for your particular day's needs. To which we say, yeah... we'll see.

Gallery: Nissan NUVU concept - Live Shots

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Nissan's plan for electric cars: buy the vehicle, lease the battery originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan debuts its own hybrid and EV

John Neff — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Nissan

Click above for high-res gallery of Nissan's new green cars

Nissan has been selling a hybrid version of its Altima sedan in select U.S. states for the last two years that uses a licensed version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. At the same time it's been working on its own hybrid and all-electric powertrains, and yesterday it unveiled two prototypes that show us exactly what it will be replacing those Prius parts with.

The first is a new hybrid system that will debut on a rear-wheel-drive Infiniti model, most likely the G. It employs a parallel hybrid system with one electric motor and two clutches that allows the gas engine and electric motor to power the vehicle at the same time. Nothing fancy there, but Nissan's new hybrid will be one of the first to use lithium-ion rather than nickel-metal hydride batteries. The smaller, more efficient batteries were developed by a joint-venture company between Nissan and NEC called Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC).

Meanwhile, those same li-ion batteries are also being tested in an all-electric vehicle. Though currently installed in a JDM Nissan Cube, the system will eventually be put in all-new model with unique styling and be on the Japanese market by 2010 and sold globally by 2012. It uses a new 80kW motor and inverter and packs all the batteries beneath its floor.

Very cool stuff, Nissan. Just leave the vinyl graphics at home next time.

Gallery: Nissan's new hybrid and EV

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan debuts its own hybrid and EV

Nissan debuts its own hybrid and EV originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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