Oil price EV's only hurdle: Ghosn

What can go wrong for the electric car? Nothing, according to the Nissan-Renault Alliance think tank.

Speaking to assembled journalists during Sunday's official reveal of the LEAF at Nissan's impressive new Global Centre in Yokohama, Carlos Ghosn asked: "What can go wrong with the electric vehicle?"

The Nissan chief says the worst-case scenario for the EV is that the price of oil plummets. And it's unlikely that will happen -- the LEAF very much has timing on its side.

"This time last year the price of oil was $150 dollars [US, a barrel]. Now we are mid-recession and it's $60. Will it ever be $10? With reason, we don't think so."

Nissan has gone to great lengths to ensure its LEAF electric vehicle will appease buyers. After 17 years' development of a user-friendly battery source, the company believes it has covered all bases when it comes to owning a 'zero-emission' vehicle, so the battery won't be the concern for EV manufacturers using at least the in-house produced AESC version.

Nissan's latest development in battery technology is "a pièce de résistance" for the company, says Corporate Vice President Dr. Andy Palmer. Manufacture is managed by a joint venture with NEC, called Automotive Energy Supply Corporation; established in 2007.

"It's an asset... we've been working on it for years and we think we know something about it."

Moving on from the cylindrical-type used in the late 90s 'hyper-mini' model, Nissan's latest version is a lithium-ion battery comprising 48 'flat stacks', each consisting of four thinner cells of storage. The flat stacks weigh around 3kg each.

The battery is now cheaper to produce as fewer parts are required, and the manganese-based electrode provides good cost performance because currently manganese is an abundant material.

Power density, reliability and longevity of the battery is improved by incorporating elements such as a solid polymer membrane between the gas diffusion and catalyst layers, says the maker, and a laminate structure.

The battery itself contributes 90kW/24kWh. Power can be sourced via conventional 100 to 200V-plus outlets used by households around the world.

Power is fed to a responsive AC motor producing 80kW and a hefty 280Nm. Driving range tops 160km for an equivalent combined cycle without using air-conditioning. Top speed is 140km/h.

Asked whether Nissan's commitment to R&D investment for electric vehicles 17 years ago was more than a premonition that oil and the environment would become so important, Nissan Australia MD Dan Thompson told the Carsales Network "the moons had aligned" for the advent of an EV. Fortunate, considering the company's investment, which was referred to by Palmer as "significantly more than any other model" Nissan has committed thus far.

Two more EV models -- already past planning stage -- are on the way; one of which we expect will be an option in the light commercial market; specifically a van.

Nissan also says development continues for battery options for future applications. Technicians confirmed at the LEAF reveal that the company was already developing second and third generation versions of the Li-ion flat stack.

Visit the Carsales Network again for our upcoming Quick Spin review of the Nissan's electric vehicle prototype, the EV II, and more news on the LEAF.

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