Proto platform underpins upcoming Nissan EV

Nissan has demonstrated its latest plans for electric vehicle development with the 'release' of its second EV prototype, a week ahead of the reveal of the company's first production EV which is scheduled for sale in the USA and Japan markets next year.

Pictured here is Nissan's EV prototype based on the Tiida light car. It follows the Cube-based version first seen in testing late last year.

The Tiida-based EV uses Nissan's new dedicated EV platform, consisting of "highly rigid" body, electric motor and lithium ion battery. The motor was developed in-house and produces 80kW/280Nm, while the 24kWh laminated lithium-ion battery pack is positioned under the floor to allow maximum cabin and cargo space.

Nissan says the location of the battery also allows for smooth underfloor air flow, reducing drag. The battery is housed in a separate frame for extra rigidity of the platform.

The EV's regenerative brake system recharges the battery during deceleration and braking, and will extend the car's driving range over 160km under a full charge, according to Nissan. The battery was produced by Automotive Energy Supply Corporation; a joint outfit with NEC.

The EV also demonstrates Nissan's developments in satellite navigation-based driver information technology.

The system provides "EV driving" info such as maximum range display, closest locations of charging stations and remote access (via website and mobile phone) to battery charging and charge status.

Unlike the Cube and Tiida-based EVs, the forthcoming all-electric car has its own design and body. Nissan this week provided a glimpse of what the production EV will look like via a mini website - nissan-zeroemission.com.

The production-version EV will make its public debut at the opening of Nissan's new Global Headquarters in Yokohama this Sunday (August 2). Visit the Carsales Network again for all our news from the reveal.

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