NISSAN LEAF CAR

New Mobility Concept: Nissan’s Two-Seat Electric Car

Nissan Motor Co. released pictures today of an electric concept car called the New Mobility Concept. The tall, two-seat car that resembles a Smart For two, is part of a broad transportation program the car maker is studying, which includes car-sharing and increased mobility for older drivers.

Nissan, which is about to begin selling its Leaf electric sedan later this month, says it is looking closely at the possibilities presented by electric vehicles. The car maker says one proposal under development involves sustainable, efficient and convenient transport tailored for elderly and single households.

The program is also geared to serve a growing number of people traveling shorter distances in small groups. The vehicle is designed to be as easy to maneuver as a motorbike but with better safety, And its small easy-to-park footprint makes it well-suited to urban settings, Nissan says.

The concept car bares a strong resemblance to so-called neighborhood electric vehicles that have limited top speed (usually around 30 to 35 mph) and lack much of the safety gear found in regular passenger cars.

Nissan hasn’t given details on whether the mobility concept represents a highway-worthy vehicle, like a Smart, or a low-speed model like those built by GEM, Think, Whereto and other neighborhood electric-car makers.

NISSAN LEAF SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions

Length:                                  4,45 meters

Width:                                    1,77 meters

Height:                                   1,55 meters

Wheelbase:                           2,70 meters

Performance

Max. driving range over:     160km/100miles (in the US LA4 mode)

Maximum speed (km/h):      over 140 km/h (is over 90 mph)

Motor

Type:                                       AC motor

Maximum power (kW):          80 kW (Kilowatts)

Maximum torque (Nm):          280 Nm (Neuton Meter)

Battery

Type:                                        laminated lithium-ion battery

Total capacity (kWh):             24 (Kilowatts per hour)

Power output (kW):                over 90 (Kilowatts)

Energy density (Wh/kg):       140

Power density (kW/kg):         2.5

Number of modules:              48

Charging times:                      Quick charger DC 50kW (0 to 80%):

                                                   less than 30 minutes; home-use

                                                   normal AC200V charger: less than

                                                   8 hours

Battery layout:                         Placed under the seat and floor