Nissan's quest to build a production pure electric car is closer to becoming a reality, technology that the Japanese automaker has placed inside of a pair of test mules. One of those cars made a stop in Raleigh, NC today, giving me the chance to test drive the vehicle as well as to speak with Nissan representatives.
The Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. is aiming to become the first mass producer of pure electric cars (EV) in the world and is now one step closer to making that goal a reality. The automaker has produced a pair of test mules based on the Nissan Cube platform, the forerunner of a Sentra sized sedan which will hit the market in late 2010. I was invited to a press conference held in Raleigh today where the EV was introduced and test rides offered.
No Worries, This Won’t Be An EV Cube
To repeat, the Nissan Cube will not be used as the vehicle to roll out the automaker’s EV technology. That’s a good thing, because the Cube’s appeal is limited and Nissan has to make sure that the technology not only works right but that the design doesn’t polarize. Instead, Nissan says that they’re building a unique platform for its five passenger EV sedan, an electric car that will be about the same size as its Sentra.
The upcoming Nissan EV is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, supplied by Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC). AESC is jointly owned by Nissan and technology giant NEC Corp. with Nissan owning 51% of the business while NEC holds the remaining 49% share. That gives Nissan a distinct advantage over its rivals as they own the technology as well as the supplier.
100 Mile Range, Smartly Priced
Nissan/Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn mentioned at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show that the EV was on its way and that the company would license (sell) the technology to other automakers. With an expected 100 mile range, Nissan’s sedan will meet 90% of the range requirements of most Americans while costing about the price of the typical American family sedan. That price isn’t set in stone, but in a conversation I had with a Nissan engineer, a $25-33,000 range was thrown out. Subtract the $7500 federal tax credit and you have the makings of a very affordable first generation EV.
The test drive itself was short and sweet — okay, the Cube doesn’t do much for me in the way of providing driving excitement — but the ride is nearly identical to what the production EV will offer which means it was smooth and quiet. This was the first time I drove a car with the steering wheel on the right side, but I managed to navigate around the parking deck without incident. A continuously variable transmission will work with the electric motor to move the peppy EV.
Raleigh Takes A Leadership Role
Quite a few cities and counties around the country are working to establish an electrical grid system in their areas to make recharging easier away from home. Most buyers are expected to add a 220V connection to their home which will allow cars to fully charge within 4-8 hours. Cities, such as Raleigh, and businesses such as Progress Energy and Advanced Energy, are collaborating to advance zero-emission vehicles in the US beginning next year by implementing a charging network.
The first Nissan EV is about 18 months from showing up at a Nissan showroom near you. I’ll keep you posted as I learn about updates including the car’s world debut and pricing details.
Note — Special thanks to Scott Sutton of Progress Energy for notifying me about today’s event.
Related Reading — L.A. Show Notes, Day One
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