Infiniti Electric Vehicle and Nissan NV200 Electric Coming to Market
's presence at this year's Tokyo Motor Show was dominated by talks of future electric vehicles. The world has already been acquainted with the 2011 Nissan Leaf, which will be coming to dealerships late next year. However, the big news from Tokyo is that two additional all-electrics will be joining the Nissan lineup in the coming years.
Both an electric version of the Nissan NV200 light commercial van and an Infiniti sedan EV were confirmed by Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn. Additionally, a fourth electric - based off of the Land Glider concept - may also come to fruition.
Rumors of an Infiniti electric have been circulating for a while now, and though details are scant (the vehicle doesn't even have a name), Nissan promises an electric vehicle that retains the brand's image of "Inspired Performance."
Given that fact, you can bet that the Infiniti EV will be pumping a decent amount of horsepower. Electric vehicles can also generate tons of torque, making the promise of quick acceleration a tantalizing idea for those who like their environmental consciousness with a side of adrenaline.
Likely, the Infiniti all-electric will be based off of the Nissan Leaf's platform. The vehicle will add further diversity to Infiniti's future eco-friendly lineup. A diesel Infiniti will hit the European market in 2010, and an Infiniti M hybrid (pictured near right) is slated for release in the spring of 2011.
The Nissan NV200 brings a maximized cargo area to the electric vehicle market. Billed by Nissan as a "global small van," the small van will be available in three styles - passenger van, cargo van and combi. The vehicle seats up to seven passengers and is based off of Nissan's B-Platform. This is the same platform used for the Nissan Cube.
Nissan NV200s outfitted with traditional gas and diesel engines are already putting around Japan. There is no word yet whether or not the commercial van will hit American shores.
The Nissan Land Glider - a two-seater pod - would be an interesting addition to the Nissan lineup. The vehicle is super narrow, and is designed to have the driver sit in the center of the front cabin area. Also, the vehicle is designed so that the Land Glider can lean into turns (much like a motorcycle). Typically, a concept with that amount of quark never makes it to dealership floors, but it seems Nissan just may buck that trend.