Nissan has confirmed plans to build an electric NV200 van and a new high performance Infiniti electric vehicle.
During a press conference at the Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan president Carlos Ghosn said "The world is eager to address concerns about global CO2 emissions, and we are proposing solutions to meet the environmental challenge. The solution is mass-marketed zero-emission mobility on a global scale."
The first step towards this goal will be the 2010 Nissan Leaf. As you may recall, the Leaf is a pure electric vehicle that is powered by a set of laminated lithium-ion batteries and a small electric motor. Despite boasting 80 kW (109 hp) and 280 Nm (206.5 lb-ft) of torque, the motor enables the Leaf to travel up to 160 kilometers (99.4 miles) on a single charge. Ghosn also reiterated earlier statements by confirming "Nissan will officially begin accepting reservations for the LEAF in Japan, the United States and Europe, with market introductions in late 2010. Our mass-marketing efforts will begin in 2012."
Following the Leaf, Nissan will introduce an electric version of the NV200 commercial van (the attached sketch). Aimed at ambulance and taxi drivers, the NV200 EV is designed to be a highly flexible vehicle that will be perfect for urban environments.
Finally, Ghosn confirmed Infiniti will receive a stylish, four-seat, compact luxury car with an emphasis on performance. While no pictures were released, the vehicle will likely debut in the near future.
