Nissan unveils long-range autonomous EV concept

Nissan has unveiled a new long-range autonomous EV concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show.

The IDS Concept was designed to embody Nissan’s ‘vision of the future’ and continues the company’s goal of developing mass-produced electric vehicles.

The car is powered by a 60kWh battery, double that of the current Leaf model, and claims a range of 300 miles on one charge. This range is also helped by the vehicles low stance and reduced weight due to its full carbon-fibre body.

‘Nissan Intelligent Driving’, the company’s autonomous drive technology, is also showcased in the car, which is scheduled to be a part of its production series by 2020.

Nissan president and CEO Carlos Ghosn said: “Nissan Intelligent Driving improves a driver’s ability to see, think and react. It compensates for human error, which causes more than 90 per cent of all car accidents. As a result, time spent behind the wheel is safer, cleaner, more efficient and more fun.”

Design Director Mitsunori Morita said: “A key point behind the Nissan IDS Concept is communication. For autonomous drive to become reality, as a society we have to consider not only communication between car and driver but also between cars and people. The Nissan IDS Concept's design embodies Nissan's vision of autonomous drive as expressed in the phrase together, we ride.”

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