Nissan has revealed the first details about its new electric vehicle platform which will launch in Japan and the US first in 2010 before reaching the UK after that.

The first zero emission model is based on a Tiida hatchback (pictured) which is showcasing Nissan’s EV-IT which the company says has been developed to support electric driving 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Nissan electric vehicle platform

Nissan plans to unveil the final production design version of the new electric vehicle platform on August 2 in Japan. Its own website, www.nissan-zeroemission.com, will go live on August 2.

New electric vehicle platform

The new electric vehicle features a 24kWh laminated lithium-ion battery and built in motor which delivers 80kW/280Nm.

The battery pack is placed under the vehicle floor and the car features a regenerative brake system to recharge the battery during deceleration and braking extends the driving range to more than 160km (100 miles) under a full charge. However, this range will change depending on how the car is driven.

EV-IT support function

Nissan has developed an IT system for its zero-emission EVs, connecting the vehicle’s on-board transmitting unit to a global data centre to support the car.

  • Maximum range display: The navigation map shows the driving radius within range under the current state of charge.
  • The system can calculate if the vehicle is within range of a pre-set destination.
  • Update on charging stations: The navigation system points out the latest information on available charging stations within the current driving range.

Timer function

  • The timer function enables the air-conditioner or battery charging to begin at a specified time. The air-conditioner can be pre-set while the vehicle is plugged-in to cool the cabin to a desirable temperature before driving begins, without taxing the vehicle’s battery. Meanwhile, the battery charging can be set to start at a specified time at night to benefit from more favourable electricity rates.

EV remote control and monitoring function

  •  The driver can monitor the state-of-charge of the electric vehicle via an online website and a mobile phone. For example, when the battery is fully charged, a text message alert is sent to the customer’s mobile. Additional remote control functions range from switching the charging system ON/OFF or setting the air-conditioner timer.