Tokyo 2009: Nissan confirms three EVs for production, including Infiniti
Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn with Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery
We're here at the Tokyo Motor Show, where CEO Carlos Ghosn has just confirmed that Nissan, Renault's Japanese alliance partner, will boast a lineup of at least three electric vehicles in the next few years – and a fourth vehicle is also possible. We already know about the Leaf hatchback (above) that was unveiled back in August. In addition, Nissan will build an electric version of the NV200 light commercial van that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show. For the first time, Ghosn also confirmed that Infiniti will get a compact four-passenger sedan powered only by batteries.
No other information was available on this car, but Ghosn did say that it would be unveiled in the near future. In all likelihood, the Infiniti will be based on the Leaf platform that is designed for purely electric drive. The fourth model that is being considered for production is the Land Glider concept that was shown publicly for the first time here this morning.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ignatius 12:20AM (10/21/2009)
Hope it looks better than the Leaf.
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jake 12:34AM (10/21/2009)
So they are taking one to the premium brand. It makes sense given the cost, although Nissan has been saying the Leaf should be comparable to typical cars in cost (maybe only in the case of the battery lease).
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Chris M 2:36AM (10/21/2009)
The Infiniti EV will be better looking than the Leaf, and positioned to rival the Tesla Model S. It is going to get really interesting in the next few years with so very many EV and PHEV vehicles coming on the market.
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David Wright 5:53AM (10/21/2009)
"...It is going to get really interesting in the next few years with so very many EV and PHEV vehicles coming on the market..."
Chris - it's becoming harder and harder to find a carmaker that ISN'T developing a marketable EV or electric serial-hybrid or both. The race is truly on.
Mark Kiernan 6:43AM (10/21/2009)
I frankly can't see any reason to buy any other car (in the same class) than the Model S. The Model S looks fantastic, has great technology, is quick, and is spacious. It does not have the negative image many luxury cars have, so the rich can buy it without guilt. It contains recycled materials, and even cruelty free leather. It blows away BMWs and Mercedes.
Throwback 10:55AM (10/21/2009)
based on luxury car sales, rich folks are not racked with guilt when it comes to car purchases. As for the Model S, it will be interesting to see if they can compete (sales wise) with an EV from an established luxury car maker.
Bill 3:31PM (10/28/2009)
"I frankly can't see any reason to buy any other car (in the same class) than the Model S. The Model S looks fantastic, has great technology, is quick, and is spacious."
I have the Model S picture up on my wall and dream of buying one, but struggle every time I look at it to imagine driving such a BIG car! Some love full size cars, but not me... I was hoping for more of BMW 5-series/Infiniti G size, so if that's what Infiniti brings to market, great!
EV-1 6:04AM (10/21/2009)
I'd absolutely *Love* to have the Land Glider ! ! !
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Snoopy 10:38PM (10/21/2009)
I'd love to get a Land Glider too.
What I'm wondering is, where are the pictures!?
Mark Kiernan 6:39AM (10/21/2009)
I hope they have an EV SUV or SUT.
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jpm 7:46PM (10/21/2009)
Really? Did you really say that? Do you want a range of 15 miles?
andrichrose 2:07PM (10/21/2009)
This man is so far ahead of the curve , and will leave
most of the other manufacturers spluttering in their
unburnt hydrocarbons !
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jpm 7:46PM (10/21/2009)
Hell ya. It's a ballsy move. I hope he succeeds and makes everyone follow.
checkers 8:30AM (10/22/2009)
These are great cars but no one in control of our government seems to realize we either need to build nuclear power plants or build more coal plants to provide for the anticipated increased electric demands of a growing economy.
These are not really "zero"emission vehicles unless the electric they run on is coming through the grid magically. These are really coal powered cars.
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john 10:35PM (10/22/2009)
Coal powered, yes, but the size of a major power plant, compared to having a power plant in each car, makes for a lot less pollution per car compared to the gas power plant (engine , in each car) . This is because you are using efficiencies of scale to make power. Charging can be done at night when the grid is very, very low, As for the daytime, when more people get electric cars, there will be desire to have simple home solar panels (roof tiles too) just for charging your car. Also panels at your work on the roof can be there just charge your (and coworkers) cars. It can be a separate system from the electrical grid. I remember when people said that on line sales will never compete with brick and mortar stores because people love to buy books etc, (and other things) in person. I knew that would change in the future and it did. I know this thing about electric cars will change our way of thinking and driving too.
I do agree though, that we should build some nuke power plants, I think they have been given the short end of the stick for a while.
jill 4:13PM (10/22/2009)
Awesome! Those cars are going to be sweeeett.
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jill 4:14PM (10/22/2009)
Awesome car... Seen one with the electronic cigarette?
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