Daimler to invest 500 million Euros in new battery factory in Germany

Daimler will invest 500 million Euros in a new battery factory in Germany. The new battery factory will produce lithium-ion battery packs for hybrid and electric vehicles for Mercedes-Benz and smart brands.

Li-Tec, a subsidiary of the Daimler Group, ceased manufacture of battery cells in December 2015. The majority of the 280 employees were transferred to the Deutsche Accumotive—also a wholly owned Daimler subsidiary—which manufactures battery packs based on LG Chem cells.

Daimler consistently expands its activities in the area of electromobility and invests around 500 million Euros in the construction of a new battery factory. This will lead to a significant expansion of the production capacities for lithium-ion batteries of Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE located in the Saxon city of Kamenz.

The new factory will produce batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles of the brands Mercedes-Benz and smart. As a first step, the full Daimler subsidiary has purchased about 20 hectares of land adjacent to the existing battery factory.

"To get closer to fully electric driving, we keep investing big in the key component of emission-free vehicles: powerful batteries. We are now devoting another 500 million Euros to build a second battery factory in Germany. This underlines our commitment to the consistent expansion of electromobility", said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Daimler announced a initial 100 million euros investment to expand East German battery pack output in 2014.

With the growing electrification of the automobile, the demand for highly efficient lithium-ion batteries is also rising steadily. Through its entry into the new business field with stationary battery storage for private and industrial applications, Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE will tap into additional growth opportunities.

By the end of 2014, the Daimler subsidiary had already announced its plans for a significant increase in its production capacities and an investment of around 100 million Euros in the expansion of the existing battery factory. "With the purchase of the new land, our production area at the site will be tripled.

The previous 20,000 square meters will be stocked up by an additional 40,000 square meters of production space. We will expand the production capacity consistently in the coming years", said Harald Kröger, Head of Development Electrics/Electronics and e-Drive Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new factory is planned for fall 2016. The topping-out ceremony will then follow in spring 2017. The new production plant is to start operations in summer 2017.

Daimler entered into the business with stationary battery storage with Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE last year. The scalability of the systems enables the use of the lithium-ion batteries in big industry for network stabilization and smoothing of peak shaving for energy producers as well as private households, for example in conjunction with photovoltaic installations.

Mercedes-Benz energy storage units for private households can already be ordered and will soon be installed at customers in collaboration with selected sales partners. In the area of industrial applications, around 29 megawatt will be connected to the network jointly with different partners.

Tesla Model X vs Model S P90D 1/4 Mile Drag Race [VIDEO]

Watch the all new Tesla Model X P90D Ludicrous race the Model S also with Ludicrous in an all out drag racing shootout.

The Model X P90D with the $10,000 Ludicrous Mode runs 11.61 @ 116 MPH in the 1/4 mile setting a new world record for the quickest production SUV/CUV. 0-60 MPH came up in just 3.1 seconds. The Model S ran 11.3-11.5 @ 116 MPH.

Source: Dragtimes

Audi e-tron SUV and Battery series production for Belgium plant in 2018

Audi is preparing its international production network for the mobility of the future. Large series production of the first purely electric driven SUV from Audi will begin at the site in Brussels in 2018. The plant will also produce its own batteries. The company will transfer production of the Audi A1 from Belgium to Martorell in Spain. The Audi Q3, which is currently produced in Spain, will be built in Győr (Hungary) in the future.

The model rotation will benefit all the sites of Audi’s global production network. “The new model distribution will enhance our production efficiency and strengthen all of the sites involved,” stated Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “It will allow us to utilize further synergies within the Volkswagen Group and to bundle key competencies.” The model decisions protect jobs and promote the internationalization of the production network.

As of 2018, Audi Brussels will exclusively produce the first battery‑electric SUV from the brand with the Four Rings for the world market. The Audi e-tron quattro concept study that was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2015 provides a clear indication of the final production version. The sporty SUV will fit between the Audi Q7 and the Audi Q5 in the product portfolio. Equipped with three electric motors and a high‑capacity battery, the Audi e-tron model will offer a maximum of sportiness, driving dynamics and efficiency. It will have full everyday practicality with a range of more than 500 kilometers and will feature quick battery charging.

The Brussels plant will also have its own battery production. The site in Belgium will thus become a key plant for electric mobility at the Volkswagen Group.

Germany wants to put 2 billion euros into encouraging electric cars

German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel wants to commit two billion euros ($2.17 billion) to encourage more people to buy electric cars, the newspaper Die Zeit reported on Wednesday.

Buyers of electric cars would receive a subsidy from the government, the newspaper said, giving no further details.

Gabriel also wants to expand charging stations and encourage federal offices to use electric cars - an initiative that will be funded under the current German budget without tax increases, he said.

The German government aims to put one million electric cars on the roads by 2020. Among the country's carmakers, BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen now produce all-electric cars; Audi, Mercedes and Porsche have plans to build one.

Sales of electric cars totaled some 19,000 in 2014, but at the end of 2014 Germany had only 2,400 charging stations and around 100 fast-charging points.

Calls for supporting electric cars grew at the end of last year after the Volkswagen emissions scandal. Both Gabriel and his fellow Social Democrat Environment Minster Barbara Hendricks have called for a quota for electric cars.

Chevrolet Bolt EV specs released

Hard on the heels of the reveal of the production Volt EV at CES 2016 in Las Vegas, Chevrolet used the North American International Auto Show in Detroit to release additional details on the battery and drivetrain of the new BEV. Engineers developed the Bolt EV’s propulsion system to offer more than an estimated 200 miles and a sporty driving experience.

The Bolt EV’s drive system uses a single high capacity electric motor to propel the car. The engineering team designed the Bolt EV’s electric motor with an offset gear and shaft configuration tailored to meet efficiency and performance targets—most notably more than an estimated 200 miles of range. The motor is capable of producing up to 266 lb-ft (360 N·m) of torque and 200 hp (150 kW) of motoring power. Combined with a 7.05:1 final drive ratio, it helps propel the Bolt EV from 0-60 mph in less than seven seconds.

Power delivery is controlled by Chevrolet’s first Electronic Precision Shift system. This shift and park-by-wire system sends electronic signals to the Bolt EV’s drive unit to manage precise feel and delivery of power and torque, based on drive mode selection and accelerator inputs. A by-wire shifter requires less packaging space than a traditional mechanical shifter, resulting in more interior space and improved interior layout.

Having more than 1.3 billion miles of EV experience from the Chevrolet Volt helped Bolt EV battery engineers and strategic partner LG Electronics to develop an all-new cell and battery pack to offer more than an estimated 200 miles of range. Battery system preliminary specifications include:

  • 60 kWh lithium-ion battery pack
  • 160 kW peak power
  • 288 lithium ion cells
  • Five sections
  • 10 modules
  • 96 cell groups – three cells per group
  • 960 lbs. (435 kg) total weight
  • 285 liters

    The battery uses active thermal conditioning, similar to the Chevrolet Volt, to keep the battery operating at its optimum temperature, which results in solid battery life performance. The Bolt EV battery will be covered by an 8-year/ 100,000 mile (whichever comes first) limited warranty.

    Inside the battery pack—which spans the entire floor, from the front foot well to back of the rear seat—is a new cell design and chemistry. The nickel-rich lithium-ion chemistry provides improved thermal operating performance over other chemistries, which requires a smaller active cooling system for more efficient packaging. The chemistry allows the Bolt EV to maintain peak performance in varying climates and driver demands.

    The cells are arranged in a “landscape” format and each measures in at only 3.9 ins. (100 mms) high and 13.1 ins. (338 mms) wide providing improved packaging underfloor. The lower profile cell design enabled the vehicle structure team to maximize interior space.

    The battery system is mated to a standard equipment 7.2 kW onboard charger for regular overnight charging from a 240-V wall box. A typical commute of 50 miles can be recharged in less than two hours. Bolt EV also features an optional DC Fast Charging system using the industry standard SAE Combo connector. Using DC Fast Charging, the Bolt EV battery can be charged up to 90 miles of range in 30 minutes. Outside temperatures may affect charging times.

    Regen System Provides One-Pedal Driving. Regenerative braking has become more than just a tool to boost range, it’s also transformed into a feature that can provide an improved EV driving experience. The Bolt EV features a new regenerative braking system that has the ability to provide one-pedal driving.

    Through a combination of increased regenerative deceleration and software controls, one pedal driving enables the vehicle to slow down and come to a complete stop without using the brake pedal in certain driving conditions.

    When operating the Bolt EV in “Low” mode, or by holding the Regen on Demand paddle located on the back of the steering wheel, the driver can bring the vehicle to a complete stop under most circumstances by simply lifting their foot off the accelerator, although the system does not relieve the need to use the brake pedal altogether.

    Operating the Bolt EV in “Drive” mode and not pulling the paddle while decelerating delivers a driving experience where usage of the brake pedal is required to stop.

  • Overview

    Model:
    Chevrolet Bolt EV
    Body style / driveline:
    front-wheel-drive, five-passenger, five-door all-electric CUV
    Construction:
    Steel and Aluminum
    EPA vehicle class:
    Small Wagon (EPA does not have a cross-over category)
    Key competitors:
    Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, Ford Focus Electric, Kia Soul EV, VW eGolf Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric
    Manufacturing location:
    Orion Township, Mich.
    Battery manufacturing location:
    Incheon, South Korea
    Motor and drive unit manufacturing location:
    Incheon, South Korea

    Battery System

    Type:
    rechargeable energy storage system comprising multiple linked modules 
    Volume/case:
    285L
    Mass (lb / kg):
    960 lb./435 kg
    Battery chemistry:
    lithium-ion
    Thermal system:
    liquid active thermal control
    Cells:
    288
    Electric driving range:
    More than 200 miles (GM estimate pending final tests)
    Energy:
    60 kWh
    Warranty:
    eight years / 100,000 miles

    Electric Drive

    Type:
    Single motor and gearset
    Motor:
    permanent magnetic drive motor
    Power:
    200 hp/150 kW
    Torque: (lb-ft / Nm):
    266 lb.ft./360 Nm
    Final drive ratio (:1):
    7.05:1

    Charging Times

    120 V:
    Available with standard cordset
    240 V:
    50 miles of range in less than 2 hrs.
    SAE Combo DC Fast Charge:
    90 miles in 30 minutes



    Performance

    Top speed (mph):
    91 mph / 145 kph *
    0-30 mph:
    2.9s (75% SoC) *
    0-60 mph:
    Under 7 seconds

    Chassis/Suspension

    Front:
    Independent MacPherson strut-type front suspension with side load compensating and finely tuned springs, direct-acting solid stabilizer bar system and ride & handling oriented LCA bushings.
    Rear:
    Compound crank (torsion beam) type rear suspension with the closed section V-shaped profile axle; specifically tuned coil springs, performance balanced shock absorber,  angled A-bushing supporting understeer tendency on cornering maneuver and kinematically optimized torsion beam providing stable and best ride & handling performance.
    Chassis control:
    Four-channel ABS; Traction control system; StabiliTrak; Drag control
    Steering type:
    column-mounted electric power steering
    Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:
    2.91 revolution *

    Turning radius, curb-to-curb ( ft. / m):
    10.8m *

    Steering ratio:
    16.8 :1

    Brakes

    Type:
    power four-wheel disc with ABS; electro-hydraulic; partially regenerative; dynamic rear brake proportioning
    Brake rotor diameter front  (mm / in):
    276mm
    Brake rotor diameter rear (mm / in):
    264mm
    Total swept area (cu cm):
    Front : 1398.9
    Rear : 1131.4

    Wheels/Tires

    Wheel size and type:
    17in x 6.5J offset 44, cast aluminum
    Tires:
    Michelin Energy Saver A/S 215/50R17 all-season

    Dimensions

    Exterior
    Wheelbase (in / mm):
    102.4 / 2600
    Overall length (in / mm):
    164.0 / 4166
    Overall width (in / mm):
    69.5 / 1765(W103)
    Track width front (in / mm):
    1500.92 mm
    Track width rear (in / mm):
    1501.05 mm
    Height (in / mm):
    62.8 / 1594(H100)
    Front overhang (in / mm):
    32.9 / 836
    Rear overhang (in / mm):
    28.7 / 730
    Interior
    Seating capacity (front / rear):
    2 / 3
    Headroom (in. / mm):
    39.7 / 1009  1st row
    37.9 / 962    2nd row
    Shoulder room (in / mm):
    54.6 / 1387  1st row
    52.8 / 1340  2nd row
    Hip room (in / mm):
    51.6 / 1310  1st row
    50.8 / 290    2nd row
    Legroom (in / mm):
    41.6 / 1056  1st row
    36.5 / 927    2nd row
    Cargo volume (cu ft / L):
    16.9 cu-ft / 478 L
    (V10, Wagon CVI – Max behind rear seat)
    Passenger volume (cu ft / L):
    PV1 52.2 cu-ft / 1478 L   1st row
    PV2 42.2 cu-ft  / 1195 L  2nd row

    Capacities

    Curb weight (lb / kg);
    3580 lb / 1625kg based on target (w/o 2passengers)
    Heating cooling (qt / L):
    Heating loop 1.8L
    Battery pack cooling (qt / L):
    6.9L (RESS cooling loop total coolant volume)
    Power electronics cooling (qt / L):
    3.9L (PE & DU cooling loop total coolant volume)
    Drive unit fluid (qt / L):
    2.9L
    Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.






  • 26-Year-Old Hacker Builts a Self-Driving Car…for Tesla.. in His Garage [VIDEO]

    Tesla's Autopilot uses hardware from both Mobileye and Nvidia to control the Model S on highways. Apparently Tesla would like to discontinue using Mobileye’s system in favor of bringing it in-house, according to an email exchange between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and George Hotz, a software engineer mainly known for being the first person to jailbreak the iPhone.

    A report by Bloomberg's Ashlee Vance would have us believe 26-year old hacker George Hotz has built a self-driving car from scratch in a month. Unfortunately for this urban myth, it's fairly obvious the 2016 Acura ILX he's using isn't a random choice.... Honda have offered Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Assist since 2013.

    AcuraWatch Plus is a basic $1300 option available on this car that provides Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking & Road Departure Mitigation.. So this Honda can do what he's demonstrating off the showroom floor.

    A more accurate description of Hotz's work is "reverse engineering".

    Tesla Model S is the Fastest Selling Electric Vehicle in NSW

    Nissan is celebrating 5 years of the LEAF and Tesla Australia is celebrating 1 year in Australia. With the upcoming New year I thought it would be good to look back at the history of electric vehicles in NSW.

    Growth

    Lets look at growth in NSW Tesla don’t share their data with VFACTS, the industry body for new car sales reporting but RMS/RTA do keep registration statistics on how many cars of a particular brand are sold and what type of fuel they use. Using those statistics we can look at how many “pure electric” vehicles are on the road in NSW. The first production EV was the Mitsubishi i-MiEV launched in 2010 before then the 44 or so vehicles registered as electric with the RTA/RMS where most likely conversions.

    What’s included in this count? RMS count petrol/electrics separately so this count doesn’t include plug-in hybrids like the Outlander PHEV, Holden Volt or BMW i3 Rex. What it does include is listed below with their official release dates.

    Release Dates :

  • 2010 August Mitsubishi i-MiEV (Limited selective client release)
  • 2011 August Mitsubishi i-MiEV (source: MMAL Press release )
  • 2012 June Nissan LEAF (source: Nissan Press release )
  • 2014 December BMW i3 (excluding the REX hybrid version)
  • 2014 December Tesla Model S (The amount of registered Tesla’s is shown in red)

    Performance

    If we look at registrations since 3rd Quarter 2011 when electric vehicles began sales to the general public we see 524 registrations to date at a rate of 33 vehicles per quarter. Breaking it down further we see three district rates of registrations:

  • 2009-2011 – 7.8 Registrations per quarter.
  • 2012-2013 – 28.5 Registrations per quarter.
  • 2014 Q1-Q3 – 5.3 Registrations per quarter.
  • 2014 Q3-2015 Q3 – 66.5 Registrations per quarter.

    With the release of Tesla Model S we see Tesla alone contribute 52.5 Registrations per quarter, all other makes and models only managing 14 per quarter since 2014. The best performing quarter is the fourth quarter of 2014 with 87 registrations 65 Tesla 22 others. The worst performing quarter since the release of the i-MiEV first quarter of 2014 with only 4.

    Insights

    Tesla has landed on our shores and has been welcomed with open arms with the fastest “selling” electric vehicle in NSW. Nissan/Mitsubishi was a steady seller until 2014. However Nissan have not released an updated model since 2012 in Australia, maybe it’s time for a new model LEAF that sell overseas. Mitsubishi also no longer have i-MiEV at dealerships, concentrating their efforts on the Outlander PHEV.

    In terms of charging standards we’ve seen Tesla enter with their own version of a type 2 socket which is Mennekes type 2 compatible. Where as everyone else has been type 1 J1772 it’s a bit hard to gauge a direction while 30% of pure electric vehicles are Tesla we don’t have accurate numbers for other type 1 J1772 plug-in vehicles like the Holden volt, Audi a3 e-tron Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, BMW i3 REX, BMW i8 and the hybrid offerings from Porsche.

    Over the last year we’ve seen a significant growth in electric vehicles, installing a type 2 socket universal charging station to suit all vehicles at your office, shop, restaurant, church or sports field will further enhance the growth of electric vehicles.

    Source: Recharging NSW

    reproduced with permission

  • Porsche to invest $1 billion to launch battery-powered Mission E [VIDEO]

    Porsche will spend about 1 billion euros ($1.09 billion) on production facilities at its biggest plant to make its first-ever all-electric sports car.

    The Volkswagen-owned manufacturer will create more than 1,000 new jobs at its base in Zuffenhausen in Germany where a new paint shop and assembly line will be set up to build the battery-powered "Mission E" model, Porsche said on Friday.

    Porsche's investment in emissions-free drive technology reflects parent VW's growing commitment to increase its electric offerings as it struggles to overcome an emissions scandal.

    VW has said the next generation of its VW-badged flagship luxury saloon Phaeton will be electric and it plans to expand the so-called MQB modular production platform to focus more strongly on long-range plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.

    Analysts have warned that VW's admission of rigging diesel emissions tests could cast a shadow over the diesel vehicle industry.

    Porsche's Mission E model, due to come to market by the end of the decade, will be more than 600 horsepower and have a range of over 500 km (310 mile).

    "We are sending a significant sign for the future of the brand," Chairman Wolfgang Porsche said after a meeting of the supervisory board which approved the investment.

    Some 700 million euros will be spent at Zuffenhausen where an existing engine plant and body shop will be extended, and the rest will be invested in Porsche's development center in Weissach, the carmaker said.

    Source: Porsche

    Tesla Model S P85D 0-100km/h & motor sound [VIDEO]

    No other car currently on the market is able to capture the curiosity of the greater public like the Tesla Model S P85D. It is a means of transport like no other, breaking a few world records in the process.

  • 2015 Tesla Model S P85D
  • Dual electric motors
  • 193kW + 375kW and 967Nm
  • Single-speed, all-wheel drive
  • 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds (as tested)
  • Nissan IDS Concept: Autonomous 60 kWh Next Gen LEAF [VIDEO]

    Today at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled a concept vehicle that embodies Nissan's vision of the future of autonomous driving and zero emission EVs: the Nissan IDS Concept.

    Presenting at the show, Nissan president and CEO Carlos Ghosn said: "Nissan's forthcoming technologies will revolutionize the relationship between car and driver, and future mobility."

    After leading the development and expansion of EV technology, Nissan once again stands at the forefront of automotive technology. By integrating advanced vehicle control and safety technologies with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), Nissan is among the leaders developing practical, real-world applications of autonomous drive technology.

    In August 2013, Ghosn said that by 2020 Nissan plans to equip innovative autonomous drive technology on multiple vehicles. Progress is well on track to achieve this goal.

    Nissan Intelligent Driving is Nissan's concept of autonomous drive technology and represents what Nissan believes next-generation vehicles should be. "Nissan Intelligent Driving improves a driver's ability to see, think and react. It compensates for human error, which causes more than 90 percent of all car accidents. As a result, time spent behind the wheel is safer, cleaner, more efficient and more fun," continued Ghosn.

    By 202X, expect to see Nissan Intelligent Driving technology deployed on cars in cities around the world.

    The Nissan IDS experience

    Some have compared a future with autonomous drive to living in a world of conveyer belts that simply ferry people from point A to B, but the Nissan IDS Concept promises a very different vision of tomorrow. Even when the driver selects Piloted Drive and turns over driving to the vehicle, the car's performance — from accelerating to braking to cornering — imitates the driver's own style and preferences.

    In Manual Drive mode, the driver has control. The linear acceleration and cornering are pure and exhilarating. Yet behind the scenes, the Nissan IDS Concept continues to provide assistance. Sensors continually monitor conditions and assistance is available even while the driver is in control. In the event of imminent danger, Nissan IDS Concept will assist the driver in taking evasive action.

    In addition to learning, the Nissan IDS Concept's AI communicates like an attentive partner. From information concerning traffic conditions, the driver's schedule to personal interests, Nissan IDS Concept's AI has what is needed to help create a driving experience that is comfortable, enjoyable and safe.

    Design — Together, we ride

    "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," says Mitsunori Morita, Design Director.

    Two interiors enable two ways for the driver to enjoy the experience. Together, we ride is clearly demonstrated in the interior design. "The Nissan IDS Concept has different interiors depending on whether the driver opts for Piloted Drive or Manual Drive. This was something that we thought was absolutely necessary to express our idea of autonomous drive," says Morita.

    Even though it is a hatchback, the Nissan IDS Concept's long wheelbase enables comfortable seating space for four adults. But the cabin becomes even more spacious when the driver selects Piloted Drive. In this mode, the steering wheel recedes into the center of the instrument panel and a large flat screen comes out. Various driving-related operations are handled by AI, voice and gestures from the driver. The interior, which is comprised of natural materials such as mesh leather, is illuminated by soft light. All four seats rotate slightly inward, facilitating easier conversation. It's like relaxing in a living room.

    When the driver selects Manual Drive, the roomy interior transforms to put the driver in control. All seats face forward. The steering wheel, which takes styling cues from reins for horse riding, appears along with driving meters and a heads-up display that shows route and other driving information. Interior lighting switches to blue, stimulating the ability to concentrate. Nissan's use of hollow-structure A-pillars helps ensure excellent visibility by reducing blind spots and also contributes to the feeling of open space.

    "In every situation, it is about giving the driver more choices and greater control. And the driver will remain the focus of our technology development efforts," Ghosn said at the show.

    The transformation to Manual Drive can be carried out with ease through a switch between the front seats called the PD Commander. This is the only control the driver can physically operate when the car is in Piloted Drive: when the driver is ready to take over driving, a physical action should initiate the change.

    Exterior design

    For autonomous drive to be widely accepted, people need to fully trust the technology. Through its innovative communication capabilities, the Nissan IDS Concept promotes confidence and a sense of harmony for those outside the car as well. Various exterior lights and displays convey to pedestrians and others the car's awareness of its surroundings and signals its intentions. The car's side body line, for example, is actually an LED that Nissan calls the Intention Indicator. When pedestrians or cyclists are nearby, the strip shines white, signaling that the car is aware of them. Another electronic display, which faces outside from the instrument panel, can flash messages such as "After you" to pedestrians. This natural, harmonious system of communication signals a new future with cars.

    Advanced aerodynamic performance for greater driving range

    Design Director Mitsunori Morita says: "By the time Nissan Intelligent Driving technology is available on production cars, EVs will be able to go great distances on a single charge. Getting to this point will, of course, require the further evolution of batteries, but aerodynamic performance is also very important. We incorporated our most advanced aerodynamic technology in the design of the Nissan IDS Concept."

    The height of the full carbon fiber body was constrained to 1,380 mm, sharply minimizing aerodynamic drag (Cd). Positioning the tires close to the corners of the body maximizes interior space while enabling a wrap-around cabin design. Nissan selected large-diameter wheels for high-performance and sportiness, but used very thin 175-size tires to minimize air and roll resistance. The wheels have a layered design suggestive of thin fins that create tiny vortexes of air flow on the wheel's surface. This design further contributes to smooth air flow.

    The icicle pattern on the Nissan IDS Concept's grille symbolizes a pure and clean design — perfect for an EV. Shaped like a stack of ice blocks, the grille pattern appears transparent. The car's bluish satin silver body color heightens the impression of a comfortable and secure cabin space.

    Highly evolved EV technology for long-distance driving

    At Nissan's annual shareholders meeting in June, Executive Vice President Hideyuki Sakamoto said: "Our zero emission strategy centers on EVs. We are pursuing improved electric powertrain technologies, such as motors, batteries and inverters, which will enable us to mass produce and market EVs that equal or surpass the convenience of gasoline-powered cars."

    The Nissan IDS Concept is fitted with a high-capacity 60 kWh battery, and thanks to its outstanding aerodynamics, low stance, flowing form and reduced weight due to its full-carbon-fiber body, the vehicle is designed to also meet the need to drive long distances. Other technologies on the Nissan IDS Concept include Piloted Park that can be operated by smartphone or tablet, and wireless charging technologies. Through these, the driver can leave parking and charging to the car.

    Nissan's targets — Zero traffic fatalities and zero emissions

    In order for our car-based society to be sustainable, complex issues ranging from sustainable energy supplies to climate change, air pollution and traffic safety must be addressed. At Nissan, we have set zero fatalities and zero emissions as aspirational targets in our mission to help create a sustainable car-based society.

    Over 90 percent of traffic accidents are caused by human error. Nissan IDS Concept's extensive system of sensors and AI are designed to provide enhanced safety performance compared to a human driver. This technology brings us a step closer to the goal of zero traffic fatalities.

    EVs produce no CO2 emissions and their batteries can store energy from renewable sources and turn it into electricity for homes and buildings. As the number of EVs increases, entire communities will be able to harness their power as part of a sustainable energy plan. Then, as EVs come to play a central role in energy supply, we will come that much closer to becoming a zero emission society.

    Nissan believes that the Nissan IDS Concept will evolve into a leading innovation for next generation mobility and our quest for making these "two zeroes" a reality.

    Featuring Nissan's most advanced safety, driving-control and EV technology — all taken to a new level by AI — the Nissan IDS Concept is a compelling showcase of a promising future.