By Mia Bevacqua
Soon, Nissan dealers may have another electric vehicle (EV) to compliment the Leaf hatchback. And the new offering promises to have two electric motors and all-wheel drive.
Earlier this week, Nissan revealed its Ariya Concept – a crossover EV with motors at each axle – at the Tokyo Motor show. The prototype acts as a platform for an all-electric powertrain that Nissan hopes to debut as early as 2020.
But the Ariya offers a whole lot more than just an innovative drivetrain. The SUV also sports Nissan’s next-generation ProPILOT 2.0 system that, under certain conditions, allows for hands-off driving.
Plus, when drivers of the crossover arrive at their destination, they can use a separate system, called ProPilot Remote Park, to park automatically. Much of the onboard equipment can be updated via Firmware Over the Air (FOTA) technology, which the EV offers as well.
The advanced Ariya EV is just one of the steps that Nissan is taking to position itself as a leader in electrification, as well as mobility.
Yasuhiro Yamauchi, representative executive officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., said, “Nissan has a clear vision of global mobility. The Ariya Concept is just the beginning, as Nissan considers how design, packaging and driver enjoyment can be transformed through the architecture of new EV platforms. The Ariya Concept is not a concept car designed from far off ideas, but rather a car that embodies Nissan Intelligent Mobility at its core and highlights a promise of an entirely new driving experience on the horizon.”
At the Tokyo Motor Show, the Ariya is currently on display alongside another concept – the IMk electric commuter car. Showcasing the two wildly different vehicles demonstrates Nissan’s commitment to the full spectrum of EVs.
Nissan also told Automotive News it’s developing a new solid-state battery. Compared to the current lithium-ion batteries, the storage device is expected to offer greater density at a lower cost. The hope is that the battery will be market-ready within ten years.
Altogether, the technology on display in Japan helps demonstrate Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility vision. The campaign aims at promoting electrification, connectivity and driver assistance technologies.
