What's Wrong With This Picture: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back Edition

by Edward Niedermeyer

Published: November 2nd, 2010

what s wrong with this picture one step forward two steps back edition

More than any other mainline automaker, Nissan has bet heavily on electric vehicles penetrating the mass market within a reasonable time period. Whether or not that gamble will pay off remains very much to be seen, but the firm’s post-Leaf EV plans are less than entirely inspiring. Yes, there will be an Infiniti version of the Leaf for the US market (and possibly an EV delivery van for Europe), but after that, Nissan says its next EV will be a retreat to the golf cart-style Neighborhood Electric Vehicles that spread rapidly when gas prices spike two years ago before dropping off the map. Called the “New Mobility Concept,” this open-air Nissan (the Renault version is called the Twizzy) will be faster than a NEVs, with a top speed of 47 mph planned. Range is also better than the typical lead-acid battery-powered NEV, with about 60 miles of range planned. Still, this is a huge step backwards from the Leaf, and it speaks to a basic lack of confidence in the Leaf’s radical mainstreaming effort for EVs. Given how much Nissan has riding on the Leaf, that’s a troubling sign indeed. [via Automotive News [sub]]

#Design #EV #FutureVehicles #Green #Nissan

Edward Niedermeyer

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2 of 29 comments

Akear on Nov 03, 2010

Well, at least it doubles the Peapods top speed.

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Jerith on Nov 03, 2010

Where are the fork lifts on the front?

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