Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan, recently said in a statement that Nissan plans to launch electric car in Japan and the U.S. market for the year 2010. Nissan aims to offer its electric cars globally by 2012, in its long-term plan.
In this world of rising gas prices and pollution Nissan electric cars would also be able to meet more stringent fuel economy standards in the developed countries of this initiative.
Tokyo, Japan — One of the many concept cars being readied for the Tokyo Motor Show in Japan is this iPod-inspired vehicle. With a design that's best described as odd and/or bulbous, it features accelerator and brake pedals embossed withaudio player symbols: fast-forward and stop. According to Nissan, the Pivo 2 is an advanced electric concept car that builds on the popularity of the first Pivo, which was shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. Power comes from environmentally friendly compact lithium-ion batteries. More of an entertaining way of transport than a traditional car, it even features a "highly innovative Robotic Agent". Drivers will never be lonely again, as the robotic companion can converse in both Japanese and English dialects, and was created to make journeys less stressful. The robotic agent is also instrumental in operating the cars functions, from heating and cooling to navigation. The entire front end of the car opens up via a large door to allow the driver and his two passengers access, and because it features a rotating cabin (the entire cabin can swivel 360 degrees) there is no need for a reverse gear. The vehicle is made even more nimble thanks to four wheels. Each of the four wheels are powered by advanced electric in-wheel '3D Motors', which can then swivel 90 degrees allowing the Pivo 2 to drive sideways as well as forward.
