Nissan Brings LEAF Technology to Electric Trucks [video]

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. will exhibit five models from its Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) lineup, including trucks equipped with EV-related technologies at the 2011 Tokyo Truck Show, which will be held at Tokyo Big Sight international exhibition center from October 27 to 29.

Nissan is engaged in comprehensive actions towards the achievement of a zero-emission society, and is working on the development and sales of zero-emission vehicles, including the electric vehicle (EV) Nissan LEAF, as well as battery development and production. From July 2011, the company began efforts to widen the EV range into the LCV sector, with the launch of global proving tests for the NV200 based EV.

Extending this initiative further, Nissan is exploring the potential to expand the EV technologies that have been developed to date into the truck sector. Therefore, at the 2011 Tokyo Truck Show Nissan will be exhibiting trucks equipped with Nissan LEAF components and other EV-related technologies. Nissan will exhibit three trucks: the e-NT400 ATLAS Concept, the ATLAS F24 Refrigerator Van by Li-ion Battery, and the ATLAS F24 Power Supply Truck, all based on the ATLAS F24 model. In addition to the above models, Nissan will be showcasing its wide-ranging line-up at the exhibition, including the NV200 Vanette Taxi, the only vehicle in Japan certified as a Universal Design Taxi*, and the Civilian Heart Full Saloon, a version of the Civilian, which is a bus used for multiple purposes including kindergarten transport and customer shuttle services, changed to special specifications for use for welfare purposes.

The NV200 Vanette, which is the base model of the NV200 Vanatte Taxi, was selected as the next-generation taxi for New York City in May of this year. This vehicle is a new generation of LCV that was developed to respond to the needs of customers on a global level and is already being sold in nearly 40 countries. Nissan aims to introduce various new LCVs in the future in order to meet the needs of its customers, and by fiscal 2016 to become the leading LCV manufacturer in the industry.

Nissan Corporate Vice President Hideto Murakami, responsible for the Global LCV Business Unit, says: "In addition to passenger EVs such as the Nissan LEAF, Nissan will focus efforts on developing and disseminating commercial EVs with the aim of becoming a leader in the field of zero-emissions. We are currently making preparations to release a new EV based on the LCV NV200. At this year's Tokyo Truck Show we are exhibiting vehicles that adapt a diverse range of EV technologies, including an e-NT400 ATLAS Concept that incorporates Nissan LEAF components. We intend to communicate to visitors the value that EV trucks can produce. Through these and the other models on exhibit, I hope that visitors will be able to get a feel for the diverse value that Nissan's commercial vehicles provide to businesses."

The main vehicles to be exhibited are as follows:

e-NT400 ATLAS Concept (reference exhibit)
The e-NT400 ATLAS Concept is an EV concept vehicle based on the ATLAS F24 and equipped with Nissan LEAF components. Capitalizing on its special characteristic of being totally CO2 and emission free, this truck can enter into areas where emission restrictions prevent the entry of conventional vehicles. Furthermore, the addition of a high-output, high-capacity lithium ion battery and a high-performance electric motor have allowed for realizing smooth, vibration free acceleration, an experience completely different compared to conventional gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles. Because there is no vibration resulting from mechanisms such as engine combustion, every aspect of driving offers a totally new feel, including when stopped, accelerating, and cruising. The vehicle also boasts a cruising range of 100 km in JC08 mode. Delivering technological innovation in concert with environmental consideration, the e-NT400 ATLAS Concept offers infinite potential for trucks of the future.

ATLAS F24 Refrigerator Van by Li-ion Battery (reference exhibit)
The ATLAS F24 Refrigerator Van by Li-ion Battery is the first of its kind in the world. Its refrigerating compressor operates on a combination of an electric motor with a lithium ion battery power system developed by 4R Energy Corporation*. The vehicle's high-efficiency electric compressor makes it possible to keep the chilled/freezer compartments operating even when the vehicle engine is switched off, while also contributing to cutting CO2 emissions. In addition, getting rid of refrigerant piping in the chassis has allowed for reducing the risk of refrigerant gas leaks and preventing global warming.

Moreover, this vehicle offers two more groundbreaking technologies. The first is the multi view monitor, which is an advanced version of the around view monitor modified especially for trucks. The new monitor provides a bird's eye view of your vehicle on LED screen which is located on rearview mirror area, allowing the driver to check to their rear and passenger side, areas that are difficult to see when backing up. Second, the box easy entry system allows the driver to lock and unlock the trunk door and front doors when their hands are full with the simple press of a button, thus improving work efficiency.

The ATLAS F24 Refrigerator Van by Li-ion Battery-a car that delivers convenience, driving ease, and environmental performance-is scheduled for release in Japan in fall 2012. Its featured multi view monitor is scheduled for release in spring 2012, and the box easy entry system in fall 2012.

*4R Energy Corporation (Headquarters: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture; CEO: Takashi Sakagami), owned by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (51% ownership) and the Sumitomo Corporation (49%), is a company established in September 2010 with the objective of considering new businesses that utilize EV lithium ion batteries.
Please visit the company's website for more information: http://www.4r-energy.com/

ATLAS F24 Power Supply Truck (reference exhibit)
The ATLAS F24 Power Supply Truck is installed with a 72kWh battery, the same as three Nissan LEAF batteries. This can provide power equivalent to that used at peak day-time periods by a 20-person office space (250m2) over four hours. Recharging can be carried out at night during periods of lower power demand and then used at peak times during the day, thus alleviating pressure on the power grid at peak consumption times. In addition, this system can also be used as an emergency power supply during power shortages or outages.