Nissan Motor Co unveiled the IDS concept vehicle, which throws light on the Japanese manufacturer's autonomous driving and zero emission EVs, at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.
In August 2013, Nissan president and CEO Carlos Ghosn said that by 2020 Nissan plans to install innovative autonomous drive technology in multiple vehicles. The introduction of the IDS concept needs to seen as a major step towards the company goal.
The Nissan IDS concept is an all-electric hatchback in full carbon fiber body and has a low roof height of just 1,380 mm. Even though it is a hatchback, the concept's long wheelbase enables comfortable seating space for four adults. The cutting edge design on the exterior makes the vehicle more up market and contemporary than the current EV of Nissan, the Leaf. In fact, the IDS concept might turn to be the next generation of the Leaf.
The concept car runs in autonomous mode as well as manual mode. The cabin becomes more spacious when in piloted drive. In this mode, the steering wheel recedes into the centre of the instrument panel and a large flat screen comes out. Various driving-related operations are handled by voice and gestures from the driver. The interior, which comprises materials such as mesh leather, is illuminated by soft light.
In manual drive mode, the driver has control. Yet, behind the scenes, the sensors continually monitor conditions and assistance is available even while the driver is in control. In this mode, the ambient lighting is in blue, which according to Nissan, helps the driver concentrate better.
The Nissan IDS Concept is fitted with a high-capacity 60 kWh battery. The range of distance has not been released yet. Nissan claims the vehicle is designed to 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.
