Nissan’s EV plan

Nissan is planning to introduce four new electric vehicles over the next few years. They include an updated version of the Leaf, a van, an Infiniti EV and an outrageous commuter vehicle aimed at younger customers, Auto Express has learned.

First to arrive will be a tweaked version of the Leaf hatchback, which will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October. The new model will be built not in Japan but at Nissan’s Sunderland plant. It will be offered in more than one trim grade for the first time, which will bring the entry-level price down.

Next up is an electric van in late 2013, which is likely to be a production version of the Leaf-look alike e-NV200 concept revealed at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

Following that will be the first electric Infiniti, based on the LE Concept. The battery-powered four-door saloon will rival the Tesla Model S when it arrives in 2014.

The LE Concept featured a number of pioneering technologies – including intuitive touch screens and a wireless charging system, both of which could make production.

Andy Palmer, Nissan’s Executive Vice President told us: “The technology for wireless charging is fairly simple really, and probably not much more than a year away. The problem is it only delivers a slow standard mains charge – fast-charging wirelessly is a little more tricky,”

Arriving around 2015, the electric commuter vehicle is known internally as ‘Symbol’ and will be a fresh take on how an electrical vehicle looks.

Inspiration could come from Nissan’s series of Pivo concepts. “It’s aimed at the generation that’s coming up, that seems to have very little interest in conventional cars,” Palmer explained. “If you add in-wheel motors and batteries under the floor, everything from there up is up to you.”