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Electric Cars

Nissan IDS previews design of next Leaf

Concept reveals new developments of autonomous driving technology

Nissan is presenting at the 2015 edition of the Tokyo Motor Show a new concept, the IDS, which simultaneously provides the first indications of the design of the new Leaf but also the latest advances in terms of autonomous driving technology.

IDS offers two cabin layouts, depending if the driver opts for conventional driving or autonomous mode. For the designer Mitsuori Morita inside the concept can be described as a comfortable living room. Morita explains that the bond of trust that needs to exist between the driver and the AI system that drives the car can be summarized in the phrase "Together we drive". Even in manual mode, the autonomous driving technology has been developed to assist in driving, if necessary.

Without giving concrete data on performance, Nissan refers in a statement that engineers have improved all aspects of the electric powertrain of the IDS, from motors, to batteries and the inverters. Thus, combining the aerodynamics of the vehicle, thanks to the lightweight carbon fiber body and a new battery stack with a 60kWh output, the IDS can according to Nissan travel long distances.

Nissan also reveals that the Leaf, which will be an evolution of the IDS will be a pioneer in the use of Nissan Intelligent Drive system. According to Carlos Goshn, president of the brand, it will be possible to vary between the Pilot and Manual modes. The Pilot mode takes care of everything that concerns driving, evaluates traffic and links to other connectable vehicles. In Manual mode the driver has control of the vehicle, yet it is always under the surveillance of the autonomous system.

IDS is a first approach to the autonomous system that is being developed by Nissan, in a strategy that involves having multiple models in its range with this technology by 2020.

The concept also serves to give the first glimpse of the design of the next-generation Leaf that is planned for 2017. In Nissan's plans for the electric model it is being considered the possibility of creating a range of different bodystyles for the Leaf. However, the main model will continue to be a five-door hatchback.