Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. will exhibit models from its Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) lineup, including trucks equipped with electric-vehicle (EV) technologies at the 2011 Tokyo Truck Show this week.
In July 2011, Nissan began efforts to widen its EV range into the LCV sector, with the launch of global proving tests for the NV200-based EV and the OEM is exploring the potential to expand the EV technologies that have been developed to date into the truck sector.
The trucks on exhibit are 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.
The e-NT400 ATLAS Concept is an EV concept vehicle based on the ATLAS F24 and equipped with Nissan LEAF components. The truck is totally emissions free, equipped with a high-output, high-capacity lithium ion battery and a high-performance electric motor allowing for smooth, vibration-free acceleration.
The ATLAS F24 Refrigerator Van by Li-ion Battery is the first of its kind in the world, according to the manufacturer. Its refrigerating compressor operates on a combination of an electric motor with a lithium ion battery power system developed by 4R Energy Corp. 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 CO 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. The vehicle offers a 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 an LED screen, which is located on the rearview mirror area, allowing the driver to check to their rear and passenger side blindspots when backing up. An 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.
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 over four hours, according to a Nissan news release. 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.
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, according to a company announcement.
"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,” said Hideto Murakami, Nissan corporate vp responsible for the Global LCV Business Unit.
