Despite a difficult year, the Tokyo Motor Show is back for 2011 with Nissan announcing a slew of new high-tech concepts that will be the focal point of the brand’s display. Of the three EVs, two we’ve already seen before (the Esflow and Townpod), while Tokyo will mark the world premiere of the new PIVO 3 concept EV, which is described as a “smart urban commuter EV of the near future”.
At under 3 meters long (roughly 12 feet), this three seater has in-wheel electric motors in a unique layout allowing it to pull a u-turn in a space just 4 meters (15 feet wide). With a central driving position, it also featured a new gimmick called Automated Valet Parking (AVP) that allows the car to drive, find a parking space and park without any interaction by the driver – all within an imagined high-tech parking garage of the future. It can also be retrieved by the driver using a smart phone. And the best part, you don’t have to tip!
Debuting first at the Paris Auto Show last year, Nissan will once again show its Townpod concept with plenty of flexibility and storage while most gawkers will be drawn to the Esflow electric sports car concept. Thought to be a preview of an electric sports car for the not-too-distant future, the Esflow has a range of 150 miles and can accelerate to 60 mph in under 5.0 seconds.
In addition to these three EVs, Nissan will also unveil the NV350 commercial van prototype as well as a Smart House of the Future, equipped with solar panels and fuel cells for charging electric cars and can also utilize the car’s electric motor as a power source for the house in emergency situations.
