Nissan's take on an all-electric city vehicle has been revealed today in the form of the new Townpod Concept, which is making its debut at the 2010 Paris Auto Show. Targeted at those always on the go, the Townpod can be tailored to a particular customer’s own needs and is described as a cross between a hatchback and a light commercial vehicle.
It’s also a green machine, with power coming from an electric motor of unspecified output, which in turn is powered by an array of lithium ion batteries. In fact, this is the same powertrain as found in the 2012 Nissan Lead that is set to go on sale this December.
The car is decidedly more van-like with its split rear doors. The rear features back lights on the right, a number plate on the left, and a rear-door handle set into a concave surface. The rear lights are designed to reflect light like cut jewels when not in use, and to sparkle rather than simply glow when illuminated. Innovative hinges allow the rear doors to slide, then open in confined spaces and then fold to the side of the car so as not to obstruct passing traffic or pedestrians.
Packaged as a compact MPV with legitimate EV credentials, the Nissan Townpod may be a car to keep an eye on.
[Nissan]
