Nissan reveal IDS concept at Tokyo
Today at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015, Nissan unveiled a concept vehicle that is said to embody the firm’s vision of the future of autonomous driving and zero emission EVs: the Nissan IDS Concept.
Presenting at the show, Nissan president and CEO Carlos Ghosn said, ‘Nissan’s forthcoming technologies will revolutionise the relationship between car and driver, and future mobility.’
By integrating advanced vehicle control and safety technologies with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), Nissan is among the leaders developing practical, real-world applications of autonomous drive technology.
In August 2013, Ghosn said that by 2020 Nissan plans to equip innovative autonomous drive technology on multiple vehicles. Progress is well on track to achieve this goal.
Nissan Intelligent Driving is Nissan’s concept of autonomous drive technology and represents what Nissan believes next-generation vehicles should be. ‘Nissan Intelligent Driving improves a driver’s ability to see, think and react. It compensates for human error, which causes more than 90 percent of all car accidents. As a result, time spent behind the wheel is safer, cleaner, more efficient and more fun,’ continued Ghosn.
By 2020, expect to see Nissan Intelligent Driving technology deployed on cars in cities around the world.
The Nissan IDS experience
While some manufacturers have compared a future with autonomous driving to living in a world of conveyer belts that simply ferry people from point A to B, the Nissan IDS Concept promises a very different vision of tomorrow. Even when the driver selects Piloted Drive and turns over driving to the vehicle, the car’s performance – from accelerating to braking to cornering – imitates the driver’s own style and preferences.
In Manual Drive mode, the driver has control. The linear acceleration and cornering are pure and exhilarating. Yet behind the scenes, the Nissan IDS Concept continues to provide assistance. Sensors continually monitor conditions and assistance is available even while the driver is in control. In the event of imminent danger, Nissan IDS Concept will assist the driver in taking evasive action.
In addition to learning, the Nissan IDS Concept’s AI communicates like an attentive partner. From information concerning traffic conditions, the driver’s schedule to personal interests, Nissan IDS Concept’s AI has what is needed to help create a driving experience that is comfortable, enjoyable and safe.
Design – Together, we ride
‘A key point behind the Nissan IDS Concept is communication. For autonomous drive to become reality, as a society we have to consider not only communication between car and driver but also between cars and people. The Nissan IDS Concept’s design embodies Nissan’s vision of autonomous driving as expressed in the phrase ‘together, we ride,’ said Mitsunori Morita, design director.
Highly evolved EV technology
At Nissan’s annual shareholders meeting in June, executive vice president Hideyuki Sakamoto said, ‘Our zero emission strategy centres on EVs. We are pursuing improved electric powertrain technologies, such as motors, batteries and inverters, which will enable us to mass produce and market EVs that equal or surpass the convenience of petrol-powered cars.’
The Nissan IDS Concept is fitted with a high-capacity 60 kWh battery, and thanks to its outstanding aerodynamics, low stance, flowing form and reduced weight due to its full-carbon-fibre body, the vehicle is designed to also meet the need to drive long distances. Other technologies on the Nissan IDS Concept include Piloted Park that can be operated by smartphone or tablet, and wireless charging technologies. Through these, the driver can leave parking and charging to the car.
Nissan’s targets – Zero traffic fatalities and zero emissions
Nissan, has set zero fatalities and zero emissions as aspirational targets in its mission to help create a sustainable car-based society.
Over 90% of traffic accidents are caused by human error. Nissan IDS Concept’s extensive system of sensors and AI are designed to provide enhanced safety performance compared to a human driver. This technology brings the firm a step closer to the goal of zero traffic fatalities.
EVs produce no CO2 emissions and their batteries can store energy from renewable sources and turn it into electricity for homes and buildings. As the number of EVs increases, entire communities will be able to harness their power as part of a sustainable energy plan. Then, as EVs come to play a central role in energy supply, we will come that much closer to becoming a zero emission society.
Nissan believes that the Nissan IDS Concept will evolve into a leading innovation for next generation mobility and our quest for making these ‘two zeroes’ a reality.
Featuring Nissan’s most advanced safety, driving-control and EV technology – all taken to a new level by AI – the Nissan IDS Concept is a compelling showcase of a promising future.
