One or the stars of Nissan's stand at the Paris International Motor Show is the Nuvu concept. The name is derived from "new view", which is what the show car is supposed to provide - a new view of the future of the city car. Clever packaging keeps the Nuvu's size down, while electric drive minimises local pollution.

Based on the principle that few cars regularly carry four passengers, a 2+1 seating layout has been adopted. The passenger seat is set behind the driver's with the occasional chair sliding and folding up to the dashboard when not in use. As a result the Nuvu is just three metres long, 1.7 metres high and 1.5 metres tall.

The design of the interior features flowing lines and light colours. In keeping with the environmental theme the cabin uses both natural and recycled materials such as wood fibres and reclaimed tyres. The controls have been designed for simplicity with two pedals and an aircraft-style steering yoke that needs just one turn from lock to lock.

Power comes from lithium-ion batteries mounted under the floor to keep the centre of gravity low. A full charge takes three to four hours from the mains supply, while solar panels in the roof supply additional electricity, equivalent to one overnight charge per month. The conduit linking the solar panels to the battery pack runs through the cabin and is designed to look like a small tree trunk. Drives goes to the rear wheels from a rear-mounted electric motor. The Nuvu should be capable of 78 miles on a single charge with a maximum speed of 75mph.

Although the Nissan Nuvu will not be manufactured in its present form it is a test bed for the components of an electrical vehicle (EV) that will see production in 2010. Sales of that car will initially be limited to Japan although exports to America and Europe will follow. Nissan will show the production ready EV at the Tokyo motor show in 2009.

John Lambert - 2 Oct 2008