nissan nuvuNissan  named its latest concept car the Nuvu because it provides a "new view" of cars the automaker believes we'll be driving by the next decade, though clearly this particular example isn't intended for production. A fresh take on the fully-electric vehicle, the Nuvu is (relatively) wide and tall for its size, coming in at 61-in. wide and 66-in. tall. Still, just a tiny 118-in. length and a 77.0-in. wheelbase make the Nuvu ideal for navigating congested cities while still affording a decent amount of cabin space. Featuring a bulbous roofline that gives the car the appearance of a sports coupe that's been squashed together from both front and rear, the Nuvu includes a unique 2+1 seating arrangement with two primary seats and a third "occasional chair" that folds down when a buddy needs a ride. Keeping with its role as practical urban transport, Nissan has also outfitted the Nuvu with an internal luggage compartment large enough to handle most trips to the supermarket.
In spite of these useful real-world attributes, however, the Nuvu has more than enough show car style to keep it out of dealerships. Calling the concept "a witty representation of Nissan's green credentials," the automaker has outfitted it with a nature-themed EV powertrain, including a tinted glass roof dotted with a dozen or so small solar panels designed to resemble leaves, which in turn feed a battery pack via a conduit shaped like a tree trunk that descends through the middle of the cabin. The automaker calls this setup an "urban oasis complete with its own tree inside," and the interior also includes a healthy dose of natural, organic, and recycled materials.
While Nissan is planning to introduce a production EV at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, the automaker is quick to stress that the Nuvu is not that vehicle. Built on a unique platform, however, the concept does include some of the same technology, and sports X-by-wire controls for all its dynamic functions. Nissan's production electric car won't reach Japan and the U.S. until 2010, but for now the Nuvu gives us one possible glimpse at the city cars of tomorrow

nissan nuvu