Nissan Pivo 3 Electric Urban Commuter Concept 2011

Nissan introduced at the 2011 42nd Tokyo Motor Show a third design of the Pivo Electric Urban Commuter Concept Serie.  The Nissan PIVO3 is a Compact vehicle seating three people in a 1+2 layout with body under 3-meter long, narrow-tread rear tires and IWM (in-wheel motors) with wide steering angle that allows PIVO 3 to make a U-turn on a road only four meters wide. The highly maneuverable PIVO 3 has zero turn gap, so if the front wheels can make the turn, the rear wheels will follow without scraping the body side.
The driver is located in a central position seat for a high visibility. Access to the cabin is by rearward folding doors for a better operation in tight parking space.
With Automated Valet Parking (AVP), PIVO 3 will revolutionize the parking experience by connecting to and responding to infrastructure. No longer does a driver need to find a parking space, physically park the car, or remember which space the car is parked. PIVO 3 can park automatically in specially-equipped parking lots. While the driver shops or takes care of business, PIVO 3 recharges itself or sells excess power to the grid. Later, the driver can call PIVO 3 and summon it to the driver's location using a smart phone.

It all started in 2005. Since featuring PIVO 1 at the Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan has introduced six other EV concepts, all demonstrating Nissan's dedication to creating exciting and innovative zero emission mobility solutions. And at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan has revealed the PIVO 3, its eighth EV concept. Yet this is not just a show car - PIVO 3 is what Nissan envisions to be a more "realistic" EV of the near future.
PIVO 3 takes Nissan's EV portfolio another step forward. Building on the experience of the PIVO 1 and PIVO 2, the new PIVO 3 concept moves from the realm of imagination into a fully-evolved vehicle that envisions life in tomorrow's cities.
PIVO 1 was designed in partnership with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. This three seats vehicle had a cabin that could be rotated 360 degrees thanks to a drive by wire technology, eliminating the need for reverse gears. The PIVO 1 used Nissan lithium-ion batteries. The PIVO 2 concept was very similar in shape with PIVO 1 and added the possibility to turn all wheels by 90 degrees. The car could move sideways as well as forward. PIVO 2 utilised in-wheel motor and advanced compact Lithium-ion batteries. Where PIVO 2 was a highly innovative vehicle that stood alone as a concept car, PIVO 3 evolves in the direction of "smart community" with greater feasibility, credibility and an extended scope of mobile performance. Nissan believes PIVO 3 is very close to what the next step in urban mobility will be.
Francois Bancon, Deputy Division General Manager of Product Strategy and Product Planning Division, explains "PIVO is one of the answers for active urbanites living in mature markets. Through the three PIVO proposals, we have gained a deep understanding of their needs in such large, metropolitan areas. Each of the eight concepts that we have created address different needs, different communities, different lifestyles for different markets. That makes zero emission mobility an ambitious statement for the company... At Nissan, we believe that the world is changing and mobility has a role to play to make it better".

Externally, PIVO 3 shows mature styling with bold surfaces and a new stance. Front fenders extending out of a crouching chassis with a sculptural front exude a look of agility. Long body lines and angular planes combine in a dynamically active form. Rear styling cues emphasize strong presence within compact dimensions. Trim and stylish mobility is promised by the new stance, which attractively reveals narrow rear track width.
Inside, PIVO 3 presents a distinctive design based on driving controls that seamlessly integrate with interior and exterior styling. Side-view monitors take the place of mirrors, using Nissan's Around View Monitor system to reveal the car's surroundings and help minimize blind spots. The centre console features an ultra-wide display for GPS and other information, and together with a sub-monitor and the Robotic Agent, is positioned to interact discreetly with the driver. Carefully stitched leather and silver-hued trim meld in a "snow white" and "EV blue" color scheme to produce a tasteful, high-quality ambience. Smooth surfaces add to the refined feel within the compact cabin dimensions, rather than emphasizing environmental frugality.
As part of Nissan's long-term commitment to lead the way in mass-marketed zero-emission mobility, PIVO 3 stands alongside the Nissan LEAF as a practical approach to sustainability for the real world. Nissan LEAF is a compact hatchback; PIVO is an ultra-compact city commuter targeting singles and couples living in and enjoying an urban lifestyle.

Nissan Pivo 3 Electric Urban Commuter Concept 2011 - Nissan Pivo previous concept