Nissan plans to launch an electric concept car with solar panels built into its roof. Nuvu, (pronouced “new view”), aims to revolutionise the way people move around cities, will get its power from a dozen or so leaf-shaped solar panels, before energy is channeled into batteries through a ‘tree trunk’ inside the car.
Yeah, right! At the moment, the only things solar panels can power is a small fan. Perhaps to ventilate the interior. Adding stuff like this is going to add more to the cost.
Makers said Nuvu’s cabin would even be built with natural, organic and recycled materials to appeal to eco-friendly urbanites. Unusually, it will feature two permanent seats plus a third that can be folded down for occasional use. And, Nissan claims, an integral luggage area will make the car suitable for shopping trips.
Looks like car makers realize that most of the time, cars just carry the driver. See the Toyota iQ
via Which
Update 03 Oct 2008
Okay, when I posted this article, there wasn’t any pictures. Sorry Nissan fans but I found a site that gave more information about the Nuvu. Here is what I found to be interesting.
- steering is controlled by an aircraft-style steering yoke, cool
- just one turn from lock to lock, super cool
- There are two pedals – for stop and go
- Stalks for minor controls and a digital instrument panel with dials for speed, distance and battery range
- it measures just 3 m in length and is 1,700mm wide and 1,550mm tall.
I wonder if Nissan will have a single joystick for everything from moving forward, reverse and turns. Look ma, 1 hand driving. You can read the fully story here
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