Nissan to Begin a Limited Lease/Sales Program for the "Prairie Joy EV

Tokyo -- June 20, 1996 -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. will begin a limited lease/sales program next spring in Japan for the "Prairie Joy EV," which has lightweight, high-energy storage capacity lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.

This Prairie is mainly intended for local governments and fleet users. It is a refined version of the "Prairie Joy EV" that was so well received at the Tokyo Motor Show and the L.A. Auto Show this past year.

The superior Li-ion batteries, jointly developed by Nissan and Sony Corp. since 1992, offer about three times the energy density (energy storage capacity) of lead-acid batteries and about one and a half times that of nickel-metal-hydride (Ni-MH) batteries.

In terms of power density, which is of battery output and affects EV acceleration, Li-ion batteries offer about 1.2 times the density of lead-acid batteries and one and a half times that of Ni-MH batteries. Furthermore, charging/discharging efficiency is much higher compared to lead-acid batteries and Ni-MH batteries, resulting in a system requiring less electricity.

Additionally, the Li-ion battery allows accurate measurement of state-of-charge, and it has no "memory effects"* that it has long been awaited as a futuristic battery for EVs, both in Japan and elsewhere.

The vehicle has long enough interior roominess to comfortably sit four adults with a typical driving range exceeding 200 km (120 miles).

This vehicle differs in two major ways from the "Prairie Joy EV" exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show.

1. Adoption of inductive charging system This system allows the vehicle to be recharged through electromagnetic induction rather than through direct contact. It is safe and easy for customers to use.

2. Adoption of permanent-magnet synchronous motor Such a motor provides high energy efficiency (more than 90%) and, at the same time, realizes a 40% lighter and more compact size than that of a conventional one by adopting a high-revolution type (maximum of 13,000 rpm).

Nissan is actively participating in the California Advanced Battery Demonstration Program and is planning to introduce a newly developed vehicle with Li-ion batteries, targeted for fleet users, beginning in early 1998.

Prior to the Advanced Battery Demonstration program, Nissan will conduct testing under US climatic conditions. California testing activity will be expanded at about the time of the lease/sales program in Japan.

Through this lease/sales program and the testing activities in the US, Nissan hopes to optimize EVs using advanced batteries, resulting in practical vehicles that stimulate the market for EVs.

For additional information, contact Nissan Motors Co., Ltd., Corporate Communications, 17-1, Ginza 6-Chome, Choa-ku,Tokyo 10423, Japan, or by phone at 81.03.5565.2142.

*Reduction of overall depth of discharge after repetition of imperfect charge/discharge.

Specification of Prairie Joy EV

• Overall Length x Width x Height (mm) -- 4,545 x 1,690 x 1,695
• Wheelbase (mm) -- 2,610
• Curb Weight (kg) -- 1,690
• Seating Capacity (People) -- 4
• Range / Charge (km) -- Over 200
• Max. Speed (km/h) -- 120
• Layout -- FF
• Battery Type -- Lithium Ion Batteries Energy Density -- 100 Wh/kg
• Power Density -- 300 W/kg
• Charging/discharging efficiency -- 95%
• Capacity (A-H) -- 100 (3HR) Nominal Voltage - 28.8
• Motor Type -- Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor
• Motor Max. Output -- 62
• Charging System -- Inductive Charging System

Prairie Joy, Nissan's EV for the Japanese Market