Back to the Future - The Nissan Altra from 1999

[speculawyer]

Did you know that Nissan made an electric car with lithium-ion batteries that had a range of more than 100 miles? . . . And they made it 10 years ago?
http://avt.inel.gov/pdf/fsev/sce_rpt/altra_report.pdf

Well, it was news to me. While others were slogging away with lead-acid & NiMH packs, Nissan was already tuned into Li-Ion. Perhaps this is why they are confident that they can pull off the EV now?

Lots of info about other EVs from years past are available here:
http://avt.inel.gov/vehicles.shtml

[Rat]

Interesting. It's news to me, too.

[NmGfan]

Actually pretty impressive for today, let alone 10 years ago.
The data sheet says the Urban performance was between 255Wh/mi & 392Wh/mi and Freeway performance was between 315Wh/mi & 391Wh/mi; not stellar, but still good for 75-120 mile range. Where would they be today if they hadn't dropped out...
:happy0025:

[speculawyer]

Actually pretty impressive for today, let alone 10 years ago.
The data sheet says the Urban performance was between 255Wh/mi & 392Wh/mi and Freeway performance was between 315Wh/mi & 391Wh/mi; not stellar, but still good for 75-120 mile range. Where would they be today if they hadn't dropped out...
:happy0025:
Yeah, it was probably pretty much a gas car with EV guts. They should be able to get the Wh/mile down with the usual adjustments (more aerodynamic, low rolling resistance wheels, power-conserving electronics, LED lighting, etc.)

But other than switching from lithium-cobalt batteries to a newer/better/cheaper lithium battery, that car could be sold today and qualify for the $7500 tax credit.