Nissan Unveils the Zero-Emission Sports Car "Esflow" | NISSAN
CAR / MOTOR SHOW
February 20, 2015

Nissan Unveils the Zero-Emission Sports Car "Esflow" | NISSAN


NISSAN ESFLOW

The 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011


Nissan Unveils Zero-Emission Sports Car


Nissan will unveil its sports EV, the ESFLOW, at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011.


By Dai Matsuo




Rear Mid-Mounted Motor Achieves 0-100 km/h in Under 5 Seconds!


The ESFLOW, unveiled by Nissan, is a sports EV designed for both handling and performance. It leverages Nissan Leaf technology for its electric powertrain while retaining the driving enjoyment of a conventional sports car, making it an ambitious creation.

Its design is low and flowing, characteristic of a sports car, with the cabin positioned near the center of gravity. The body is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), enveloping an aluminum chassis and roll cage.

The powertrain features two high-performance motors mounted in the rear mid-ship. Independent drive control for the left and right rear wheels enables superior cornering and energy regeneration. It achieves 0-100 km/h in under 5 seconds, fully utilizing the torque characteristics unique to EVs, with a claimed range of over 240 km on a single charge (US LA4 mode).





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A Layout Made Possible by Electric Power


The chassis is constructed from aluminum alloy and designed around the drivetrain. Unlike a fuel tank, the weight of the lithium-ion battery does not change with power consumption. Nissan explains that the battery, distributed throughout the chassis, ensures the vehicle's center of gravity remains constant. Furthermore, positioning the center of gravity near the driver's hips enables the sporty driving dynamics characteristic of a sports car.

Looking at the exterior, the concept car features a charging port beneath the headlamps and compact rear-view cameras replacing traditional side mirrors at the base of the A-pillars. The six-spoke wheels incorporate blue carbon, a material also used on the side sills, the lip spoiler attached to the roof, and the lower section of the rear bumper.



Thorough Weight Reduction Extends to Seat Materials



Given current battery technology, extending the range of EVs necessitates improvements in weight reduction and aerodynamic performance. To this end, the interior has undergone extensive weight optimization.



The steel frame typically used in seats is now unnecessary as the seats are integrated into the bulkhead behind the cabin. Utilizing "by-wire" technology, the seats are fixed to the body, and the driving position can be adjusted to the driver's optimal setting by moving the steering wheel and pedals.


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While it's unlikely to be released in this exact form, we can certainly anticipate the emergence of models incorporating ESFLOW's technology in the near future.