Major Japanese car brands have unveiled battery electric vehicles with different concepts that stand a good chance of making it to production.
Nissan is set to reinforce its leadership in the field of battery electric vehicles, as Honda and Mitsubishi are readying their first BEVs before the turn of the decade.
The three brands were among the only ones in the Japanese car camp to use this year’s Tokyo motor show to showcase zero tailpipe emissions in concept cars that stand a good chance of making it to production.
After unveiling the second-generation Leaf in Japan last month, Nissan has premiered the IMx as a potential second member of the brand’s dedicated BEV family.
Although the IMx also features Artificial Intelligence and a host of driver-assist technologies, pundits were quick to point out that Nissan is forging ahead with plans of building an all-electric SUV using the technical credentials of the Leaf hatchback. Nissan product strategists freely concede that such a car should become a production reality “in a few years”.
Powering the IMx are two electric motors driving the front and rear axle to essentially make it all-wheel-drive in the SUV fashion. Outputs are rated at 512hp and 700Nm with Nissan claiming a touring range of 600km -- some 200km more than in the latest Leaf.
Honda, meanwhile, has previewed its second possible BEV after showing its first choice at the Frankfurt motor show last month. The Sports EV is a follow-up to the Urban EV, which has already been confirmed for production in 2019 for the European market first.
Like the Urban EV, the Sports EV has a retro touch to it for a funky image. The only real difference is the exterior design, the Urban EV being a hatchback and Sports EV a coupe. Honda is keen to carry on its sporty image which has recently been made possible with the launch of the hybrid-powered NSX and ICE-propelled Civic Type R.
Honda’s new range of BEVs is built on a dedicated platform using just batteries and electric propulsion, although no technical details or performance targets have been revealed yet. Company officials say the highlight of these two BEVs would be compact and light bodies offered at affordable prices for the masses. A possible production date for the Sports EV could be 2020.
Mitsubishi, on the other hand, has revived the nostalgic Evolution banner, not for a saloon as in the past but for currently popular SUV derivative. The so-called e-Evolution has a sporty profile to underscore its racy intentions.
There are three electric motors in the e-Evolution: one driving the front axle and the other two the rear wheels, with the latter setup boasting torque-vectoring control to enhance grip.
Although Mitsubishi hasn’t formally discussed about the production plans, it was keen to emphasise that pure electric propulsion -- like in the Sports EV of Honda -- can provide driving fun thanks to instantaneous and responsive reserves of power and torque.
THE OTHER CONCEPT CARS
While Japanese carmakers are usually known for some whacky-looking cars, Mazda has reinforced its stylish image with two mouthwatering concepts.
Mazda Kai
Mazda is previewing two things with the Kai concept. The first is a hatchback body that’s set to appear in the next-generation 3 C-segment family car and a new Skyactiv-X petrol engine featuring an innovative compression ignition technology to make it as efficient and torquey as a diesel motor.
Mazda Vision Coupe
The Vision Coupe is claimed by Mazda to showcase the future design language. At the same time, the brand is also exploring new segments such as the coupe-cum-saloon sector many premium German brands are now capitalising on. There’s a good chance that the next-generation 6 may spawn such a silhouette.
Subaru Viziv Performance
While the Viziv series of show cars usually revolved around SUVs in the past, Subaru is now turning its focus on saloons. High performance is said to be one highlights of the latest Viziv meaning that Subaru has intentions of continuing the spirit of the WRX STi, although no technical details have been revealed.
Toyota TJ Cruiser
Toyota is mulling the possibility of putting the TJ into production as a highly functional car with rugged looks. The TJ is built on the latest TNGA platform and is set to adopt a 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid. The outgoing FJ Cruiser was a more genuine SUV underpinned by a traditional body-on-frame chassis.
Toyota GR HV Sports
Although the GR HV has taken visual bits from today’s 86 sports car, it is constructed on a different platform to accommodate a battery pack placed at the centre of the vehicle. And apart from the Targa-style roof, the GR HV boasts an automatic transmission with an H-pattern manual-shifting mode.
Toyota Concept-i series
This futuristic range of concepts uses AI tech to help understand the needs of users thereby supporting safe driving. There’s also the smaller self-driving Concept-i Ride that could be used for car-sharing schemes. Then there’s the Segway-like Concept-i Walk made suitable for areas like in sightseeing spots. All three are propelled by pure electric power and will be put on the road for testing in 2020.
Toyota Fine-Ride Comfort
In a bid to maximise its hydrogen fuel-cell technology, Toyota is looking at another model following the Mirai saloon. The Fine-Ride Comfort measures just over 4.8m in length with a generous 3.5m going in between the front and rear axles to the benefit of a highly spacious and comfortable interior.
Lexus LS+ Concept
After rolling out the all-new LS luxury saloon this year, Lexus has followed up with a model featuring an array of self-driving technologies due in 2020. The LS+ Concept has been developed to meet Level 4 of driving autonomy meaning that users can always choose to control the vehicle themselves.
Daihatsu DN Compagno
Japan’s small car specialist has premiered the DN family of concept cars including SUVs, MPVs and this Compagno coupe-like saloon. Inspired by the original Compagno of the 1960s, the quasi-looking minicar is powered by either a 1.0-litre petrol-turbo engine or a bigger 1.2-litre motor with mild hybrid tech.
Suzuki e-Survivor
One of the most whacky concept cars on display, the e-Survivor showcases a two-seat, open-roof off-roader with an electric motor placed within all four wheels. It’s built on a chassis-on-frame body that will also underpin the new Jimny. The last time Suzuki made such a car was with the X-90 in the 1990s.
Nissan Leaf Nismo Concept
After launching the second-generation Leaf, Nissan is planning to extend the Nismo treatment to it in a bid to attract young buyers. The all-electric hatchback features spicier looks and a modified suspension to make the driving experience sportier and more responsive.
