Recent Nissan electric concepts have run the gamut from convertibles and hot hatches to SUVs and utes. Now it’s time for a humble people mover.
However, the Nissan Hyper Tourer concept is much racier looking than existing MPVs from the brand like the Serena and Elgrand.
To be revealed in the metal at the Tokyo motor show, which starts on October 25, this electric people mover is said to combine the essence of omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) with advanced technology like autonomous driving capability.
While Nissan hasn’t released any detailed specifications for the concept’s electric powertrain, it says it has a “high-capacity” battery, e-40RCE all-wheel drive (and therefore likely dual electric motors), and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) functionality to allow the vehicle to supply power to the grid.
The Hyper Tourer is powered by all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). Nissan has previously confirmed its proprietary ASSBs will be produced at a pilot plant in Yokohama as early as fiscal year 2024 ahead of a market introduction in fiscal year 2028.
The company claimed these will reduce charge time by two-thirds and bring the cost of battery packs down.
There’s a distinct spindle shape to the Hyper Tourer’s rear and a prominent spoiler atop the tailgate, giving it a reverse-canted look when viewed from the side.
The body sides features a pronounced crease and a sharp belt line.
This belt line connects with a feature line at the front, which forms a cliff of sorts with the car’s headlights recessed underneath.
Kumiko patterning can be found on the wheels and inside on the overhead console and lighting, while the cabin unusually features a flat LED panel in the floor to display imagery of a riverbed and the sky.
The emphasis is on relaxation, with Nissan describing the interior as combining “the comfort of a luxurious living room with the convenience of a passenger van”.
As the vehicle supports “fully autonomous driving”, the front seats can swivel 360 degrees so the front-seat occupants can face those in the back.
Rear-seat passengers can use a wearable display to view and operate the navigation and sound system, while an AI system can monitor biometric signs like brain waves, heart rate and perspiration to select “complementary” music and adjust the lighting to “fit your mood”.
In addition to the Hyper Tourer, Nissan has previewed the Hyper Urban and Hyper Adventure SUV concepts. They’ll also take the stage at Tokyo later this month.
