Hypermini
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| NISSAN HYPERMINI | |
|---|---|
| Production | Sep 1999 - Dec 2001, 219 produced |
| Body style(s) | 3-door hatchback, 2-seat |
| Engine(s) | S-4 Neodymium magnet synchronous AC traction motor Max Power 24 kW (32 hp) Max Torque 130 N·m (96 ft·lbf) |
| Transmission(s) | Rear-wheel drive |
| Wheelbase | 1890 mm (74.4 in) |
| Length | 2655 mm (104.5 in) |
| Width | 1475 mm (58.1 in) |
| Height | 1550 mm (61 in) |
| Curb weight | 840 kg (1852 lb) |
| Fuel capacity | 90 A-h |
The Hypermini is a compact two-seater electric vehicle produced by Nissan Motors. It was introduced in a limited way in Japan in 1999. It was launched for retail sale through Nissan dealers in the greater Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto metropolitan areas in February 2000, priced at 4,000,000 yen (~US$ 36,567) with a 200-volt mount-type battery charger and 4,015,000 yen with 200 volt non-fixed battery charger. Sales were targeted principally at national government offices and agencies, local government bodies and corporations. Nissan claims the Hypermini consumes a quarter the energy of a typical car.
It is a two-passenger EV (electric vehicle) that can go 100 km/h (62 mph) and travel about 115 km on a single charge, according to Nissan's measurements made under Japan's 10-15 test mode. The Hypermini won the fourth annual "New Energy Grand Prize." The prize is sponsored by the New Energy Foundation which is associated with Japan's Ministry of International Trade & Industry.
It features an aluminium space frame chassis made of extruded aluminium pipe, aluminium stampings, and aluminium castings. Panels are plastic.
Suspension (front) independent struts; suspension (rear) independent parallel-link struts; brakes (front / rear) ventilated discs with anti-lock system; Tyres are run-flat type and at the front measure 145/66R14 and at the rear, 165/60R14. Turning circle 7.8 metres (25.6 ft). Drag Coefficient: 0.300
Its lithium-ion batteries are located under the floor and are recharged inductively. The non-contact charging system utilizes a plastic paddle with a built-in coil that generates a high frequency magnetic field. A portable battery charger can be stored on board, enabling batteries to be charged anywhere an ordinary electric outlet can be found. Nissan estimated that Hypermini could be operated at one-fifth the cost of a gasoline-powered vehicle.
It came with an electric automatic air-conditioner with pre-cool and pre-heat enabling the driver to get the cabin temperature to the desired level before climbing behind the wheel.
Production versions were trialed in the Japanese cities of Kyoto (?), Yokohama (20), Ebina (15) & Tokyo (20), and in California at UC Davis (15) & city council of Pasadena (11).
7 Nov 2001. 15 small Nissan Hypermini vehicles go into service in a research program at the University of California, Davis. Nissan is involved in three car-sharing programs using Hyperminis in Japan. About 120 Hyperminis have been sold to support these programs in the cities of Kyoto, Ebina and Yokohama. City officials and private citizens are using the vehicles.
Aug 2006. Nissan takes 11 Hypermini vehicles back from city council of Pasadena, CA. after leases expired, stating "Nissan says it no longer makes the Hypermini and can't maintain the cars".
Publicly owned examples can sometimes be found for sale in Japan, see external links below.
[edit] External links
- Nissan Motors Hypermini page
- Nissan Press release announcing sale
- In Aichi Pref.
- Hiroshima Pref.
- In Niigata Pref.
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