Nissan Brings its Autonomous IMx EV Concept to CES

author: Eric Walz   

LAS VEGAS — Automotive technology was on full display at this year's CES in Las Vegas. Nissan showed off its IMx concept vehicle, offering a glimpse of what Nissan's electric, autonomous future could look like. The IMx, first debuted at the Tokyo motor show at the end of last year.

The Nissan IMx concept is a futuristic looking electric crossover. Nissan says the design is meant to erode the differentiation between the exterior and interior, which the automaker believes will become less important in the age of self-driving cars. A panoramic OLED display acts as a virtual window, showing the outside environment in the background.

The IMx power comes from two electric motors, one for each axle. This gives the vehicle all-wheel drive and a combined output of 430 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Nissan claims the IMx can travel 600 kilometers (373 miles) on a single charge, which should eliminate range anxiety for most EV drivers.

On unique feature is that the IMx is also capable of discharging electricity back into the grid, allowing it to help power buildings when it's not being used.

The IMx is also autonomous ready. A driver can switch between manual and autonomous modes. In autonomous mode, the steering wheel retracts into the dashboard to free up interior space. Nissan currently has no plans to build the IMx concept. However, this vehicle does offer a sneak peak into what Nissan's future may look like.

Nissan e-Powertrain

A cut-away view of Nissan's e-Powertrain

Nissan also showed off its new, e-Powertrain at CES. Nissan displayed it in a clear, cut-away car model, showing visitors at CES how the powertrain is integrated into the body of the car.  

The e-Powertrain powers Nissan's EVs and removes the need for an internal combustion engine. It is a lightweight, compact system that produces extremely low vibrations and generates instant torque. These elements combine to deliver a high quality, smooth and very responsive drive.

The e-Powertrain's key components are its inverter, high-power electric motor, reduction drive and power delivery module (PDM). The unit was developed to operate in a variety of environments around the world, including extreme cold.

The e-Powertrain will be available in the Leaf with an upgraded 60 kWh battery pack later this year.

Eric Walz

Originally hailing from New Jersey, Eric is a automotive & technology reporter covering the high-tech industry here in Silicon Valley. He has over 15 years of automotive experience and a bachelors degree in computer science. These skills, combined with technical writing and news reporting, allows him to fully understand and identify new and innovative technologies in the auto industry and beyond. He has worked at Uber on self-driving cars and as a technical writer, helping people to understand and work with technology.