- Hypermini
Infobox Automobile generation
name = NISSAN HYPERMINI
production = Sep 1999 - Dec 2001, 219 produced
body_style = 3-doorhatchback , 2-seat
engine = S-4 Neodymium magnet synchronous AC traction motor
Max Power Convert|24|kW|hp|0|abbr=on
Max Torque Auto Nm|130|0
transmission = Rear-wheel drive
wheelbase = Auto mm|1890|1
length = Auto mm|2655|1
width = Auto mm|1475|1
height = Auto mm|1550|1
weight = Auto kg|840|0
fuel_capacity = 90 A-hThe
Hypermini is a compact two-seaterelectric vehicle produced byNissan Motors . It was introduced in a limited way inJapan in 1999. It was launched for retail sale through Nissan dealers in the greaterTokyo ,Osaka , andKyoto metropolitan areas in February 2000, priced at 4,000,000yen (~US$ 36,567) with a 200-volt mount-type battery charger and 4,015,000 yen with 200volt 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 Auto km/h|100|0 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'sMinistry 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 convert|7.8|m|ft|1. Drag Coefficient: 0.300Its
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 atUC Davis (15) & city council ofPasadena (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 andYokohama . 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.
External links
* [http://www.nissanusa.com/concept_vehicles/hypermini.html Nissan Motors Hypermini page]
* [http://www.nissan-global.com/GCC/Japan/NEWS/20000113_0e.html Nissan Press release announcing sale]
* [http://usedcar.autos.yahoo.co.jp/detail.html?arid=M0509141000M195A07206 In Aichi Pref.]
* [http://usedcar.autos.yahoo.co.jp/detail.html?arid=F0509081000F090010238In Hiroshima Pref.]
* [http://usedcar.autos.yahoo.co.jp/detail.html?arid=I0509081000I084003589 In Niigata Pref.]
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