Nissan IDS Concept Combines Autonomous, Electric Technology
Nissan’s IDS Concept debuting at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show is an autonomous electric vehicle showcasing Nissan’s progress toward its goal of selling a fully functioning, autonomous vehicle by the year 2020. The IDS Concept is both a look at the future of Nissan’s autonomous vehicle technology as well as at its plans for more electric vehicles in its lineup. The IDS also has the wow factor of a concept car with wild styling and even more off-the-wall features.
Related: Nissan To Offer Autonomous Cars by 2020
The IDS Concept’s driving modes of autonomous “Piloted Drive” and driver-controlled “Manual Drive” use two distinct interior configurations depending on which drive mode is enabled. In Piloted Drive mode, the horse-rein-inspired steering wheel, accelerator, brake pedals and gauge cluster retract into the dashboard, while large display screens pop up to show navigation, vehicle and social network information. Piloted Drive mode also swivels the car’s four seats toward each other for easier conversation.
Perhaps most surprising about the IDS Concept are its looks, which are less jelly-bean shaped than other dedicated autonomous vehicle concepts we’ve seen and show off Nissan’s latest, edgy styling direction. The IDS Concept is constructed from a full, lightweight carbon-fiber body that’s shaped to minimize aerodynamic drag. Skinny tires and specially designed wheels aim to minimize air and rolling resistance.
Its futuristic looks are matched by some sci-fi-sounding safety features. The IDS Concept’s five radar sensors, five laser scanners and 12 cameras recognize surrounding objects while Nissan’s artificial intelligence uses the inputs to take the safest path. The body’s exterior has an LED body line that shines white when a pedestrian or cyclist is nearby to alert pedestrians the car is aware of them, while an outward display will read “After you” to let pedestrians by. Nissan says 90 percent of traffic accidents are caused by human error, and the IDS Concept uses technology that will provide enhanced safety to achieve its goal of zero traffic fatalities.
