PluginNissanHypermini

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, Ebina & Tokyo, and in California at UC Davis & city council of Pasadena. 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". [Via Wikipedia.com]