Nissan TeRRA SUV Concept
The 2012 Terra SUV Concept car has been unveiled by Nissan as their latest and greatest fuel cell SUV. It was debuted at the Paris Motor Show on September 27, 2012 and has been described as a zero emission no limits SUV that offers all-wheel drive electric power train while offering sustainability off-road.
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The wheels of the Terra concept are similar in function compared to the Nissan LEAF and each of the back wheels offers an in-wheel electric motor.
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Hydrogen fuel stacks power the electric motor in this Nissan. It’s a flat unit that’s highly compact and offers a density of 2.5kW/L. Nissan additionally claims that costs of these fuel stacks will cost 1/6 of the 2005 predecessor, the X-Trail FCV and the platinum used in the fuel cell stack is ¼ that used in the older stack.
This SUV features typical characteristics you’d expect to find in any other SUV with large tires, thick pillars, and a high belt-line. The inside of the concept SUV though offers a warm interior that’s welcoming for everyone with its blonde trimming.
The whole idea of the Nissan TeRRA SUV Concept was inspired by youthful customers’ lifestyles in Europe. The motor driving front wheels are borrowed from the Leaf and with the elimination of a drive shaft this allows this SUV to have a cockpit deck. Next to the steering wheels is a spot for a computer tablet.
Rather than relying solely on a battery pack, this SUV uses a powertrain trick to move the wheels. The motor is in the front and the battery as well while the rear features the fuel cells which propel the wheels.
Utilizing some of the LEAF’s technology, this TeRRA SUV has the potential to reach much more fans since the range is longer and refueling takes less than 5 minutes.
Nissan hopes to apply this technology to other vehicles as well. This SUV is a 4-wheel drive car and offers a pair of motors and each one offers added power to the wheels. This helps the Terra tear around sharp corners.
Once hydrogen is pumped in, the fuel cell then separates the hydrogen’s atom’s protons from electrons and this travels through a circuit which is found inside the cell. This is how electrical energy is released. The atoms join on the backside once again to form water vapor which is the only emission.
Nissan has a vision of the Terra as being a suburban runabout and a vehicle that offers all-wheel traction. It additionally offers a tall driving feel similar to a truck but it can be driven on roads exclusively if desired.
This TeRRA SUV offers definite unique craftsmanship and interior design and the fuel cell in this SUV Nissan has estimated costs costing 83-percent less than what it cost in the past.
The Nissan TeRRA has been called tough on the outside and soft and fuzzy on the inside.
For those wanting to turn over a new Leaf (pun intended) the Nissan TeRRA fuel cell vehicle shows what near future will be soon offering.
Written by Hydro Kevin Kantola
First published February 12, 2013
Updated March 11, 2015
References
http://gas2.org/2012/09/12/video-nissan-terra-suv-concept-uses-hydrogen-fuel-cell-range-extender/
http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/nissan-terra-concept/