PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Nissan's new TeRRA

Nissan has signaled its intention to join the hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle race by revealing this rakish new compact crossover concept, the TeRRA, which may also hint at the future design direction of small SUVs like the Dualis.

However, unlike Toyota and Hyundai, both of which have committed to limited production of fuel cell vehicles by 2015, Nissan says the latest in a series of fuel cells since 1996 shows it “is ready to mass-produce fuel cell electric vehicles whenever hydrogen becomes widely available”.

Due to make its global public debut at the Paris Motor Show on September 27, the TeRRA measures 4160mm long, 1800mm wide and 1560mm high, putting it mid-way between the Juke and Dualis in terms of size.

The coupe-like five-door wagon wears an edgy, angular body design which Nissan describes as ‘Modern Toughness’ and features two small rear-hinged ‘suicide’ doors, bold square wheel-arches and two oversized Juke-style front foglights.

“Our challenge was to take Nissan's strength in SUVs and crossovers forward into the zero-emissions era, fuel cells being our new frontier in zero-emission mobility,” said Nissan's Division General Manager of Product Strategy and Planning, Francois Bancon.

Biggest departure from tradition inside is the diagonal seating arrangement, which staggers its four occupants to deliver more stretching room.

“Not big and tough for the desert, the aim was a new approach to SUVs that’s relevant to urban life. The unique diagonal seating layout that offers an exciting driving experience thanks to exceptional visibility that creates a sense of being in control under any conditions,” said Mr Bancon.

There is also a portable instrument cluster that doubles as an electronic tablet and “intelligent key”, which the driver docks when entering the car and removes when leaving.

When in position, the tablet’s default view displays vehicle information like speed, but can be programmed to show entertainment, navigation, communications and climate functions. Outside the car it acts like an iPad to offer seamless communications, but remains linked to the vehicle and its advances systems.

But the reason for the TeRRA’s being is its hydrogen fuel-cell hardware, which reveals clues to the potential packaging of a future battery-powered SUV from Nissan
and takes the strengths of the LEAF’s zero-emissions technology one step further.

Like the three Pivo concept cars, the TeRRA drivetrain comprises an electric motor in each rear wheel - powered by a high-density 2.5kW/L fuel-cell stack where the driveshaft, exhaust and rear differential would normally reside – while the front wheels are driven by a LEAF-sourced motor and lithium ion battery pack.

The innovative all-wheel drive fuel-cell electric drivetrain delivers a flat boot floor and its fuel stack is said to cost just one-sixth of its 2005 predecessor’s as the need for expensive precious metals has been slashed to one-quarter of the previous level.

“Although TeRRA is presented as a design concept, not a technical exhibit, its proposed 4x4 fuel-cell electric powertrain is far from imaginary,” said Nissan.

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