INTRODUCING THE NEW ALTRA EV

This January, Nissan introduced its first production electric vehicle for the U.S.: the Altra EV™. What separates it from the rest of the EV pack? You have to look beneath its skin for the secret, but here's a tip: it's all about the batteries ...

• The first production EV in the U.S. with Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries -- the same power source used in high-end notebook computers and video recorders.
• Three times the energy density of conventional lead-acid batteries and more than 150% the energy density of nickel-metal hydride batteries.
• A maximum driving range up to 120 miles -- the longest range (combined city and highway) of any EV currently available in the United States.
• An exceptionally long life of approximately 1,200 charge/discharge cycles.
• None of the "memory effect" experienced by other battery technologies.
• Performance comparable to similar-sized gasoline-powered vehicles.
• The Nissan/Sony Li-ion batteries received Popular Science magazine's "Best of What's New" award in 1996.

While the power source makes headlines, it takes a lot more to make headway in the increasingly competitive EV market. Fortunately, at Nissan, we know a lot about what drivers want. Here are a few features you'll find in the Altra EV...

• Spacious seating for four adults plus 221 pounds of cargo capacity.
• A unique titanium-colored digital instrument panel that provides a user-friendly presentation of performance and charge status.
• Numerous standard comfort and convenience features, including AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo with four speakers; power mirrors, windows and door locks; pre-programmable CFC-free air conditioning; remote keyless entry; state-of-charge (SOC) control system and a 1.0 kW portable charging unit.
• Standard dual air bags, 3-point front seat belts with height-adjustable upper anchors for user comfort, pipe-style steel side-door guard beams and 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with energy-producing regenerative braking technology to meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
• A choice of exterior colors right from the get-go: white, silver and green.

Nissan will provide a demonstration fleet of 30 Altra EV's to a select number of California fleet users in 1998. An additional 90 demonstration units will be available to fleet users in 1999, with retail sales beginning in 2000. Stay tuned.