Nissan reveals its TeRRA efficient vehicle concept ahead of Paris Motor Show

The Nissan TeRRA may just be a design concept, but it hints at Nissan's intentions to mass-produce fuel cell electric vehicles whenever hydrogen becomes widely available.

A tablet much like the iPad or Asus Transformer devices serves as an 'intelligent key.' Like a Formula One car, the driver docks it when entering and removes it when leaving the car. When docked, the tablet's displays speed and other key performance indicators but the driver can toggle other views like entertainment, communications and navigation.

Unlike a normal car the driver closer to the centre with the rear passengers sitting over the shoulders than directly behind. Folding the passenger seats gives a flat deck which has enough space  for cargo like bikes, kayaks or D.I.Y furniture. 

"For the driver to be nearly centered, not seated off to one side, provides a fresh, enlightened perspective with exceptional visibility," says Hiro Nakamura, Nissan Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer. "The diagonal layout allows all passengers to share the vision of adventures up ahead."

The front wheels are powered by an electric system similar to the Nissan Leaf. Each back wheel, houses an in-wheel electric motor. Thanks to a lack of drive shafts for the rear wheels, the cabin floor or the underbody is flush. Under the hood you will find Nissan's proprietary hydrogen fuel cell stack with an output of 2.5kW/L. 

The 'X' wedge formed by the wheel arches on the profile, the lamps and 'Rolls Royce like' suicide doors do not look production ready, and the cabin looks like it was lifted from a science fiction movie set. Not that we are complaining, it's just sad that automakers come up with some really fascinating concepts but do not see the light of production. As the Paris Motor Show is coming nearer we'll update you with official news and details regarding the Terra.

"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. 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," explained Francois Bancon, Nissan's devision general manager of product strategy and planning.