Thursday, June 9, 2011

2014 Infiniti Electric Sedan

2014 Infiniti Electric Sedan

What it is: A sleek luxury sedan designed as a dedicated EV.

Why it matters: If EVs become a success, Infiniti will—for the first time—be a leader. The other luxury brands, after all, only make hybrids.

Platform: The Infiniti will be built off the Nissan Leaf.

Powertrain: The Nissan Leaf motor, likely tuned to make between 130 and 150 horsepower, powered by lithium-ion batteries, driving the front wheels through a single-speed transaxle. The range should be better than the Leaf’s real-world 80 miles.

Competition: Fisker Nina and Tesla Model S (if they are ever produced).

What might go wrong: The Infiniti EV will be a good-looking, well-appointed sedan, but the question remains whether more than a few customers will be ready to put up with a diminutive range, long charging hours, mediocre performance, and a huge price premium.

Estimated arrival and price: Mid-2013, more than $40,000.

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