The all-electric Nissan Leaf is due for replacement soon and this IDS Concept seems to be the likely inspiration for the upcoming model. The IDS also focuses on developing artificial intelligence (AI) into a workable autonomous driving solution.

Nissan IDS Concept Details

Nissan Intelligent Driving is Nissan’s concept of autonomous drive technology and represents what Nissan believes next-generation vehicles should be. “Nissan Intelligent Driving improves a driver’s ability to see, think and react. It compensates for human error, which causes more than 90 percent of all car accidents. As a result, time spent behind the wheel is safer, cleaner, more efficient and more fun.” said Nissan president and CEO Carlos Ghosn.

The design of the Nissan IDS concept is heavily inspired by aerodynamics and reducing the vehicle’s drag. It’s low at just 1.38m and runs tyres that are just 17.5mm wide. The wheels have a layered design suggestive of thin fins that create tiny vortexes of air flow on the wheel’s surface. This design further contributes to smooth air flow.

Two Autonomous driving modes

The Nissan IDS does not need to be driven in autonomous mode only, there is a second manual mode where the driver can take over the controls. Behind the scenes, the Nissan IDS Concept continues to provide assistance. Sensors continually monitor conditions and assistance is still available. In the event of imminent danger, Nissan IDS Concept will assist the driver in taking evasive action.

When in autonomous mode the IDS Concept does its best to act like the driver would, learning from their driving style. It will mimic the driver’s style and preferences.

Improved Electric power

The next evolution of battery power is said to still be under construction as Nissan investigates new technologies to improve range and efficiency. The IDS concept is fitted with a 60 kWh, compared to the current Leaf which is powered by a 24 kWh battery. The IDS makes use of carbon fibre to drop weight as well as its efficient aerodynamic shape to make long journeys possible on electric power.