Published April 5, 2012
By Philippe Crowe
Infiniti launched the LE Concept at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, a car offering strong hints as to what Infiniti’s future electric vehicle will look and feel like.
While showcasing stunning looks, the Infiniti LE Concept is more grounded in reality than is usually the case with Infiniti’s concepts. And, it is more than a rebadged and styled Nissan Leaf, though lessons learned, and some powertrain components are believed to have been re-translated in this "Luxury Electric," as Infiniti calls it.
A production version is expected to reach Infiniti showrooms in near-similar form within the next two years as Infiniti’s first zero-emission luxury sedan.
In the words of Infiniti, “the LE Concept has been designed as a pure Infiniti, rather than as an electric vehicle with luxury appointments. The vehicle is also substantial in form – about the same overall length as an Infiniti G Sedan.”
Numerous design features contribute to the slippery coefficient of drag of 0.25, which aids driving range, including the aluminum-alloy wheels with aero treatment, the high rear deck, rear aero diffuser and aero side fin spoilers with integrated illumination.
Infiniti LED headlights and taillights echo the design direction of Infiniti’s new and future products.
The engineers in charge of the LE Concept’s e-powertrain sought a silent, smooth response for both accelerating from a start and re-accelerating, such as merging onto freeways or changing lanes. All we actually know about the electric motor chosen is that is produces 134 horsepower, 240 pound-feet of torque. The Infiniti LE Concept’s battery system is a proven laminated 24 kwh lithium-ion (li-ion) design with a ChaDeMo DC50kW quick charger.
In terms of charging, the Infiniti LE Concept is equipped to utilize an integrated charging port, a DC Fast Charge option and an advanced Wireless Charging System.
No other technical information has been made available yet, nor do we know what the range might be.
