Nissan Terra Concept takes zero emissions off road [w/video]

Nissan already has the Xterra, but from the looks of it, its new Paris Motor Show concept vehicle could be called the eTerra. In reality, Nissan's new off-road-ready, fuel cell concept is known simply as the Terra Concept, and while it sounds like there are no plans to build such a vehicle just yet, it doesn't hurt to dream.

The Terra Concept has a style that instantly reminds us of the Juke and of the 2009 Qazana concept utility that previewed it but its tall stance shows that it means business on the trail. As an electric four-wheel-drive vehicle, the Terra uses three separate motors, with the front wheels being driven by the same system currently used in the Nissan Leaf and the rear wheels driven by two motors powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. The benefit of such a system means that in everyday driving, the front wheels can do most of the work, and when added traction is needed, the rear motors can kick in to power through whatever terrain it comes across.

In terms of the interior, the TeRRa Concept looks the part with a futuristic cabin, and having the motors independently mounted at the front and rear means that designers have been able to fit a flat load floor for improved cargo potential.

Nissan points out that hydrogen fuel cell stacks cost far less than they did just seven years ago, and it sounds like the only thing limiting Nissan from having a fuel-cell vehicle right now is the lack of a proper hydrogen fuel infrastructure. And even that might not be a limitation we already know that Nissan is working on delivering a fuel-cell vehicle vehicle by 2015.

The best part of an electric fuel-cell off-road vehicle like the Terra Concept hints at is that, as a zero-emission vehicle, that sounds like the ultimate way to "Tread Lightly" to us.

Check out our live images of the Terra Concept on display in Paris, and scroll down for Nissan's official press release.
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