(November 9, 2011) It all started in 2005 as a 360-degree rotating three-seat urban concept vehicle. Since featuring Pivo 1 at the Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan has introduced six other EV concepts, all demonstrating Nissan’s dedication to creating exciting and innovative zero emission mobility solutions.

Nissan says the real thing may be just around the corner and can be seen at the upcoming 42nd Tokyo Motor Show.

Nissan will be revealing the electric Pivo 3, its eighth EV concept. Nissan says that this time the Pivo is not just a show car — but what Nissan envisions to be a more “realistic” EV of the near future.

PIVO 3 takes Nissan’s EV portfolio another step forward. Building on the pioneering Pivo 1 and Pivo 2, the new Pivo 3 concept moves from the realm of imagination into a fully-evolved vehicle that envisions life in tomorrow’s cities. Where Pivo 2 was a highly innovative vehicle that stood alone as a concept car, Pivo 3 evolves in the direction of “smart community” with greater feasibility, credibility and an extended scope of mobile performance.

Nissan believes Pivo 3 is very close to what the next step in urban mobility will be.

While Nissan has done away with the rotating cabins found in its predecessors, the Pivo 3 will still be able to get out of most sticky situations without reversing thanks to its zero turn gap capabilities and wide steering angle that allows the car to hang a U-turn on roads just 13.12 feet wide.

The concept car's most futuristic feature is Automated Valet Parking (AVP) that allows the Pivo 3 to automatically drive, locate a parking space and park without any driver input. The vehicle can then charge itself and return to the driver when summoned by smartphone. Unfortunately, it might be some time before such a feature makes it into Nissan's production vehicles, as it also requires "smart" parking lot infrastructure to function.

The three-seater has the driver positioned centrally in front of the two rear passenger seats in a 1+2 layout. Designed as an urban commuter vehicle, the Pivo 3's body is just 9.84 feet long thanks in part to the use of in-wheel motors to propel the car.

Nissan says as part of Nissan’s long-term commitment to lead the way in mass-marketed zero-emission mobility, Pivo 3 stands alongside the Nissan Leaf as a practical approach to sustainability for the real world. Nissan Leaf is a compact hatchback; Pivo is an ultra-compact city commuter targeting singles and couples living in and enjoying an urban lifestyle.