Infiniti to sell luxury EV in 2013

Infiniti plans to launch its first luxury electric vehicle in the United States and other global markets in 2013.

Nissan Motor Co.'s luxury division said Friday that the Infiniti EV will be “a stylish, high performance five-seat luxury vehicle with zero emissions technology.”

Infiniti first announced plans to market an electric vehicle last year but offered few details until now. It will be based on the same platform as the Nissan Leaf, an electric car scheduled to go on sale later this year.

"This future EV will play a major part of Infiniti's 'eco performance' strategy that will see a greater focus on hybrid and EV technology," Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore said in a statement. "We are committed to applying the world's best technologies to reduce emissions without sacrificing driving excitement or engagement.”

Nissan, under CEO Carlos Ghosn, is spending $5 billion through 2010 to become a leader in EV sales worldwide.

Infiniti will unveil the 2012 M35 hybrid sedan in November at the Los Angeles auto show. The M hybrid is based on the M sedan and will deliver V8 performance with 4-cylinder fuel economy from an estimated 302-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 50 kilowatt electric motor with estimated horsepower of 67, Infiniti said.

The Infiniti M35h is scheduled to go on sale in spring 2011.

By David Phillips- Automotive News