Long before LEAF: the 1947 Tama electric car

On the cusp of the next-generation Nissan LEAF that arrives later this year, we look back at the company's early EV roots During the 1940s' switch to a peacetime economy, around 200 Tachikawa Aircraft employees moved to the newly established Tokyo Electro Automobile Co., Ltd., which embarked on the development of an electric car. One reason for this was the extreme shortage of gasoline at the time. In 1947, the company succeeded in creating a prototype 2-seater truck (500-kg load capacity) with a 4.5-horsepower motor and a new body design. It was named "Tama" after the area where the company was based. Its top speed was 34 km/h (21 mph). Next, the company created its first passenger car. With two doors and seating for four, it boasted a top speed of 35 km/h (22 mph) and a cruising range of 65 km (40 miles) on a single charge. The former aircraft maker employed many unique ideas in the design and construction of the Tama, such as its battery compartments. The Tama came in passenger car and truck models, and both were available in gasoline and electric versions. In 1948, Tama Junior, a compact passenger car, was born. Then, in 1949, came the Tama Senior, a medium-size passenger car. In 1951, this company merged with Prince Motor, which in 1966 became part of Nissan. The Tama electric car replaceable battery The battery compartment was in the cabin floor of the Tama electric car. There were two such compartments, one on either side. Each battery case was provided with rollers so that used batteries could be quickly exchanged with freshly charged ones. Thanks to such engineering, the Tama took top honors in the performance tests conducted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in 1948. 1947 Tama electric car specifications • Overall length/width/height: 3,200/1,270/1,650 • Wheelbase: 2,000 mm • Curb weight: 1,050 kg • Seating capacity: 4 • Cruising range per charge: 65 km (40 miles) • Motor (36V): DC series-wound, rated at 3.3kW (4.5 hp) • Batteries (capacity): Lead-acid battery (40V/162Ah) • Top speed/economical speed: 35 km/h (22 mph)/30 km/h (19 mph)