For the last two years, the Nissan Altima sedan Hybrid has been sold in the United States. This vehicle has used a version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive that Nissan licensed from Toyota. Recently, Nissan unveiled its own prototype hybrid powertrain, as well as an all-electric powertrain system that will be used in a number of Nissan cars.
Nissan’s own hybrid system will first appear on a RWD Infinity, probably the G model. This system uses a parallel system that has one electric motor but two clutches that will allow both the gasoline engine as well as the electric motor to be able to power the vehicle at the same time. In addition, Nissan’s own hybrid will use lithium-ion batteries, which are smaller and more efficient than the nickel-metal hydride batteries that are currently being used in most hybrids.
The two-clutch configuration works in an interesting way. During idling and when it’s stopped, the batter powers the motor. During regular driving, the engine powers the motor and it regenerates the battery. When the car is accelerating, the engine as well as the batter work together to make for a much smoother acceleration. During deceleration, energy from the brakes is conserved and is used to help regenerate the car’s battery.
These new batteries based on lithium-ion technology are also to be used in Nissan’s all-electric vehicle. This motor will be installed in a brand new Nissan model that has its own unique styling. It is expected that Nissan will release the all-electric vehicle in Japan in 2010, and that the vehicle will be available worldwide by 2012.
The Electric Vehicle (EV) is a part of Nissan’s R&D programs that are designed around vehicles with zero emissions. This vehicle will offer front-wheel drive, and will use the new motor. One of the more interesting things about this vehicle is that the lithium-on batteries will be installed underneath the floor of the car, so as not to lose cargo space or cabin space.
This step represents an important move as Nissan positions itself to be a major contender in the electric and hybrid vehicle markets.
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