Aggressive efforts to develop vehicles that use a variety of clean energies
Nissan's environmental efforts do not stop with reducing CO2 emissions and reducing exhaust gas; we are moving forward with research and development focusing on four main technologies with an eye toward future energy problems: fuel cells, electricity, hybrid technologies, and natural gas. Matters that need to be addressed before clean energy vehicles can come into more widespread use include vehicle durability, price, driving range, technical obstacles and the establishment of fuel supply centers for these vehicles. In cooperation with other industries, we are continuing efforts in research, development and practical application that are best suited to intended uses.
Gasoline-engine vehicles
VVEL installed on INFINITI G37
Fuel efficiency has been improved in compact vehicles over that in previous models thanks to a new-type 1.5 liter gasoline engine and improved XTRONIC CVT (continuously variable transmission). Nissan has also developed an original new technology that continuously changes the amount of event and lift of engine intake valves in response to engine status (accelerator opening, RPMs, and other factors). This technology, called Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) has been adopted in V-6 and V-8 engines used in the Skyline coupe and other models, and helps to achieve both increased power and improved environmental performance by reducing CO2 emissions up to 10%.
Another goal at Nissan is to begin introducing gasoline-engine vehicles with CO2 emissions reduced to the level of hybrid vehicles in 2010, beginning with Japan. This means vehicles with fuel efficiencies greater than 30 km/liter, or about 100 km of driving on three liters of gasoline. We do not yet have any actual examples of such “three-liter cars” with gasoline engines, but are confident they can be achieved with a range of advanced technologies including super high efficiency turbocharged engines, next-generation CVTs, and integrated control systems.
Clean Diesel-engine Vehicles
A Qashqai fitted with a clean diesel engine (European market)
Clean diesel-engine vehicles have lower exhaust emissions than conventional diesel vehicles. Nissan has already launched a clean diesel engine that can run on bio-diesel* blends in the European market. In 2007, Nissan equipped the Qashqai model in Europe with a clean diesel engine fitted with a filter that traps, oxidizes and almost eliminates soot. In Japan, Nissan will be the first automaker to launch a clean diesel-engine vehicle, the X-Trail, in fall 2008. In the coming years, Nissan will launch clean diesel engines that meet future emissions regulations in North America and China.
Nissan is also developing clean diesel technology that achieves the SU-LEV level stipulated in the emissions regulations of California, USA. We will be intensifying and accelerating our research and development to achieve greater commercial viability.
- * Bio-diesel: A fuel that is made from renewable resources such as vegetable and animal oils, and can be used in place of diesel fuel.
Electric vehicles (EVs)
“Pivo,” a next-generation EV concept car introduced at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show
Powered by an electric motor and battery, EVs are clean vehicles that do not emit any CO2 or exhaust gas during operation. Nissan has been working to develop EVs since the 1960s, and has introduced and sold a number of these vehicles on the market. We are now working together with other industries to develop the necessary infrastructure, especially charging stations, for their more widespread use. We will continue demonstration testing until 2010, with the aim of launching a new EV early in that year, beginning with Japan.
Hybrid vehicles/Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles
The Altima Hybrid achieves outstanding fuel efficiency without sacrificing acceleration or power performance.
Hybrid vehicles are powered by a combination of a gasoline engine and electric motor. Their main advantage is superior environmental performance marked by low emissions of not only CO2 but also nitrogen oxides (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC). In early 2007, Nissan launched the Altima Hybrid in the American market. The Altima Hybrid combines acceleration comparable to that of a V-6 engine with fuel efficiency like that of a compact car. Nissan is currently developing an original hybrid system that will be featured in future hybrid vehicles targeted for release in North America and Japan in fiscal 2010.
We are also moving forward with research and development on plug-in hybrid vehicles that do not emit CO2 when operating in its electric-only range.
Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs)
The most recent model of X-Trail FCV (Japanese market)
Fuel cells derive electric energy directly from the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, and their sole emission is water, making them an exceptionally efficient and clean power source.
Nissan's aim is to develop a practical FCV with superior environmental and energy-saving performance while maintaining ease of handling as an automobile, by employing elements of the various technologies Nissan has cultivated over the years (lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, high voltage electric system technology, control technology for hybrid vehicles, high pressure gas storage technology for compressed natural gas vehicles, and more).
In 2005, Nissan achieved driving range and acceleration performance in the latest model X-Trail FCV that was the equivalent of a similar gasoline vehicle. This X-Trail FCV is equipped with a 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen tank and a fuel cell stack developed in-house by Nissan. Since fiscal 2003, Nissan has been leasing FCVs on a limited basis, and is now making further improvements with the aim of launching next-generation FCVs in 2010 in North America and Japan.
Flexible-fuel (biofuel compatible) vehicles
This Titan pick-up truck uses fuels with a blend of 85% ethanol. (North American market)
Biofuels are produced mainly from plant materials such as sugarcane, corn, and construction (wood) waste, so they do not increase the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere with use. As such, they have attracted considerable attention as a renewable energy. Most of the biofuel used for automobiles is either bio-ethanol or bio-diesel. All of the gasoline engine vehicles that Nissan sells worldwide can already use fuel with a blend of 10% bio-ethanol (E10). In North America, we are selling vehicles (Titan FFV, Armada FFV) that can use fuels with blends of up to 85% ethanol (E85), and within two years we plan to sell a vehicle in Brazil that can run on 100% biofuel.
Low emission vehicles
The Bluebird Sylphy became Japan's first SU-LEV certified vehicle.
Looking to the future, Nissan has adopted strict restrictions and targets in the design and production of its products. The Sentra CA, launched in the United States in January 2000, was the world's first gasoline vehicle to meet the emissions standards set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and received Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) certification.
The Bluebird Sylphy, introduced in Japan in August 2000, acquired the nation's first ultra-low emission vehicle (U-LEV) certification as established by the Ministry of Transport. Then, in 2003, it was certified as Japan's first super ultra-low emission vehicle (SU-LEV) by reducing exhaust emissions 75% below the 2005 emissions standards. SU-LEVs have roughly half the level of emissions of U-LEVs. In May 2006, more than 80% of all new Nissan vehicles sold in Japan were SU-LEVs.
Compressed natural gas vehicles (CNGVs)
The AD CNG was certified as the first U-LEV in Japan.
CNGVs run on natural gas, giving them an advantage of lower NOx and HC emissions over diesel vehicles. What is more, CNGVs discharge almost no soot (particulate matter).
