Promoting hybrid vehicles worldwide
FUGA HYBRID
Hybrid vehicles are powered by the combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor. They are friendly to the environment since they emit less CO2 and have fewer emissions than conventional vehicles. Previously, Nissan had focused on developing its NEO Hybrid system and advanced this technology through such means as the sale of its Tino Hybrid in April 2000.
With the aim of making hybrids more popular worldwide, in 2002 we formed a technical partnership with Toyota Motor Corporation. In August 2007 Nissan released the Altima Hybrid on the U.S. market.
In August 2008 Nissan has developed a unique hybrid system using a high-output lithium-ion battery together with a single motor for both drive and regeneration, as well as an intelligent dual clutch control system in which two clutches are linked in parallel, one to the motor and one directly to the engine and transmission. With this hybrid system one of the two clutches completely disconnects the motor from the engine, resulting in quiet and highly efficient EV-mode driving. By using this EV mode in high-speed driving and similar conditions, we have achieved best-in-class fuel economy for four-door sedans with 3.0-liter or larger engines.
The compact, high-output lithium-ion battery is able to charge/discharge quickly. This contributes to high-speed, precise control of the electric motor and optimum clutch control, which enable both luxury driving with smooth shift quality and sharp acceleration response.
Nissan released the Fuga Hybrid equipped with this system in Japan in autumn 2010. The Fuga Hybrid achieves fuel economy of 19 km/L (10-15 mode)-comparable to that of a compact car-while providing immediately responsive driving performance.
Nissan introduces hybrid trucks in Japan
In Japan there is growing environmental consciousness among buyers of commercial vehicles. In response to their concerns, we introduced a more environmentally friendly truck, the Atlas 20 Hybrid,* in May 2006. Compared with base models equipped with 4.8-liter diesel engines, the Atlas 20 Hybrid achieves a 35% improvement in fuel economy in M15 mode (the standard used in Japan to measure the fuel economy of urban heavy-duty vehicles). Fuel economy for driving in ordinary city environments was improved by approximately 10 to 20%.
- *The Atlas 20 Hybrid is supplied to Nissan on an OEM basis by Isuzu Motors Ltd.
Nissan is continuing development of hybrid vehicles with the aim of improving upon this technology and to create vehicles with added value for our customers.
Development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (plug-in HEVs) have batteries that are recharged by means of household electrical outlets or other external power sources, and are capable of running on motors similar to those of electric vehicles. Nissan is engaged in research and development of plug-in HEVs with the objective of realizing the early popularization of vehicles engineered with high-performing environmental technologies.
Please refer to the following for more information on Nissan technology.
