Promoting hybrid vehicles worldwide
A Nissan hybrid vehicle
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 announced the development of an all-new hybrid system for introduction to the Japanese and U.S. markets in 2010. This system features a high-power lithium-ion battery that provides power assistance to fulfill driving pleasure while delivering fuel economy comparable with compact vehicles.
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.
