Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green,
Nissan
Click above for high-res gallery of
Nissan's new green cars
Nissan has been selling a hybrid version of its Altima sedan in select U.S. states for the last two years that uses a licensed version of
Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. At the same time it's been working on its own hybrid and all-electric powertrains, and yesterday it unveiled two prototypes that show us exactly what it will be replacing those Prius parts with.
The first is a new hybrid system that will debut on a rear-wheel-drive Infiniti model, most likely the G. It employs a parallel hybrid system with one electric motor and two clutches that allows the gas engine and electric motor to power the vehicle at the same time. Nothing fancy there, but
Nissan's new hybrid will be one of the first to use lithium-ion rather than nickel-metal hydride batteries. The smaller, more efficient batteries were developed by a joint-venture company between
Nissan and NEC called Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC).
Meanwhile, those same li-ion batteries are also being tested in an all-electric vehicle. Though currently installed in a JDM
Nissan Cube, the system will eventually be put in all-new model with unique styling and be on the Japanese market by 2010 and sold globally by 2012. It uses a new 80kW motor and inverter and packs all the batteries beneath its floor.
Very cool stuff,
Nissan. Just leave the vinyl graphics at home next time.
Gallery:
Nissan's new hybrid and EV
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