All-electric and original hybrid electric prototypes unveiled
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled all-electric
and original hybrid electric prototype vehicles, both powered by
advanced lithium-ion batteries. Under the NISSAN GT 2012 business plan,
the company has committed to zero-emission vehicle leadership, and has
announced plans to introduce an all-electric vehicle in 2010 and mass
market globally in 2012.
Electric Vehicle (EV)
Powered
by advanced lithium-ion batteries, the EV prototype is part of Nissan’s
substantial research and development program on zero emission vehicles.
This latest generation vehicle features a front-wheel drive layout and
uses a newly developed 80kW motor and inverter. The advanced laminated
compact lithium-ion batteries are installed under the floor, without
sacrificing either cabin or cargo space.
The production vehicle to be introduced in 2010 will have a unique bodystyle and is not based on any existing Nissan model.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
The
Nissan original HEV delivers two breakthrough technologies – a
high-performance rear-wheel drive hybrid system and parallel-powertrain
hybrid system. The hybrid employs Nissan’s own originally developed
hybrid technology and its first rear-wheel drive hybrid powertrain.
The
parallel-powertrain system comprises an energy-optimizing system with
two clutches, where one motor is directly connected to an engine and
transmission via two separate clutches. Under changing driving
conditions, the motor switches between the two clutches to optimize and
conserve energy utilization as well as improve fuel-efficiency.
The
parallel-powertrain hybrid system eliminates the need for conventional
torque converters, contributing to higher responsiveness and linear
acceleration for improved driving feel.
The dynamic characteristics of the clutches are as follows:
- Idle-stop: The battery is used to power the motor to save on fuel.
- Regular driving: The engine is used to power the motor as well as regenerate the battery.
- Acceleration: Both the engine and battery (power assist) is used to power the motor to achieve smooth acceleration.
- Deceleration: Energy from braking is conserved and re-routed back to regenerate the battery.
Lithium-ion Battery
The
advanced lithium-ion batteries used in both prototypes are sourced from
the Nissan-NEC joint-venture, AESC (Automotive Energy Supply
Corporation). These advanced batteries offer superior performance,
reliability, safety, versatility and cost competitiveness, compared to
the conventional nickel metal-hydride batteries. Its compact laminated
configuration delivers twice the electric power compared to
conventional nickel-metal hydride batteries with a cylindrical
configuration. The compact batteries also allow for improved vehicle
packaging and a wide range of applications.
Nissan has
long experience in electric-powered vehicle development, commencing
from the first EV "Tama Electric Vehicle" back in 1947. The company
introduced the world’s first application of lithium-ion batteries to
the Prarie Joy EV in 1996, followed by the ultra-compact electric
vehicle, Hypermini, released in 2000. Nissan also introduced its first
original hybrid vehicle Tino Hybrid back in 1999 in Japan. In 2006, the
Altima Hybrid was introduced in North America using licensed technology.
Under
the Nissan Green Program 2010 environmental plan, the company aims to
develop new technologies, products and services that can lead to
real-world reductions in vehicle CO2 emissions, cleaner emissions, and
recycling of resources. Nissan continues to invest substantially in a
wide range of technologies including CVT (Continuously Variable
Transmission), VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift), clean diesels,
biofuels and fuel cell vehicles.
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