Nissan Motor has unveiled new all-electric and original hybrid electric prototype vehicles, both powered by lithium-ion batteries.
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Under its 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.
Powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries, the EV prototype is part of the automaker’s research and development programme 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 body style (the prototype is based on the current Cube production model) and is not based on any existing model.
The original HEV delivers two claimed 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 (the current Altima hybrid sold in the US uses a bought-in Toyota system) and its first rear-wheel drive hybrid powertrain.
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By GlobalDataThe parallel-powertrain system comprises an energy-optimising 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 optimise and conserve energy utilisation 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: idle-stop where the battery is used to power the motor to save on fuel; regular driving where the engine is used to power the motor as well as regenerate the battery; acceleration where both the engine and battery (power assist) is used to power the motor to achieve smooth acceleration; and deceleration where energy from braking is conserved and re-routed back to regenerate the battery.
The lithium-ion batteries used in both prototypes are sourced from the Nissan-NEC joint-venture, AESC (Automotive Energy Supply Corporation) and are said to offer superior performance, reliability, safety, versatility and cost competitiveness, compared to conventional nickel metal-hydride batteries.
Its compact laminated configuration delivers twice the electric power compared to nickel-metal with a cylindrical configuration. The compact batteries also allow for improved vehicle packaging and a wide range of applications.
