Nissan’s Hybrid Technology Takes A Giant Leap Forward
Nissan has always been at the forefront of automotive innovation and their commitment to hybrid technology is no exception. The company has been researching and developing hybrid powertrain technology for many years, resulting in the market-leading Nissan e-Power hybrid system. This combines a petrol engine and an electric motor to provide superior fuel economy and a smooth ride while reducing carbon emissions. Let’s take a closer look at Nissan’s latest hybrid technology innovations and how they could redefine the meaning of eco-friendly performance cars.
Nissan’s New e-Power Hybrid Technology
Nissan’s new and improved e-Power hybrid technology is a testament to the fact that electric motors are not going anywhere. The latest update in the automotive world is that Australian motorists now have the option of purchasing hybrid models for both the Nissan X-Trail and Qashqai cars. For front-wheel drive, the Qashqai is a great option while the X-Trail gets Nissan’s ‘e-4orce AWD’ system with an additional motor on its rear axle.
The electric motors in both of these new incredible hybrid SUVs actually drive the wheels while the petrol engine is essentially the generator. One of the many benefits of this kind of hybrid technology is modifying the handling balance by changing each motor’s torque. In simple terms, more power at the front leads to understeer while more power at the back causes oversteer and a perfect combination in-between produces neutrality – something highly beneficial for drivers.
By individually controlling the extent of regenerative braking at both front and rear, Nissan claims that it can maintain a more level position to prevent an abrupt nose dive due to any type of deceleration. The automaker additionally states that its twin-motor system is faster than conventional all-wheel drive systems in distributing power from side to side and front to rear.
Upcoming Nismo Performance Car Using Hybrid Technology
With the release of the two hybrid SUVs in Australia, it’s clear that Nissan is continuing to push boundaries when it comes to green technology. Now, they have announced another exciting development: a new Nismo performance car with hybrid power that could indirectly be a successor to the all-impressive and highly esteemed Nissan GT-R.
While Z-cars are not a common sight in countries with strict emissions policies, Nissan has confirmed that this new exciting hybrid performance car will meet emissions requirements and could go on sale as early as 2030 in the U.S., UK and Europe. This move further cements Nissan’s position as one of the leading automakers when it comes to cutting-edge hybrid technology.
Takao Katagiri, Nissan Nismo CEO, confirmed that this upcoming car will have a hybrid powertrain but also hinted at a combination of EV and hybrid models. Such amalgamation is hoped to revolutionise the market by providing drivers with a greater level of mobility.
Nissan’s Take On Researching Solid-State Batteries For EVs
Nissan executives had previously stated that any performance EVs will need solid-state batteries which are still largely in the early development stages. Richard Moore, strategy boss of the West Midlands Gigafactory said that “if the new car is to be viable in Europe, a hybrid option will be the most likely starting point.”
Nissan may be headed for a complete shift to electric powertrains but they are not quite there yet. François Bailly, the senior VP and chief planning officer of AMEIO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania) stated: “I would love to have an EV sports car, but we need to organise. We’re not ready to announce the sequence, but it’s clearly on the table.”
Nissan’s timeline for solid-state batteries gives us a glimpse into the future of electric vehicles designed with enthusiasts in mind. Research is well underway and plans are in place for a pilot factory in 2024 where the technology could be ready as early as 2026! From there, expect to see this technology used in the production of EVs from around 2028.
Nissan’s New e-4ORCE 04 Racer
Since Nissan is a major competitor in the Formula E championship and while they only finished 9th out of 11 constructors last season, the Japanese automaker is pinning its hopes on the new e-4orce 04 Racer. This new Formula E racer delivers 40% more power than its predecessor with a maximum speed of 320km/h with tremendous acceleration and grip.
With Formula E representing the apex of EV technology, this next-level series will bring about thrilling innovation and excitement on and off the track as car manufacturers are pulling out all the stops to deliver an EV racer that can compete with the very best. With the new e-4orce 04 Racer, Nissan hopes to achieve top results on the track and in the development of next-gen EV and hybrid technology.
In summary, Nissan has been among the top companies leading the proverbial change in the research and development of electric and hybrid technology. With the increasing demand for more sustainable transportation options, Nissan’s investment in hybrid technology is sure to pay off in the long term and have a positive impact on the environment. For more up-to-date motoring news from around the world, follow our blog!
