Nissan and Toyota had Better Worry About the Volt Fires And So Should You

You have to be wondering how closely Toyota and Nissan are watching the NHTSA investigation into the Chevy Volt fires.  Actually, all car makers should be watching for fallout very carefully.  But specifically, Toyota just started taking orders on the Plug-in Prius.  And the Nissan Leaf has been competing (sales-wise) with the Volt from the beginning.  And consumers are not going to make a distinction between any of the car makers when it comes to battery fires.

They've seen too many cases in laptops and phones now of spontaneous combustion to ignore the issue.  Mind you, the opposite argument could be made, that they have gotten used to the risk of having batteries that could overheat near them on a constant basis.  But I doubt it.  There's something different about the batteries in electric and quasi-electric cars (the size!).

Imagine if consumers stop trusting large battery packs.  What will the automakers do when it comes to the new fuel efficiency guidelines if they can't sell at least some electric or extended range electric vehicles?  They are all working on them.  Imagine if all the research investment, time and money, has been wasted in the effort as they have to pull up and wait for a new generation of batteries to come forward?  Imagine what that will mean when they lobby for a postponement to the new fuel economy laws?

I can see it now.

"I'm sorry senator, we really would like to build and sell electric cars, but we just can't yet.  The technology isn't there.   I'm sure you understand why we can't put voters, err... I mean drivers at risk just to meet these fuel economy guidelines." - any car maker lobbyist in D.C.

In case you're not familiar, the NHTSA was conducting crash tests on the Chevy Volt (5-stars!).  They put one through it's paces (i.e. smashed it up, really good!) and then placed it into storage.   A few weeks later, a fire broke out in the battery pack (the coolant line had been severed) and burned up the Volt, plus several nearby cars.  Since then, in cooperation with Chevy (General Motors), they have subjected several other Volts to similar circumstances in an effort to start more fires.  They were successful (smoke and sparks, at least).

GM says this is a known factor when dealing with these battery packs.  One of the safety measures they've outlined is to discharge the battery pack after an accident to keep a fire from starting.  But the NHTSA didn't follow their guidelines and that's why the fire occurred.  In the meantime, they emphasize their cars are safe (noting the 5 star rating they received) but just in case anyone's nervous, they will let them drive a loaner for free while the investigation continues.  A 'handful' of customers have done just that.

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Nissan Frontier Hill Climb videos

Nissan Frontier: Hill Climb

Nissan Frontier: Hill Climb

With full-size horsepower and torque, the Nissan Frontier is the mid-size truck that acts like a full size, giving the driver the feeling they can ...

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Nissan ALV Concept

ALV Concept - A competition that brings athletes and journalists together

The Nissan Xterra has won its class at multiple ALV competitions - In today’s competitive market, a car’s best asset may be the cyclist, skier or triathlete who endorses it.  The reason is that automakers can no longer compete solely on the basis of quality.

The situation was quite different twenty years ago, when I first started writing about cars. Shoppers would read up on which models had the most warranty claims or safety recalls, and as much as budgets would permit, buy something that didn’t make the black list.

Today there are very few bad cars. Electronic controls are more reliable than the mechanical parts they replaced, and production lines are closely monitored for quality failure. This isn’t to say that some cars aren’t more reliable than others. But it’s a far cry from the time when mechanical parts would fail on  thousands of cars, leaving their owners stranded.

Although automakers know that lifestyle plays a major role in new car sales, they aren’t as savvy about the needs of people with active lifestyles. We started the Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year program eight years ago with two objectives: to recognize the cars and trucks that best meet the needs of people with active lifestyles, and to give the automakers a better understanding of what those of us who run, cycle, swim and so forth need our cars and trucks to do.

Whereas most car of the year competitions focus on various aspects of vehicle performance, we are more concerned with how well the vehicle helps to enhance our performance as athletes. So we evaluate how easy it is to load bicycles into the cargo area, or to clean the upholstery after an especially muddy trail run. We want to know if a sport-utility vehicle designed to go off-road can ford water, and if it can maintain directional control when one or more wheels is off the ground.

As athletes, safety is very important to us. Active lifestyle vehicles have to meet certain criteria, such as having antilock brakes, side curtain airbags, and electronic stability control. Pedestrian safety is also important. A body structure designed to minimize injury to a pedestrian involved in a collision always gets our vote.

The competition started out with two categories: best value and best luxury car. Best value cars are priced under $35,000; while luxury cars and trucks are $35,000 and over. Since the first year, we’ve divided the pool further, separating on and off-road vehicles, and adding family, urban and green car categories.

The family category includes any vehicle with three rows of seating.

Green ALV is open to all types of alternative fuel vehicles, from hybrids and electric cars to clean diesel and biodiesel. We look at fuel economy, sustainability, and emissions, as well as the same criteria we use to evaluate other active lifestyle vehicles.

The urban category includes vehicles priced at or below $20,000, that meet the needs of people with active lifestyles. As the name suggests buyers often reside in urban areas, where they are limited to smaller cars, but need the capability to carry large cargo.

The Judging Process

Thirteen automotive jurors evaluate the field of entries: our jurors include men and women aged twenty-five to eighty-three. Each juror brings to the table a special area of expertise within the automotive field. Many are also athletes. We have among our ranks two runners, two cyclists, an adventure racer, a skier, and three competitive race car drivers.

Unlike some competitions, there is no judging template for ALV. We ask each of the jurors to bring his or her individual perspective to the table. As a result, we have a lot of tie breakers, but that’s what makes this competition more interesting.

Elite and area athletes get an opportunity to drive and vote on the entries as well, at a one-day program in August. This year our ride-and-drive event moves to Local Motors in Phoenix, Arizona. The move give us access to an off-road course for the first time, while providing a easily accessible location from all parts of the US.

Over the past seven years, our athlete evaluators have included elite runners and triathletes, professional football players, surfers, cyclists, beach volleyball players and adventure racers.

Re-visit the Carspondent web site for updates on this year’s Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year competition.

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Hybrid Car Brands

Just who is making hybrid cars these days and what brands are considering making hybrid cars in the future?

Major Hybrid Car Brands
Hybrid cars are currently being built and sold by General Motors, Ford, Honda, Toyota and Nissan. General Motors builds hybrid cars under several divisions including Saturn, Chevrolet, and GMC.  Ford has the Mercury and Ford divisions.  Toyota sells hybrids under the brand name of Lexus .  While Honda and Nissan just sell hybrids under their own name plates.

Toyota
Under the Toyota brand name, there are three models currently on sale. The iconic Prius is almost synonymous with hybrid and is the first car most people think of when they think of hybrids. Toyota also sells the Camry Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid under the moniker of Toyota.

Toyota also has their luxury division, the Lexus hybrids. Under the Lexus brand name, Toyota sells the HS, LS, RX, and GS Hybrids. They keep adding models under the Lexus nameplate, so expect and IS hybrid to arrive soon. The HS hybrid is a dedicated model like the Prius. The others are subtypes under the model. In other words, you can buy gas-only models, or you can opt for the hybrid engine.

Honda
Honda sells the Civic Hybrid under their brand name. They also currently sell the only other dedicated hybrid on the road, the Insight. They used to sell a Hybrid Accord, and the two-seater hybrid Insight, but have retired both models.

Expect to see Acura Hybrids in the future.

Nissan
Nissan has only one hybrid model for sale, the Nissan Altima Hybrid. It is built using hybrid technology from Toyota and is sold in only eight US states. Nissan has plans to bring an Infiniti M35 Hybrid to market in the coming year.

General Motors (Cadillac, Chevy, Saturn, GMC)
They build several models (currently) using the Chevrolet brand. There is the Chevy Malibu and Chevy Silverado. The Chevy Volt, the Extended Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV), will be out soon and while GM considers the Volt to be a subtype of electric vehicle, it still falls under the hybrid type.

GM also builds the GMC Yukon and Sierra. And the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid also falls under the GM brand.

The Saturn brand was at one point, the cornerstone for hybrids under the GM umbrella. But Saturn is no more. You can still see the hybrid Vue and Aura on the road today.

Ford
Ford sells four different models under two different brand names. The Mercury Division sells the Milan and Mariner Hybrid. While Ford retains the Fusion and Escape Hybrid. The Lincoln division will have its own hybrid soon, but it's not here yet. The Mercury hybrids are the upgraded version of the Ford Hybrids, so expect them to be very similar if you take a look at both of them.

Chrysler
Chrysler sold the Aspen and Durango Hybrids for a total of two months before pulling the plug on both models. The Dodge Durango is very similar to the Chrysler Aspen, and both were built using the dual hybrid technology developed in partnership with BMW and GM.

Chrysler at one point had plans to bring a Dodge Ram Hybrid to market, but that seems to be on hold.

Hyundai
Hyundai is jumping in with both feet in the next year, with the Sonata Hybrid. Distinguishing itself from the other hybrids listed above, it's going to be one of the first hybrids to use lithium polymer battery packs, giving it an advantage over some of the more established hybrid models and brands listed above.

Mazda
Mazda has sold the Tribute hybrid in very limited numbers.  The Tribute was built using Ford Hybrid technology, when Mazda and Ford were a lot tighter than they are today.  Now Mazda is looking to partner with Toyota for the technology used in the Prius for their future hybrid model in 2013.

Fisker and Tesla
Fisker and Tesla are both bringing hybrid cars to market (they probably don't appreciate being lumped together given the lawsuits over the past few years). These startups are working hard to go straight to electric or hybrid and are emphasizing performance, rather than fuel efficiency right from the get go.

Audi, Subaru, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Daimler, Ferrari, Lotus, Kia, Maserati, Porsche, Suzuki, Volkswagen and Volvo
Each of the brands mentioned above are attempting their own hybrid models, and several have brought some noteworthy test models to auto shows. Several are on their way to bringing those cars to market right now, but are still a few years away from seeing them on the road in more than just 'test fleets'. Some are closer than others, while some probably have no intention of ever going hybrid unless they are forced to do so by the tighter restrictions being enforced in Europe, Asia and the US in the coming years.

Looking for more information on one of the brands above?
Either search for the brand name here on this site or use the categories below or on the sidebars.  Each of the major brands listed will have more information that I've accumulated over the years.

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Nissan Leaf Price

Nissan has set the MSRP for the new all electric Leaf at $32,780. That's remarkably low considering it will sell for about $40,000 in Japan. Or you can lease one at $349 a month.  A separate charging station can be installed (if you opt for it) for about $2,200.

Nissan is aiming for 25,000 orders by December.

If you qualify for the tax credits in California, you could be paying somewhere in the low $20K range for your electric Leaf, including the installation of a charger.

The 2011 Nissan Leaf will be available to buy or lease in select markets starting in December, and will go nationwide starting in 2011. If you can't wait, Nissan would be happy to take your order starting April 20 (what a way to spend your tax return!)

The all electric car has a real world range of 100 miles or so, and Nissan expects most people will be able to 'fill up' for less than $3.

If you qualify, you can cut the price down using tax credits. The federal tax credit can save you $7,500, while some states are also offering rebates on electric vehicles. In California, you can get a $5,000 tax rebate, while Georgia is offering $5,000 in tax credits. Oregon is offering a $1,500 tax credit. Other states may let you into the car pool lane, although you will likely need a special license plate or sticker to take advantage.

A fully refundable $99 reservation fee is required if you do sign up early to buy the Leaf. Firm orders will begin in August.

Standard features for the Leaf will include:

• advanced navigation system
• Internet/smart phone connectivity, enabling charging control, pre-heat or pre-cool capability
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Intelligent-key with push button start
• Sirius/XM satellite radio
• Roadside assistance
• Vehicle Dynamic Control
• Traction Control
• Six airbags

For an extra $940 (SL Trim), you can get:

• rearview monitor
• solar panel spoiler
• fog lights
• automatic headlights

You can opt to purchase a charging dock, when you buy, at a cost of about $2,200. The 220-volt charger will be built and installed by AeroVironment. A 50 percent federal tax credit up to $2,000 is available on the charging dock and installation.

Power Source

The electric sedan is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 90kW, while its electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm.

Unlike internal-combustion engine (ICE) equipped vehicles, Nissan LEAF’s power train has no tail pipe, and thus no local emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases. A combination regenerative braking system and lithium-ion battery packs enables the car to deliver a driving range of more than 160km (100 miles) on one full charge*. (*US LA4 mode)

The Nissan Leaf can be charged up to 80% of its full capacity in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger. Charging at home through a 200V outlet is estimated to take approximately eight hours.

Full Press Release Follows:

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced U.S. pricing for the 2011 Nissan LEAF electric vehicle, which becomes available for purchase or lease at Nissan dealers in select markets in December and nationwide in 2011. Nissan will begin taking consumer reservations for the Nissan LEAF April 20.

Including the $7,500 federal tax credit for which the Nissan LEAF will be fully eligible, the consumer’s after-tax net value of the vehicle will be $25,280. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price *(MSRP) for the 2011 all-electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF is $32,780, which includes three years of roadside assistance. Additionally, there is an array of state and local incentives that may further defray the costs and increase the benefits of owning and charging a Nissan LEAF – such as a $5,000 statewide tax rebate in California; a $5,000 tax credit in Georgia; a $1,500 tax credit in Oregon; and carpool-lane access in some states, including California.

As a result of aggressive pricing and the availability of the $7,500 federal tax credit whose benefit is immediately included, Nissan will be able to offer a monthly lease payment beginning at $349, not including state or local incentives, which could further reduce the net cost of the Nissan LEAF.

“Imagine the possibility of never needing to go to a gas station again. Or of paying less than $3 for 100 miles behind the wheel. Or of creating zero emissions while driving," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA. “Nissan leads the industry by offering the first affordable, zero-emission vehicle for the mass market. Nissan LEAF truly is in a class by itself.”

The vehicle at the SV trim level is well-equipped with a variety of standard features, including an advanced navigation system and Internet/smart phone connectivity to the vehicle, enabling pre-heat/pre-cool and charging control. Nissan LEAF is equipped with energy-efficient LED headlights and makes extensive use of recycled and recyclable materials, such as seat fabric, instrument panel materials, and front- and rear-bumper fascias. Other standard amenities include Bluetooth connectivity; Intelligent-key with push button start; Sirius/XM satellite radio capabilities and roadside assistance. Safety features include vehicle dynamic control (stability control), traction control and six airbags. The SL trim level, available for an additional $940 (MSRP), adds features including rearview monitor, solar panel spoiler, fog lights, and automatic headlights.

Reservations and Purchase

In order to ensure a one-stop-shop customer experience, Nissan is carefully managing the purchase process from the first step, when consumers sign up on NissanUSA.com, until the customer takes the Nissan LEAF home and plugs it into a personal charging dock.

Nissan begins accepting reservations on April 20 first from people who have signed up on NissanUSA.com, and, after a brief introductory period, to all interested consumers.

Consumers will be required to pay a $99 reservation fee, which is fully refundable.

Reserving a Nissan LEAF ensures consumers a place in line when Nissan begins taking firm orders in August, as well as access to special, upcoming Nissan LEAF events.

Rollout to select markets begins in December, with nationwide availability in 2011.

Charging Equipment

In tandem with the purchase process, Nissan will offer personal charging docks, which operate on a 220-volt supply, as well as their installation. Nissan is providing these home-charging stations, which will be built and installed by AeroVironment, as part of a one-stop-shop process that includes a home assessment.

The average cost for the charging dock plus installation will be $2,200.

Charging dock and installation are eligible for a 50 percent federal tax credit up to $2,000.
Using current national electricity averages, Nissan LEAF will cost less than $3 to “fill up.”
Nissan LEAF also will be the sole vehicle available as part of The EV Project, which is led by EV infrastructure provider eTec, a division of ECOtality, and will provide free home-charging stations and installation for up to 4,700 Nissan LEAF owners in those markets.

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive design, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.NissanUsa.com.

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Infiniti M35 Hybrid

M35 Hybrid Debuts at Geneva Auto Show

The new M35 Hybrid from Infiniti was debuted at the Geneva Auto Show. The front-engine, rear drive only hybrid is the first hybrid to use hybrid technology developed by Nissan. The Nissan Altima uses the Hybrid Synergy Drive from Toyota, but Nissan wanted to develop their own, while still allowing them to make a profit.

So they decided their first hybrid will be from Infiniti, allowing them to bump the price up in order to help recoup the development cost.

The M35 Hybrid mates a 3.5 liter V6 to an electric motor powered by a lithium ion battery pack. The seven speed transmission is the standard Infiniti model, minus the torque converter.

There is a two clutch system to allow for more efficient driving. The first clutch allows the gas engine to be disconnected from the electric motor, while the second clutch can disconnect the engine from the transmission allowing the sedan to coast more efficiently.

Infiniti says the M35 Hybrid is "electrically powered for more of the time, and at higher speeds, than conventional hybrids.... in a rigorous test program in the US based on day-in, day-out driving over a three-month period on a route that took in not just busy city streets but also suburbs, freeways and even mountain roads. The results showed that the M35 HYBRID was able to drive in electric-only mode, with zero tailpipe emissions, for as much as 50 per cent of the time."

Infiniti says the lithium-ion battery pack will last at least 136,000 miles. It, plus the other hybrid components, make the hybrid M35 heavier than the standard M by 330 pounds.

The M35 is due in spring of 2011 in Europe, while there is no release date in North America. Price and fuel economy are not available.

Press Release Continues Below
ROLLE, Switzerland (March 2, 2010) – Innovative electric technology and an undiluted driving experience come together in Infiniti’s first hybrid, making its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show today. The low CO2 champion of the all-new M Line sedan range, the Infiniti M35 HYBRID steers the hybrid advantage from the city to the open road – and into the arms of all those who love their driving.

A decoupling V6 engine, 50 kW (68 PS) electric motor built in to the 7-speed automatic transmission and exceptionally fast charge/discharge response from the lithium-ion battery pack all add up to a hybrid that’s electrically powered for more of the time, and at higher speeds, than conventional hybrids.

The M35 HYBRID’S high degree of electric intervention results in the fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions of a smaller, less powerful car while offering the linear acceleration and unsullied rear-drive handling of a true Infiniti complete with all the charisma and potency of one of the great V6 petrol engines.

The technology, which previewed in the Essence concept coupé at the Geneva Motor Show in 2009, has been given the name INFINITI DIRECT RESPONSE HYBRID. Toru Saito, Corporate Vice President Infiniti, said: “INFINITI DIRECT RESPONSE HYBRID is the core of the future Infiniti performance.”

Sharing the seductive looks, alluring cabin and world-first features of the all-new M Line flagship saloon – the first ever M to go on sale in Europe, also making its show debut in Geneva – the M35 HYBRID uses a front-engine, rear-drive-only layout based around an innovative drivetrain featuring a one motor/two clutch system.

Innovatively, the first clutch is installed between the naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 and the electric motor. This clutch allows the full decoupling of the V6 when in both electric and power regeneration modes – in order to reduce mechanical drag and boost the efficiency of the electric motor.

Just how efficient the M35 HYBRID’s electric side is was shown in a rigorous test program in the US based on day-in, day-out driving over a three-month period on a route that took in not just busy city streets but also suburbs, freeways and even mountain roads. The results showed that the M35 HYBRID was able to drive in electric-only mode, with zero tailpipe emissions, for as much as 50 per cent of the time.

Two new technologies are fundamental to the M35 HYBRID’s broad-ranging abilities. One is the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack – quick to alternate between charging/discharging and, size for size, twice as powerful as conventional batteries. The second is the direct manner in which the petrol or electric power is delivered to the rear wheels. This “directness” is central to the M35 HYBRID’s overall efficiency as well as offering a consistent driving feel under all conditions.

The M35 HYBRID’s transmission is an even more sophisticated version of Infiniti’s 7-speed Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) automatic transmission. One difference over the ASC transmission used in other Infiniti models is that there is no torque converter, and therefore none of the losses that torque converters cause.

The lack of a torque converter also enhances responsiveness for a sportier-feeling drive. The throttle can be “blipped” just as in a manual transmission car, while acceleration is seamless thanks to motor-assisted gear-shifting that ensures ratio changes aren’t just eye-blink fast but also completely smooth.

The electric motor is rated at 50 kW (68 PS) with 270 Nm of torque and is embedded within the transmission. The motor acts as both propulsion unit, either by itself or to boost the V6 in “power assist” mode when maximum acceleration is required, and also as a generator. As well as charging the battery in the normal way, the motor recovers energy otherwise lost during deceleration and braking.

Apart from its fast charge/discharge response and 1.3kWh capacity, the Li-on battery pack is laminated to enhance the cooling performance. Temperature stability is further improved by the use of manganese positive electrodes. An end result of this is exceptional battery reliability.

Light weight is another key advantage of the M35 HYBRID, with the compact battery pack, allied to the single electric motor, resulting in a 30kg weight saving.

Power outputs and performance data will be confirmed at later date.

The new M Line has all the qualifications needed to be the flagship saloon for Infiniti and provide a distinctive and finely crafted alternative to timeworn German rivals. Classic sports saloon proportions and an elegantly flowing body go hand in hand with a spacious five-seat interior that sets a benchmark for quality and luxury even by Infiniti’s high standards.

The M35 HYBRID, like all the new M Line models, has been engineered for European drivers and roads. Super strong, highly aerodynamic and based on the FM (Front-Midship) platform, the M35 delivers incisive handling matched by exceptional ride comfort thanks in part to the world-first use of double-piston dampers. The M35 in Geneva is shown in luxury GT form complete with semi-aniline leather and White Ash wood trim with silver-powder finish.

Other M Line world firsts include Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) – a system that doesn’t just warn of vehicles in adjacent lanes but actively prevents the car being steered into their path – and a state-of-the-art “Forest Air” climate control system. An Active Noise Control system is also available.

M Line sales in Western Europe begin in September, with the M35 HYBRID due to arrive from spring 2011, depending on market.

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Hertz Partners with Nissan to Rent EV Leaf

If buying an electric vehicle is out of reach for now, perhaps you'd rather rent one and see what it's like? Hertz and Nissan announced the Nissan Leaf will be available to rent starting in 2011 in the US and Europe.

Nissan is touting the Nissan Leaf as the first affordable, zero-emission car, and just announced you can reserve one starting in the spring of 2010. But they have not announced what the MSRP will be. It will come with the batteries (there was a lot of speculation the battery pack would be leased, instead of sold with the car). Nissan expects 20,000 pre-orders to be made before it goes on sales.

Nissan will invite people to "opt-in" and receive updates and information about Leaf through a reservation system that will tell them when the electric car is available--either for test drives or to take home. Participants will receive the latest news about the company's zero-emission activities as well as information about Nissan Leaf and how to become "plug-in ready."

The Leaf will have a range of 100 miles or so and seats five.

"The partnership with Nissan seals Hertz's commitment to green-car rentals and firmly demonstrates our mission to advancing zero-emission mobility on a global scale," said Mark P. Frissora, Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said in a statement.

Toshiyuki Shiga, Chief Operating Officer of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., commented: "Our partnership with Hertz is an important step towards our goal of promoting widespread acceptance of electric vehicles. Together with our Alliance partner Renault, we aim to be the leader in zero-emission vehicles which we believe are one of the best solutions for sustaining the growing need for transport across the globe."

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Nissan Borrows $1.4 Billion From the DOE

Nissan closed its $1.4 billion loan with the Dept of Energy, part of the $25 billion made available to car manufacturers to develop advanced vehicles. Nissan is going to use the money to retool the Smyrna, Tennessee factory to build advanced electric automobiles (Nissan Leaf) and build a battery manufacturing facility.

Nissan expects to create 1,300 jobs with the two projects.

"This is an investment in our clean energy future. It will bring the United States closer to reducing our dependence on foreign oil and help lower carbon pollution," said Secretary Chu in a statement. "We are committed to making strides to revitalize the American auto industry and supporting the development of clean energy vehicles."

Nissan is planning on a production capacity of 150,000 vehicles annually at the Smyrna plant, along with 200,000 battery packs.

This is the third loan closed on by auto manufacturers. Ford closed on a $5.9 billion loan back in September. Tesla closed last week on a $465 million loan to help in part to build the plug-in hybrid sedan, Nina.

Fisker is next in line, with a conditional agreement with the DOE.

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2013 Nissan Hybrid GT-R

According to the rumormill, Nissan is planning on building a hybrid GT-R by 2012 as a 2013 model.

The report, coming from Insideline, is the new GT-R will be a monster, with 600 hp to burn, but will use only 25-30 mpg. 440 hp will come from the 3.8 liter twin turbocharged V6, with an additional 160 hp from the electric motor.

The hybrid system would be built off of the work going into the hybrid Infiniti M, which will be released next year.

Makes me wonder why they would want to do it? The weight would have to increase, but so would the fuel efficiency and the power output. Are power vehicle buyers really interested in the fuel efficiency of their vehicle?

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Infiniti Electric Vehicle in the Works

Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan, announced Infiniti will have an electric vehicle, one that will be "true to the Infiniti brand's promise of Inspired Performance.'

A concept is currently being developed for a stylish, compact, high performance four-seat luxury Infiniti with zero emissions.

Ghosn made the announcement during the Tokyo Auto Show in which he drove onto stage in the Nissan Land Glider, a two-seater EV. The Land Glider will lean into turns like a motorcycle, but is fully enclosed with four wheels. The EV is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack stored under the vehicle's floor.

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Infiniti M35 Hybrid Expected to be a 2012 Model

According to rumors, the new hybrid from Infiniti would be arriving in 2010.  Instead, the Infinti M luxury performance sedan will be arriving in the spring of 2010. The hybrid version, the M35, is expected 12 months later as a 2012 model.

The M35 will be the first Infiniti hybrid, as well as its 'cleanest and most economical.' It will also be the first hybrid derived from Nissan research into hybrid technology.  The Nissan Altima Hybrid is built using the Hybrid Synergy Drive system from Toyota.

The M35 will build on the promise of high performance/low emissions of the Infiniti Essence concept. With V6 and rear-wheel driving, the luxury sedan is hoping to give high performance, but with better fuel economy and CO2 emissions of a smaller car.

The hybrid system is a single electric motor/twin clutch arrangement. The first clutch is installed between the 3.5-liter V6 and the electric motor. The components can then act on a single prop shaft to the rear differential (parallel hybrid), giving a consistent driving feel under all conditions with linear performance and the "direct responses" that the engineers sought.

The electric motor acts as a generator in regenerative braking mode, and in 'boosting' the V6 when maximum acceleration is required. But the M35 Hybrid will be a full hybrid, running on electric power alone in 'certain driving conditions.' Further details will be released later.

The electric motor will be powered by a lithium-ion battery pack (Li-Ion). The battery pack has been laminated to enhance the cooling performance.

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2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid

Nissan announced some details on their 2010 Altima sedan including the hybrid model. Starting October 5th, the 2010 model year will be available at Nissan dealerships.

The hybrid Altima comes with the QR25 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine with continously variable transmission (CVT) mated to electric drive motor. The overall hybrid system is the hybrid synergy drive from Toyota.

The Altima Hybrid is rated to be an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), while still providing 198 hp. The overall fuel economy stands up well to comparison at 35 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

The Altima sedan is getting a estyled hood, grille and front bumper, new wheel designs, and standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC). Nissan is also revising the interior fabric and finishers, new exterior colors and revised option package content.

A new available premium audio packages includes a Bose® AM/FM audio system with nine speakers, 4.3-inch color display, USB port with iPod® connectivity, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and RearView Monitor.

You can also get the next-generation Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 6.5-inch VGA color touch-screen display (replaces the 4.3-inch display), 9.3GB Music Box for music storage and playback, advanced map data including speed limit advisories, Zagat restaurant guide, XM NavTraffic® and XM NavWeather® (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, DVD player and an RCA input for auxiliary audio/video connectivity.

The 2010 Altima's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) are:

2010 Altima Sedan        Engine/Transmission     M.S.R.P.
    -----------------        -------------------     --------
    Altima Sedan 2.5 S       2.5L I4 CVT             $19,900 USD
    Altima Sedan 2.5 S       2.5L I4 CVT             $21,840 USD
    Altima Sedan 3.5 SR      3.5L V6 CVT             $24,520 USD


    2010 Altima Coupe        Engine/Transmission     M.S.R.P.
    -----------------        -------------------     --------
    Altima Coupe 2.5 S       2.5L I4 6MT             $22,440 USD
    Altima Coupe 2.5 S       2.5L I4 CVT             $22,940 USD
    Altima Coupe 3.5 SR      3.5L V6 CVT             $27,270 USD
    Altima Coupe 3.5 SR      3.5L V6 6MT             $29,600 USD


    2010 Altima Hybrid       Engine/Transmission     M.S.R.P.
    ------------------       -------------------     --------
    Altima HEV               2.5L I4 eCVT            $26,780 USD

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Nissan Wants to Know if You Are Interested in the LEAF

Nearly 22,000 people have already contacted Nissan about the LEAF, the new zero-emissions all electric vehicle which will be for sale in 2010.

If you want to know more about the LEAF, you can opt-in. People who wish to participate in the reservation program can visit www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car. Details about the program and pricing are being finalized.

Opting in will give Nissan permission to send you updates and information about the LEAF. The updates will include when the LEAF is available either for test drives or to take home. You will also get updates on Nissan's zero-emission activities and 'how to become plug-ready.'

You won't be able to actually reserve the LEAF until spring 2010.

Of those who have already shown an interest in the LEAF, 70% already line in the markets where Nissan will introduce their electric vehicle (EV) LEAF. Metro areas with the strongest consumer responses are San Diego, Calif.; Tucson, Ariz.; Seattle; Portland, Ore.; and Los Angeles - all of which are among the first markets where LEAF will be available globally.

Tour of the major launch markets will begin after Tokyo Auto Show debut, starting in LA.

45% of those who have contacted Nissan are interested in owning and electric vehicle in the next 2-3 years. 90% indicate they drove less than 100 miles daily. 75% come from two-car households.

Although the LEAF will be produced in Japan at first and imported into the US, the factory in Smyrna, TN will begin production sometime in 2012.

"The groundswell of interest, especially from people in our initial launch markets, demonstrates to us the importance of a reservation system," said Carlos Tavares, head of Nissan's operations in North, Central and South America. "Our goal is to confirm at least 20,000 reservations for Nissan LEAF by the time we deliver the world's first mass-market zero-emission car in late 2010."

"We'll continue to reach out to this enthusiastic and rapidly growing group as we approach launch," said Tavares.

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Nissan Expects 20,000 Pre-Orders of the Electric Leaf

Autonews is reporting Nissan expects 20,000 pre-orders for the Nissan Leaf when it goes on sale next spring.

“We are confident we will have 20,000 reservations for the Leaf by the time it goes on sale,” Carlos Tavares, Nissan’s chairman for the Americas, said today.

Autonews was there at a breakfast meeting in Nashville. Nissan sales and marketing headquarters are located just outside of Nashville, Tenn. The Leaf will also be built in Smyrna, Tennessee. Nissan has the production facilities there to build 150,000 units a year, along with 200,000 lithium-ion batteries sometime in 2012. At first, the Leaf will be imported.

Nissan expects Tenn to be a key market, with the state building a recharging grid that links Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tenn.  Sales will be limited to those cities and regions that have signed agreements with Nissan to pursue installation of EV charging networks.

The meeting was part marketing, as Tavares was encouraging the audience to consider buying fleets of Leafs for their business and to build their own recharging systems.

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Nissan Altima and Maxima Safety Recall Notice

Nissan is recalling certain 2009 and 20101 model year Maxima and Sentra.  The upper front strut insulators may have been manufactured out of specification resulting in a potential for the strut insulators to crack.

If the strut insulator is cracked, there is the potential for the strut rod to come out of its mounting position, which could affect vehicle stability and increase the risk of a crash.

I'm not sure if this involves any of the hybrid Altimas but I thought you should know.

Check out the info at NHTSA.

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Nissan Laughs at Chevy Volt 230 MPG Rating

Nissan, either to prove a point or to just steal GM's thunder, pointed out the Nissan Leaf, their new electric vehicle due out in 2010, will get 367 mpg by the EPA rating.

Too bad they're not going to use any gasoline.

In the meantime, the EPA won't back up GM's claim to 230 mpg since they haven't tested the Volt and won't for a while.

Of course, both numbers are ridiculous on the face of it. Rating an electric vehicle (which won't use any gasoline) or a plug-in hybrid (or E-REV which may never use any gasoline) for 230 mpg or 367 mpg is foolish in the extreme.

The EPA needs to come up with a different rating system for the plug-in and electric vehicles that are coming. Whether it's 230, 367, or 99,999 mpg, they still aren't using fuel the way they used to and those numbers tell you absolutely nothing about what you're going to get from the vehicle.  How many people are going to buy the Chevy Volt and be really disappointed once they realize their car really gets only 40 mpg or less once the gas engine kicks in?

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Nissan Backs eTec By Deploying 1,000 LEAF Electric Vehicles

As part of the $2.4 Billion in grant money being handed out yesterday, the Electric Transportation Engineering Corp (eTec) received $99.8 million. After matching the grant by regional project participants, a total of $199.6 million will be used to install approximately 2,500 charging stations in each of the selected markets – Tennessee, Oregon, San Diego, Seattle and the Phoenix/Tucson region.

Nissan will be adding in to the mix 1,000 LEAF electric vehicles (EV) in each market. The LEAF has a range of 100 miles of all electric power on a full charge and can seat 5.

The EVs will be used to collect and analyze data characterizing vehicle use in diverse topographies and climate conditions, evaluate the effectiveness of charging infrastructure, and conduct trials of various revenue systems for commercial and public charging infrastructure. To test and analyze electric vehicle usage and charging patterns in a simulated, mature charging environment, the deployment of charging infrastructure will target major population areas.

“Nissan appreciates the support of the Department of Energy in helping jumpstart the electrification of the transportation sector,” said Scott Becker vice president, Legal and General Counsel, Nissan North America. “This is a major step in promoting zero-emission mobility in the United States. Nissan is looking forward to partnering with eTec to help make electric cars a reality and to help establish the charging networks in key markets.”

“This project will enhance America’s leadership role in clean electric transportation and exemplifies the Department of Energy’s strategic foresight and commitment to improving our environment, economy and energy independence,” said Jonathan Read, president and CEO, ECOtality, parent company of eTec. “By developing a rich charge infrastructure in each market, this project will enable a successful consumer experience among early EV adopters and increase market demand for electric transportation.”

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Nissan LEAF

Nissan introduced the LEAF, their lithium powered sedan with the 100 mile range. The LEAF is set to launch in 2010 in Japan, the US and in Europe. Nissan isn't giving anything away yet, but they expect the electric vehicle to be competitively priced in the range of a well-equipped C-segment vehicle.

Nissan expects to mass-market the leaf as a global car by 2012.  At the unveiling, Nissan CEO Ghosn said Nissan's electric vehicle will get a boost from the interest of governments around the world, adding tougher emissions regulations were expected to increase market share of such cars to 5 percent. Hybrid models only make up about 2 percent of the auto market now, he said.

The Leaf seats five and is said to be slightly longer and wider then the Versa.  The electric battery is estimated to cost $10,000 each, so it's hard to imagine right now the car will somehow get down to the price of a conventional gas powered car.  One thought is to lease the battery, rather than buying it outright.  Nissan would charge consumers at about the same rate as it would cost to fill up with gas.

“Nissan LEAF is a tremendous accomplishment – one in which all Nissan employees can take great pride,” said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “We have been working tirelessly to make this day a reality – the unveiling of a real-world car that has zero – not simply reduced – emissions. It’s the first step in what is sure to be an exciting journey – for people all over the world, for Nissan and for the industry.”

The batteries generate power of over 90 kW, which serve the electric motor. The motor will produce 80kW/280Nm of power. There is no tailpipe, which Nissan points out means the electric car will have zero emissions. It should be pointed out, however, that the emissions at the point of source are just being transferred to the point where the electricity was manufactured. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it's not necessarily a good thing either. Depends on the electricity manufacturer.

An 80% charge can be set in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger, but you should expect a full charge to take up to eight hours (overnight?). That's at a 200V outlet.

"Our car had to be the world’s first, medium-size, practical EV that motorists could afford and would want to use every day. And that’s what we’ve created. The styling will identify not only Nissan LEAF but also the owner as a participant in the new era of zero-emission mobility," said Masato INOUE, Product Chief Designer.

The design is 'special' according to the press release:

Nissan LEAF’s frontal styling is characterized by a sharp, upright V-shaped design featuring long, up-slanting light-emitting diode (LED) headlights that employ a blue internal reflective design that announces, “This car is special.” But the headlights do more than make a statement. They are also designed to cleverly split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, thus reducing wind noise and drag. And, the headlights provide yet one more benefit in that they consume about 50 percent of the electricity of conventional lamps, which helps Nissan LEAF to achieve its world-class range autonomy.

Through bright trim colors inside, Nissan LEAF creates a pleasing and stylish cabin environment. An environmentally friendly “blue earth” color theme originates from the Aqua Globe body color of Nissan LEAF’s introductory model. This theme is carried into the interior through blue dashboard highlights and instrument illumination.

The advanced IT system, connected to a global data center, provides support and information 24 hours a day. The dash monitor displays 'reachable area' which can be quite important when you have a 100 mile range and you need to make sure you can recharge somewhere. The IT system can be used to show a selection of nearby charging stations.

Mobile phones can be used to set air-conditioning and set charging functions, even when the car itself is shut down. And more importantly, a remote-controlled timer can be pre-programmed to charge at certain hours (important when overnight charging can cost you so much less).

Nissan expects electric vehicle production to reach 200,000 units a year by 2012.

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Nissan Electric Vehicle Preview on Tiida-based Prototype

Nissan demonstrated their new electric vehicle (EV) using a Tidda-based prototype.  Powered by a lithium-ion battery pack set beneath the vehicle floor, the EV has a range of 99 miles (160 km) with a full charge.

Nissan has pushed ahead with EV even as Toyota and Honda have seen great success with their hybrids recently. Nissan has said they want to develop their own hybrid technology for smaller vehicles, and will have a hybrid Infiniti in the next year.

In the meantime, Nissan will be launching an EV in 2010 with a unique design and body. The actual design of the production EV will be revealed on August 2nd, while the prototype shown today is just for demonstration purposes. A Nissan Zero-emission Website (www.nissan-zeroemission.com) will also go live on Aug. 2nd.

Nissan has put together some innovative support functions for its new EV, which may help the adoption of the all electric vehicle with 99 miles of range.

EV-IT support function
Nissan has developed an sophisticated IT system for its zero-emission EVs, connecting the vehicle’s on-board transmitting unit to a global data center to support EV driving 24 hours 7 days a week.

Maximum range display

• With a simple touch of a button, the navigation map shows the driving radius within range under the current state of charge.
• The system can calculate if the vehicle is within range of a pre-set destination.

Update on charging stations

• The navigation system points out the latest information on available charging stations within the current driving range.
• Detailed information for each charging station will also be displayed.

Timer function

• The timer function enables the air-conditioner or battery charging to begin at a specified time. The air-conditioner can be pre-set while the vehicle is plugged-in to cool the cabin to a desirable temperature before driving begins, without taxing the vehicle’s battery. Meanwhile, the battery charging can be set to start at a specified time at night to benefit from more favorable electricity rates.

EV remote control and monitoring function

• The driver can monitor the state-of-charge of the EV via an online website and a cellular phone. For example, when the battery is fully charged, a message alert is sent to the cellular phone. Additional remote control functions range from switching the charging system ON/OFF or setting the air-conditioner timer.

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Nissan to Re-Tool Tennessee Plant With Federal Loans

Nissan is making plans to spend the money from the low cost loan from the government to re-tool the plant in Smyrna, Tennessee (Source: Nissan Plans Both Electric, Hybrid Cars at U.S. Plant (Update2) - Bloomberg.com). The plant employs 3,900 people and its current capacity is 550,000 cars and light trucks annually, including the hybrid Altima sedan.

The electric vehicles will be phased in “to avoid under-utilizing the plant while the market is developing,” said Senior Vice President Andy Palmer.

Perhaps they are talking about building their new hybrids here in the US?  We'll have to wait and see about that.  Nissan has been focusing in on the electric vehicle, leaving hybrids to Toyota and Honda.  With the recent spike in hybrid sales, however, Nissan is showing a renewed interest in developing their own hybrid technology.

Nissan builds and sells a Hybrid Altima, but uses Toyota hybrid technology to do it.  They have plans to sell an Infiniti Hybrid in the coming years, but an electric vehicle is also due.

Nissan will spend the $1.6 Billion on the plant to build electric vehicles along with hybrids, plus they want to build a plant to create a Li-Ion battery factory next door. The battery factory will be set to make packs for up to 200,000 cars a year, although Nissan expects the demand for electric and plug-ins to be much lower at first.


With an expected demand to be around 60,000 plug-ins and 7,500 electric vehicles expected in 2011-2013, mostly due to the new California rules, Nissan doesn't want the new plant to be underutilized, thus the dual nature planned for the re-tooled plant.

"I would suggest that the EV market in the U.S. will basically be the California regulatory requirement, plus perhaps 20,000 units," Anderman said. "As long as the gasoline price is under $5 a gallon, there’s no real market for EVs."

Another interesting tidbit from the article. Lithium-Ion battery packs capable of moving a vehicle 100 miles was estimated to cost $30,000. That cost is expected to drop rapidly over the next few years down to $15,000. (Estimate was made by Menahem Anderman, president of Advanced Automotive Batteries, a consulting firm in Oregon House, California)

That seems high to me, as other estimates I've seen have put battery packs at $10,000 for the new Chevy Volt. But that may be because the Volt is only expected to travel 40 miles on a full charge, with the gas motor recharging the batter after that.

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