Nissan Note series hybrid: Leaf drivetrain + small battery + 1.2L generator

[MetroMPG]

I've yet to find a good video review of the car in English. There's one from NZ, but it comes across as more of an infomercial than a review.

[Ecky]

This layout can work. The Accord hybrid uses a similar configuration at speeds below (I want to say?) ~60mph, and it delivers phenomenal fuel economy for a car of its size.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Ecky

The Accord hybrid uses a similar configuration at speeds below (I want to say?) ~60mph, and it delivers phenomenal fuel economy for a car of its size.

At least the Accord still allows the ICE to also provide mechanical energy directly to the wheels, which this Nissan setup doesn't seem to do.

Well, considering that Nissan already featured a small truck with the Leaf powertrain, maybe it could try something similar to that Wrightspeed setup with a microturbine instead of a reciprocating engine (with the noticeable advantage of adding multifuel capability, which would be a valuable asset for international markets with different requirements and alternate fuel policies).

[Ecky]

The Accord does not allow the ICE to provide mechanical energy to the wheels below ~60mph. The clutched direct drive only engages at highway speeds, but the Accord still received an EPA 50mpg city.

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

At least the Accord still allows the ICE to also provide mechanical energy directly to the wheels, which this Nissan setup doesn't seem to do.

Well, considering that Nissan already featured a small truck with the Leaf powertrain, maybe it could try something similar to that Wrightspeed setup with a microturbine instead of a reciprocating engine (with the noticeable advantage of adding multifuel capability, which would be a valuable asset for international markets with different requirements and alternate fuel policies).

Nope but they do have this 56% efficient hem in their stable

https://www.just-auto.com/news/nissa..._id177086.aspx

Now if the Mirai would plug in and run on ethanol...

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by Ecky

The Accord does not allow the ICE to provide mechanical energy to the wheels below ~60mph. The clutched direct drive only engages at highway speeds,

I wonder if the car's speed vs. MPG chart shows a significant bump at that point.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Ecky

The Accord does not allow the ICE to provide mechanical energy to the wheels below ~60mph. The clutched direct drive only engages at highway speeds, but the Accord still received an EPA 50mpg city.

But even though it's set to a restrict operating condition, it's still there.

Originally Posted by rmay635703

Nope but they do have this 56% efficient hem in their stable

https://www.just-auto.com/news/nissa..._id177086.aspx

Now if the Mirai would plug in and run on ethanol...

I was aware of those tests with solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), and what surprised me the most is that they were reported to work with water contents that would be unsuitable to use ethanol as a fuel in conventional engines.

[Ecky]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

But even though it's set to a restrict operating condition, it's still there.

I guess my point is that it would have zero impact on the city cycle when testing.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Ecky

I guess my point is that it would have zero impact on the city cycle when testing.

Sure. But anyway, since electric drive is usually optimized for city traffic, Honda's approach still seems better. However, in the long run I still believe neither Honda or Nissan would be so likely to take over Toyota's position as a leader in the development of hybrid tech so soon (in the end, at least Nissan seems to be more focused on an EV-only approach as a mid-to-long-term strategy).

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Interesting!



Nissan Finally Confirms e-Power for North American Models

http://www.autonews.com/article/2018...pular-in-japan

As I mentioned in the other tread Nissan has no plans to use epower in affordable trims like the Japanese note here in the US

Your article and mine both say as much.

Expect epower’d full size minivans and SUVs