Nissan launched the fully-revamped Serena in Japan. Sales of gasoline-powered models will start this winter, and e-POWER models are to start in spring. The Serena features the second-generation e-POWER system, now equipped with an all-new, specially developed 1.4 L engine. The system delivers more powerful and smooth acceleration with less engine noise.
Nissan first introduced a Serena e-POWER model in 2018 (earlier post)—the second second model with the e-POWER system, which was first introduced in the Nissan Note in Japan in 2016. The series-hybrid e-POWER borrows from the EV technology in the Nissan LEAF. However, unlike the all-battery-electric powertrain of the LEAF, e-POWER adds a small gasoline engine to charge the small, high-output battery when necessary, eliminating the need for an external charger while offering the same high-output. e-Power vehicles do not use grid charging. Vsd Speed
The e-POWER system offers full electric motor drive. e-POWER comprises a high-output battery, gasoline engine power generator, inverter and a motor. Efficient, fixed-point operation of the engine is achieved by restricting the engine’s operating range—only possible for an engine that is dedicated to electricity generation.
The Serena is also equipped with energy management technology that controls when the engine turns on and off in accordance with vehicle speed, traffic conditions and the navigation system. Reduced engine operation contributes to a quieter cabin.
e-POWER control technology utilizes traffic and road surface information to optimize the timing of when to activate the engine to charge the battery pack, towards the goal of improved real-world fuel efficiency and quietness on par with EVs.
Based on the location information of the driver’s home, traffic jam area, rough road and downhill sections on a navigated route, the e-POWER’s intelligent powertrain management can schedule when the engine needs to activate in advance. This combination of information and advanced planning can enable an EV-like drive around home and during a traffic jam, and charge the battery on rough roads and downhill sections to improve real world fuel efficiency and quietness.
Posted on 29 November 2022 in Electric (Battery), Engines, Hybrids, Market Background | Permalink | Comments (5)
I'm all for this approach, but I would like to see some figures, like mpg, to speed and acceleration, etc. Also, why not have a secondary battery with 5-10 kWh of storage so it can be charged form the mains, or PV panels on the roof. (OK, cost and weight, but it could be an option).
Note one of the options is called "Highway Star". I hope they have acknowledged Deep Purple for this. After all, it was also "Made in Japan".
Posted by: mahonj | 29 November 2022 at 04:16 AM
Scale this up for class 8 tractors. Two electric axles. Small lfp battery buffer. A petrol engine/generator. As the article says "Efficient, fixed-point operation of the engine is achieved by restricting the engine’s operating range—only possible for an engine that is dedicated to electricity generation." No need for gobs of HP /Pound feet , no scr/turbos. Just a cat.
Posted by: TonyD | 29 November 2022 at 08:09 AM
If Nissan was truly interested in Leading Environmental Affordable cars for Families....... then would offer a replacement battery for the 500 000 Leafs that will be crushed in the next 5 years...... THIS would be Leading, THIS would be Environmental, This would be Affordable, and finally THIS would allow families to be on the green bus......
Not since GM killed the Electric car has THIS been so evident....
Posted by: ron ingman | 29 November 2022 at 01:42 PM
Another japanese non-plug-in hybrid. The japanese industry has been moving with the blindfolds set on for years...
Posted by: peskanov |29 November 2022 at 03:02 PM
Can't help but wonder what hold the fossil fuels interest has on the Japanese; Nissan's slow development of the Leaf, especially their move to overprice Leaf replacement batteries and Toyota's attack on electric cars speaks volumes of this as a conclusion.
Posted by: Lad | 29 November 2022 at 04:49 PM
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