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Nissan introduced prototypes of the electric and hybrid vehicles it intends to produce in the 2010 model year. Currently, Nissan makes a hybrid Altima version that is available in select states in the US, but that vehicle relies on Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, also found in the Prius.

According to Nissan, the technology will be used to make hybrid versions of conventional vehicles, rather than as a hybrid-only model. The new Nissan hybrid system will most likely make an appearance in the Infiniti G, although the company also indicates a Z-series hybrid may also be in the works.

The vehicle will use lithium-ion batteries developed in a joint venture between Nissan and NEC. The vehicle will have a parallel hybrid system that enables both the gasoline and electric drivetrains to power the vehicle simultaneously. The hybrid features an electric-only driving mode at low speeds, an electric idle, the combined gas-electric mode on acceleration, and a gas-only mode for higher-speed cruising.

The electric prototype, which is currently used in the JDM Nissan Cube will be released to the Japanese market in 2010 and worldwide by 2012. The electric vehicle uses an 80kW (107hp)motor and stores batteries below the floor to increase the space available in the passenger compartment.

Source and Photo: Nissan