Drivers will soon have a new weapon in their efforts to become more eco-conscious with the arrival of Nissan’s ECO Pedal.

The ECO Pedal system works by providing a counter push-back control mechanism if activated, every time a driver puts his or her foot on the accelerator. The system detects excess pressure and informs the driver if they are using more fuel than is required. There is an eco-driving indicator included in the instrument panel which relays fuel consumption information helping drivers to make choices about their behaviour behind the wheel.

The system uses data on fuel consumption and transmission efficiency during both acceleration and cruising and makes a calculation about the optimum acceleration rate. The instrument panel relays the information to the driver about the ideal level for fuel-efficient driving. The indicator is green when driving within the suitable range but begins to flash when reaching the fuel consumption threshold before changing to amber.

Nissan estimates that the ECO Pedal could help drivers improve their fuel consumption by between five and 10 per cent. It hopes to make the system available from 2009.

What do you think of this innovation? Is it helpful to drivers or too distracting? Let us know your thoughts.

 The global expansion of green cars continues as Nissan has started producing its first passenger cars in Brazil.

The key to Nissan’s arrival in this emerging passenger car market was its ability to respond to local needs by producing its Livina family cars - the Livina and the Grand Livina - with flex-fuel engines. This means that the cars can run on petroleum, ethanol, or a combination of the two.

Nissan had already established itself as a manufacturer of 4×4 vehicles in the South American country with the Frontier, New Frontier and Xterra already commonplace on Brazilian roads. The arrival of the Livina and Grand Livina is reflective of its success in developing markets - the vehicles have already established a substantial following in China, Indonesia and South Africa.

The MPV Livina will be made available with a 1.6 litre 16v engine or a 1.8 litre 16v engine. Meanwhile, the Grand Livina will feature a 1.8 litre 16v engine with both cars available with either automatic or manual transmission.

The vehicles will be produced in the Renault-Nissan Alliance Plant in the city of São José dos Pinhais.

 Anyone waiting for Nissan to join the hybrid car race shouldn’t hold their breath just yet - with reports suggesting the prototype has some way to go before it can reach production.

According to Autoweek, the Nissan hybrid is scheduled to arrive in 2010 but during a test drive with journalists last week many kinks were discovered including some awkward lags when the engine kicked in to assist the electric motor. Furthermore, the project manager also admitted that deceleration was jerky because of battery regeneration.

Nevertheless, Nissan has high hopes for the model - its first in-house hybrid; its only previous hybrid production being the Nissan Altima, which is equipped with a Toyota developed system.

Nissan’s vice-president for product development Atsushi Shizuta says the model won’t be a standalone hybrid like the Toyota Prius, but will instead be a hybrid version of a current nameplate. The test version was an Infiniti G35 but its unclear at this point whether the final hybrid model will have a new nameplate.

The electric motor will be powered by lithium-ion batteries, which weigh less and can produce more power than the current generation of nickel-hydride batteries. By contrast, Toyota and Honda plan to stick with nickel-hydride batteries for their next generation hybrids due to be released next year.�

All-electric and original hybrid electric prototypes unveiled

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd today unveiled all-electric and original hybrid electric prototype vehicles, both powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries. Under the NISSAN GT 2012 business plan, the company has committed to zero-emission vehicle leadership, and has announced plans to introduce an all-electric vehicle in 2010 and mass market globally in 2012.

Electric Vehicle (EV)
Powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries, the EV prototype is part of Nissan’s substantial research and development programme on zero emission vehicles. This latest generation vehicle features a front-wheel drive layout and uses a newly developed 80kW motor and inverter. The advanced laminated compact lithium-ion batteries are installed under the floor, without sacrificing either cabin or cargo space.

The production vehicle to be introduced in 2010 will have a unique bodystyle and is not based on any existing Nissan model.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
The Nissan original HEV delivers two breakthrough technologies - a high-performance rear-wheel drive hybrid system and parallel-powertrain hybrid system. The hybrid employs Nissan’s own originally developed hybrid technology and its first rear-wheel drive hybrid powertrain.

The parallel-powertrain system comprises an energy-optimising system with two clutches, where one motor is directly connected to an engine and transmission via two separate clutches. Under changing driving conditions, the motor switches between the two clutches to optimise and conserve energy utilisation as well as improve fuel-efficiency.

The parallel-powertrain hybrid system eliminates the need for conventional torque converters, contributing to higher responsiveness and linear acceleration for improved driving feel.

The dynamic characteristics of the clutches are as follows:

• Idle-stop: The battery is used to power the motor to save on fuel.
• Regular driving: The engine is used to power the motor as well as regenerate the battery.
• Acceleration: Both the engine and battery (power assist) is used to power the motor to achieve smooth acceleration.
• Deceleration: Energy from braking is conserved and re-routed back to regenerate the battery.

Lithium-ion Battery
The advanced lithium-ion batteries used in both prototypes are sourced from the Nissan-NEC joint-venture, AESC (Automotive Energy Supply Corporation). These advanced batteries offer superior performance, reliability, safety, versatility and cost     competitiveness, compared to the conventional nickel metal-hydride batteries. Its compact laminated configuration delivers twice the electric power compared to conventional nickel-metal hydride batteries with a cylindrical configuration. The compact batteries also allow for improved vehicle packaging and a wide range of applications.

Nissan has long experience in electric-powered vehicle development, commencing from the first EV “Tama Electric Vehicle” back in 1947.  The company introduced the world’s first application of lithium-ion batteries to the Prarie Joy EV in 1996, followed by the ultra-compact electric vehicle, Hypermini, released in 2000.  Nissan also introduced its first original hybrid vehicle Tino Hybrid back in 1999 in Japan. In 2006, the Altima Hybrid was introduced in North America using licensed technology.

Under the Nissan Green Program 2010 environmental plan, the company aims to develop new technologies, products and services that can lead to real-world reductions in vehicle CO₂ emissions, cleaner emissions, and recycling of resources. Nissan continues to invest substantially in a wide range of technologies including CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift), clean diesels, biofuels and fuel cell vehicles.�

Nissan ECO Pedal system to be commercialised by 2009

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd, today unveiled the ECO Pedal - a world first technology - designed to assist drivers to become more fuel-efficient. When the eco-pedal system is on, each time the driver steps on the accelerator, a counter push-back control mechanism is activated if the system detects excess pressure, helping to inform the driver that they could be using more fuel than required. An eco-driving indicator integrated into the instrument panel feeds the driver with real-time fuel consumption levels to help improve his/her driving behaviour. The ECO Pedal system can be turned on or off according to the driver’s preference.

Nissan plans to commercialise the ECO Pedal during 2009. Research conducted by Nissan has shown that by using the ECO Pedal drive system, drivers can improve fuel efficiency by 5-10% (based on Nissan’s internal research data), depending on driving conditions.

The ECO Pedal system is fed data on the rate of fuel consumption and transmission efficiency during acceleration and cruising, and then calculates the optimum acceleration rate. When the driver exerts excess pressure on the accelerator, the system counteracts with the pedal push-back control mechanism.

At the same time, the eco-driving indicator incorporated on the instrument panel indicates the optimal level for fuel-efficient driving. Driving within the optimal fuel consumption range, the indicator is green. It begins to flash when it detects increased acceleration before reaching the fuel consumption threshold and finally turns amber to advise the driver of their driving behaviour.

In order to achieve reduction in CO₂ emissions, Nissan takes a “triple-layer” solution that encompasses vehicle technologies, driving behaviour and traffic conditions. The ECO Pedal supports the second-layer addressing driving behaviour and is among a range of eco-friendly technologies being pursued under the Nissan Green Program 2010. The company’s environmental roadmap aims at developing new technologies, products and services that can lead to real-world reductions in vehicle CO₂ emissions, cleaner emissions, and recycling of resources.

 When is a blue book not a blue book? Why when it’s green of course. Kelley’s Blue Book, a famous collaboration of the value of vehicles stateside, has put together a green car section of its website helping its users find the ‘top ten green cars’.

The decision is reflective of growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles across the Atlantic with prices at the pump breaking through the $4 a gallon barrier earlier this year.

There has been a strong push for a variety of green vehicles ranging from hybrids to plug-in hybrids such as the Chevy Volt and models from Toyota that are expected to be released within the next two years. Car manufacturers such as General Motors are strongly pushing flex-fuel vehicles that can run on E85, a mixture of petroleum and ethanol, while several new diesel models are much cleaner than their predecessors.

The top ten green cars list highlighted by Kelley’s book actually incorporates five hybrids - as follows:

1. 2008 Toyota Prius, 46 mpg

2. 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid, 42 mpg

3. 2008 smart fortwo, 36 mpg

4. 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid, 34 mpg

5. 2008 Mini Cooper, 32 mpg

6. 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid, 32 mpg

7. 2008 Honda Fit, 31 mpg

8. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC, 26 mpg

9. 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, 26 mpg

10. 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, 21 mpg

Executive analyst for Kelley Blue Book Jack Nerad did however, state that car buyers should be very analytical before deciding on the right green car for them and that something midsize may be more suitable to people making the switch from very large vehicles.

 One of the most popular events at this year’s British International Motor Show has been the Ford Smart Driving Challenge, which has been fully booked every day since last Friday.

Attendees at the event are treated to a smart driving lesson on the Ford stand helping them to improve fuel consumption. The Ford Focus ECOnetic model, which has CO2 emission levels of 98g/km and fuel economy of 76.3mpg, has become the centrepiece model for instructors from the Energy Saving Trust who teach drivers how to use smart driving techniques to potentially save as much as 25% on their fuel bills each year.

Indeed the green car theme continues with the Nissan Cube City car also falling under the spotlight at the event.

The vehicle boasts a battery-electric motor, and was originally scheduled to be released in Japan only. However, thanks to advances with lithium-ion batteries Nissan is planning to release an electric car in Europe within three years.

“European sales will start in 2011, and we would like to be mass producing electric cars - not just one or two hundred - by 2012,” said Nissan’s vice-president of product planning Pierre Loing.

“Nissan’s first-generation European electric vehicle will be able to seat four to five adults and have a range of 100 miles.”

Don’t forget you can still attend the British International Motor Show - the events continue until August 03 at the London ExCeL.

Japanese manufacturers such as Nissan and Honda, quick to spy an opportunity, are making the most of the push to go green.

While in the US, the big Detroit three (Ford, G.M and Chrysler) have struggled as a result of changing trading conditions and tightening credit conditions.

GM’s Chevrolet brand saw sales in North America down 16.5 percent for the second quarter of 2008. While Ford announced a terrifying loss of net loss of $8.7 billion for the 2008 second quarter. Chrysler announced it was withdrawing from the contract hire market in the US last week, The Independent reported that Chrysler is heavily indebted and their financial arm of the business just could not afford to offer competitive deals. The plummeting value of second hand vehicles, particularly S.U.Vs, which the US trio specialise in, is having a big affect on profit margins.

While on the other side of the Pacific, Honda announced surprise rise in profits on Friday (between April and June profits were up 8.1% on the same period last year). Investment in small, economical models such as the Jazz and the Civic Hybrid is paying off. Nissan reported net income increased 7.4 per cent in the 2007 fiscal year, ending 31 March 2008. Nissan sold a record 3,770,000 vehicles worldwide during the same period, an increase of 8.2 per cent. Small, frugal models such as the Micra and Note are benefitting the brand while Nissan continue to invest in researching improved and even greener technology, like the Denki Cube (pictured).

Toyota sales are likewise buoyed, the success of their Prius model has bolstered profit margins and the Financial Times reported recently that Toyota’s success pushed their sales ahead of G.M in US for the first time. 

The rush to “go green” is resulting in a widening gap between the proactive manufacturers and those who have been slower to recognise a shift in consumer interest to green cars. Offering fuel efficient vehicles is now a must for all car manufacturers. The US manufacturers are already investing in new, greener models in an attempt to to play catch-up.

 Imagine if you could combine the talents of Manchester United and Chelsea into one football team. It simply wouldn’t be fair, would it? So when two super powers of the green car industry decide to join forces on a project you know that their collective goal has become significantly more attainable.

Nissan and Honda will work together with Toray Industries in an effort to develop a new carbon fibre material that can be used in auto bodies to mass-market carbon fibre vehicles.

The group hopes that by replacing most of the steel used in vehicles currently, it can make cars around 40 per cent lighter as carbon fibre is one quarter of the weight of iron but ten times as strong. Money has been the obstacle with carbon fibre in the past - just 1kg of the material costs several thousand Yen, compared to around 100 Yen for steel and 300-400 Yen for aluminium. However, with steel prices rising the gap is closing and carbon fibre provides significant room for increased production.

Using carbon fibre to replace steel in key parts will massively reduce the weight of the vehicle, which in turn will improve fuel efficiency and slash the carbon dioxide produced by each car - by approximately 30 per cent.

The group aims to achieve mass production of carbon fibre cars by the mid 2010s.

 It seems that when most of us think green we think Japanese - Toyota and Nissan are among the leading manufacturers of green cars in the world. However, the thought process of the two companies going forward is likely to be different.

Both Toyota and Nissan are pouring resources into eco-friendly programmes while working on a variety of battery-electric, hybrid and fuel-cell concepts. However, there is a subtly different approach being adopted by both manufacturers.

Toyota, for example, is planning to build on the success of the Prius model - the world’s biggest selling hybrid car. Toyota UK managing director Miguel Fonseca stated that the company will continue to use petrol rather than diesel for the internal combustion element of its drivetrains, despite the fact that Peugeot and Volkswagen are placing the emphasis on diesels.

“Petrol has better efficiency at high RPM than diesel, while electric motors are better at low revs,” he said.

The company is also working on a miniaturised hybrid drivetrain for its new IQ city car, which is expected to go on sale before the end of the year.

This contrasts steeply with Nissan, which is firmly concentrating on battery technology. At the British International Motor Show, it displayed a battery-electric prototype of its Cube city car, a vehicle that will only be sold in Japan. However, it is planning to commercialise an electric car before the end of 2010 thanks to developments in lithium-ion batteries.

Pierre Long, vice-president of product planning for Nissan, said: “European sales will start in 2011, and we would like to be mass producing electric cars - not just one or two hundred - by 2012.”

Which strategy do you believe is the best going forward - Nissan’s with the emphasis on electrics, or Toyota’s with the focus on hybrids? Let us know your thoughts.