Nissan Altima Hybrid - hybrid cars
Following on from the success of its compatriot manufacturers Toyota and Honda, Nissan decided to use some of Toyota’s hybrid technology to make its own in-roads into the hybrid car sector. The result is the Nissan Altima Hybrid, a car only available in North America and the Middle East. This guide to the Nissan Altima will examine the vehicle’s history and its environmental credentials.
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History of the Nissan Altima Hybrid
Regarded in some circles as the continuation of the bloodline made famous by the Nissan Bluebird, the Nissan Altima was first released in 1993 when Nissan discontinued the much-criticised Stanza and released the Altima as its new compact car in the US market.
The original Nissan Altima was based on the Bluebird SSS and originally took the name ‘Stanza Altima’. Eventually the Stanza name was dropped and the Altima took off in its own right with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic available. The second generation model ran from 1998-2001 and was styled by Nissan’s California design centre for release in the US market.
A third generation followed in 2002 before a fourth generation emerged in 2007 using the new Nissan D Platform and featuring a new front and upgraded rear suspension. A coupe version of the model was also released in May 2007 for the 2008 model year.
Nissan entered into an agreement with Toyota to use its hybrid technology to turn the Nissan Altima into a vehicle that could satisfy growing demand for fuel-efficient technology. The Nissan Altima Hybrid Electric became the company’s first hybrid car and heralded a new era for Nissan.
Environmental credentials of the Nissan Altima Hybrid
Originally the Nissan Altima Hybrid was marketed to a limited number of states – namely California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont as well as being made available in Canada. It became a true competitor for the Toyota Prius which has grabbed the lion share of the US hybrid car market. The aim was to provide the right technology to the right market at the right time.
Very low emissions were vital to the production of the Nissan Altima Hybrid. Indeed the vehicle is capable of achieving 35mpg in city conditions and 33mpg on the highway. It has been certified as meeting California’s strict emission guidelines and that led to its sale in the remaining seven states, which have also adopted these emission regulations.
The Nissan Altima Hybrid uses regenerative braking technology to recharge the hybrid system’s batteries with a generator placing resistance during braking which is used to power the electric motor. It is also capable of achieving all-electric mode during the initial acceleration stage.
Nissan Altima Hybrid statistics
Here are some crucial statistics about the Nissan Altima Hybrid:
- 0-62mph: 6.8 seconds
- CO2 emissions: N/A
- Engine: 158-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 40-hp electric power motor
- Kerb weight: 3,540lb
- MPG Combined: 35mpg city/33mpg highway
- Top speed: 113mph
Future of the Nissan Altima Hybrid
Nissan has confirmed that future hybrid vehicles will be based on technology built in-house. At the present time there is no confirmation of future releases or a launch in the UK. For more information check out TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk.
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