The NYPD acquired 40 of the Altima hybrids for active duty as part of a new green initiative from Mayor Bloomberg, of which 22 will be used as unmarked patrol cars. Given how few Nissan Altima Hybrids have been produced, if you're driving around Brooklyn and being tailed by an Altima Hybrid you might as well just assume it's the heat.

MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND POLICE COMMISSIONER KELLY INTRODUCE HYBRID CARS TO FLEET OF POLICE RESPONSE VEHICLES

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today deployed 40 Nissan Altima Hybrids as the first alternative fuel vehicles to be used as marked and unmarked patrol cars in the Police Department's fleet. The Altima Hybrids have been assigned to areas of the city where their fuel efficiency presents the greatest economic and environmental benefit – both in precincts with a large coverage area and smaller precincts prone to heavy stop-and-go traffic. The 40 hybrid vehicles, 18 marked and 22 unmarked, will be used in patrol precincts and other units in all five boroughs. The hybrid Altimas are partially funded by the intra-agency Energy Conservation Steering Committee, created by Executive Order signed by Mayor Bloomberg in 2007 and chaired by Deputy Mayor for Operations Edward Skyler.

"These new patrol cars will help fulfill the PlaNYC goal of reducing City government's carbon footprint," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Through savings in fuel, these Altimas can quickly cover their additional cost, from then they will save taxpayers money – another example of how going green is good for our environment and our pocketbooks."

"The NYPD embraces innovation when it doesn't compromise performance or safety to our personnel and the public," said Commissioner Kelly. "We want to get the most mileage out of technology where it makes sense – with the addition of these hybrids, we're doing that literally."

While the Altima hybrids are the first alternate fuel vehicles to be used as regular police cars, the NYPD already uses hybrid vehicles in its parking enforcement fleet as well as electric scooters. The Police Department also has 10 GMC Yukon Hybrid SUVs employed by NYPD Duty Captains for marked patrol. Additionally, police officers utilize T-3 personal movers in city parks, stadiums and beaches. The Nissan Altima Hybrids account for 40 of over 100 total hybrid vehicles the Department is expected to deploy this year.

The Nissan Altima Hybrids were acquired earlier this year following evaluation and testing by the Police Department's Fleet Services Division and Driver Training Unit. At $25,391 per vehicle, the Altima hybrids cost about $1,500 more than the conventional Impala. At 35 miles per gallon for city driving, the hybrid Altima gets double the gas mileage of the Impala, which gets only 16 miles per gallon. The Altima hybrids, manufactured in Smyrna, Tennessee and outfitted with equipment specialized for patrol, will be used in addition to the Chevrolet Impala and the Ford Crown Victoria. The Department also uses Dodge Chargers, mainly for highway patrol. As with all hybrid technology vehicles, the Altima switches between gasoline engine and electric motor. After a year of monitoring the vehicles performance the Department will determine whether to further expand them into the fleet. The Nissan Altima Hybrids will bring to over 170 the total number of hybrid vehicles the Department is expected to deploy this year.

In July 2008, Mayor Bloomberg put forth a long-term action plan to achieve the PlaNYC goal of reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from the City's municipal buildings and operations by 30 percent by 2017. The long-term plan, available on nyc.gov, is a comprehensive guide to reducing the City's carbon footprint, through making City buildings more efficient, improving preventative maintenance, capturing energy potential at wastewater treatment plants, and more. To meet its 30 percent reduction goal by 2017, the City must produce 1.68 million fewer metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) annually compared with 2006 levels. This will be achieved through an aggressive capital improvement program for the City's facilities, and significant enhancements to its current operations and maintenance practices. The projects in the long-term plan, including the purchase of some of the Nissan Altima hybrids, will be partially funded by an annual commitment of 10 percent of the City's energy budget, which in fiscal year 2009 is $100 million. City government accounts for approximately 6.5 percent of New York City's total energy usage and 10 percent of its peak electricity demand.

[NYPD via AutoFiends]

Nissan has been slow to the hybrid market and the not-so-popular Altima Hybrid has seen lackluster sales numbers. Rather than going full bore with its hybrid program, Nissan has been watching other manufacturers get their feet wet first. With Toyota getting ready to release its Lexus HS 250h and the potential for the Chevy Volt-based Cadillac Converj concept making it into production, Nissan really needs to step it up if it wants to get into this market.

It's said Nissan will start producing the lithium-ion battery-based gas/electric hybrid by the 2010 model year. We'll see about that. [via asiaone]

We knew Nissan was working on a new electric car and yesterday the company revealed that the FWD platform will use a new high-density Li-Ion pack that sits underneath the floor (and out of the way) providing power to an 80 kW motor. Though we still expect a Denki Cube, the new flagship electric vehicle will now apparently not be based on any current platform.

The new parallel drive hybrid system in the Infiniti features an electric motor coupled with a gasoline engine like most other HEV systems. Similar to the Lexus LS600h, the Nissan version involves a larger engine, in this case a V6, powering the rear vehicles. In order to achieve more linear acceleration, there are two clutches between the motor and the V6 engine. Nissan is apparently testing this system out now but there's no sure word on where the system will see use, though the RWD layout hints at an Infiniti product. Both the electric and hybrid systems are supposed to see production by 2010.

Finally, the fuel cell stack Nissan is developing is now cheaper, stronger and smaller than the previous generation. One of the biggest achievements is reducing the use of expensive materials like platinum, which serve as catalysts. Engineers have also increased power output, allowing them to decrease the overall size of the system. The hope is to put this new generation into use in the next decade. Full press release below:

NISSAN PREVIEWS NEXT GENERATION ENVIRONMENTAL VEHICLES
- All-electric and original hybrid electric prototypes unveiled -

TOKYO (August 6, 2008) - 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 (Test vehicle) Hybrid vehicle (Test vehicle) Lithium-ion battery

Electric Vehicle (EV)
Powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries, the EV prototype is part of Nissan's substantial research and development program 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-optimizing 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 optimize and conserve energy utilization 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.

[Source: Nissan, Green Car Congress]

Carlos "Guitarlos" Ghosn is pushing his company's dedication to lighter, more compact battery units. While Nissan's current hybrid system is based on NiMH batteries with powertrain tech licensed from Toyota, Renault's Japanese brothers are hammering on lithium ion cells in hopes of gaining a competitive advantage in electrical propulsion; in fact, Ghosn says he'd love to see Nissan in the ring with a viable electric vehicle. With GM having offered up a full-boat commitment to the Volt project and Toyota continuing to be well, Toyota, the melee in the hybrid market's only going to get more interesting before it gets codified. – Davey G. Johnson

Nissan developing smaller, lighter car batteries for hybrids and electric cars, CEO says [IHT]

Related:
Nissan Rolls Out First Fuel Cell Car-For-Hire [Internal]

Who knew the OC had its own car show, especially one that doesn't just feature row after row of BMW 6-Series convertibles? (Oh, that would be the mall.) Orange County's car show in Anaheim, today was the venue where Nissan for the first time wiped the cosmoline off its Altima hybrid, a car it plans to sell in emissions-strict markets including (surprise) California, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine and New Jersey. Mileage is compatable with Toyota's Camry Hybrid at 41 mpg city / 36 highway, highlghting its full-hybrid status (i.e., it can run at low speeds on its electric motor alone). Also like the Camry, the Altima sports a continuously variable transmission. Such similarities with the Camry are no accident, considering Nissan's sourcing much of its hybrid-drive system from ToMoCo. – Mike Spinelli

[Hat tip to the Kicker of Tires]

Press Release:

2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid Debuts

First-ever Nissan Hybrid Blends Performance, Style and Fuel Economy

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 4, 2006) - The all-new 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid, Nissan's first entry into the hybrid gasoline/electric vehicle segment, makes its North American debut at the 2007 Model Orange County Auto Show in Anaheim, California, October 4 - 8, 2006.

The new Altima Hybrid offers all the style, convenience, comfort, quality feel and performance technology features and highlights of the next-generation 2007 Altima - while offering the added benefits of enhanced fuel economy and reduced emissions.

The Altima Hybrid's powertrain mates the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) with an electric motor and generator that increases fuel economy while maintaining low tailpipe emissions. The Altima Hybrid's hybrid system is rated at a net power of 198 horsepower (148 kW), with fuel economy estimated at 41 mpg City/36 mpg Highway.

Classified as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), the new Altima Hybrid will be available in eight states. The vehicle has been certified to meet California emissions requirements and will be sold beginning in early 2007 in those states that have adopted California emissions regulations: California, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine and New Jersey. These states are among the strongest markets for hybrid vehicles.

The 2007 Altima Hybrid will be available in early 2007, following the November 2006 introduction of the 2007 Altima 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 gasoline-powered models.

Passionate Driving That Takes Care of the Environment
Nissan\'s commitment to the environment takes a different form than might be found at other automakers. While Nissan strives to offer the most advanced fuel-saving technology available, the company also believes that drivers should not have to sacrifice any of the style or performance attributes that remain at the top of the reasons for buying a new Nissan.

For that reason, the Altima Hybrid is marked with the same expressive styling as its non-hybrid brethren - inside and out. The engine and suspension in the Altima Hybrid deliver the same spirited performance as its more conventional siblings.

The combination of passionate driving and passion for the environment is what makes the Altima Hybrid the standout in its segment.

Altima Hybrid Follows Nissan Tradition
The Altima Hybrid is the latest in a long line of Nissan environmental automotive initiatives. Nissan was the first automaker to introduce a partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) with its Sentra CA in 2000. In many areas of California the air leaving the Sentra\'s tailpipe is cleaner than the air going into the engine.

Nissan expanded its PZEV offerings to include Altima\'s 2.5-liter engine in 2005.

Nissan\'s Xtronic CVT, introduced originally in March 1992 in Japan, is now available to increase fuel efficiency in small, medium and large passenger vehicles. Nissan expects to produce 1 million CVTs annually by the end of fiscal year 2007.

Nissan is also taking a leadership position in Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) technology. In 2006, Nissan was the only import brand in the United States to offer a FFV with the introduction of the E85 ethanol capable Nissan Titan pickup. For 2007, the full-size Nissan Armada SUV joins the Titan in offering FFV technology as a no-cost option.

Related:
There's No Business in Hybrid Business, No Business Ghosn Knows [internal]

Nissan won't rely on Toyota's hybrid technology for long, Ghosn says [AutoWeek]

Related:
Nissan: Go, Go Ghosn Profits! [internal]

Nissan's second-banana midsize sedan, the Altima, has gotten a mild nip and tuck for 2007 — but the real story is its new hybridness. (See Motor Trend for a first drive of an Altima hybrid prototype.) Can the Nissan take on the Camry in the full-hybrid game? Actually, Toyota doesn't care: Nissan is using technology it licensed from the Big T to power the Altima. Well, Carlos said hybrids wouldn't pay.

Related:
Nissan s Ambitious Catch-up Plan: Looks to Sell 50,000 Hybrid Altimas Annually; More on the Altima [internal]

Despite Nissan having announced it would build 50,000 hybrid-drive Altimas per year, company head Carlos Ghosn said recently hybrid cars are a "terrible" business. Of course, he means it's a terrible business currently, considering hybrids comprise a scant 1% of vehicle sales. But Ghosn goes even further, dismissing assumed demand for hybrids as "anecdotal" and saying he isn't convinced diesels (or multifuel offerings) aren't a better fuel-savings answer. Not one to follow fashion, he, especially while turning hopelessly unprofitable car companies into profitable ones.

Nissan Chief: Hybrid Cars a "Terrible" Business Prospect [Edmunds]

Related:
Go, Go, Ghosn!: Nissan Boosts Sales by One Million Annually [internal]