Japanese automobile manufacturer Nissan Motor Company Ltd. plans to add range extenders to its electric vehicles in the near future. Rather than a hybrid that combines electric and fuel, the new system will solely be getting its power from the electricity.
Yoshi Shimoida, the automotive company's electric car engineering deputy general manager, stated that Nissan will be adding to its future electric vehicle lineup an engine system that is designed for the sole purpose of generating electric energy. Although the current NISSAN LEAF will not be getting a range extender upgrade for its engine, the next model will have an entirely new look and a completely different chassis.
Unlike the Chevrolet Volt that has an engine for internal combustion that permits its front wheels to drive directly in some situations, Nissan will be designing a range extender that does not need fuel to power it up as it will be generating the electricity needed to power up its vehicles. Shimoida added that the system may be similar to BMW's approach to the i3 Rex. Although it may feel similar, but the system Nissan is building will have an entirely different structure, and the company will announce a name for the range extender system for its electric cars in 2016.
Shimoida declined to give specifics about the range extender other than calling it a hybrid series that does not involve mixing fuel and electricity. As BMW's i3 can go up to 150 miles before it requires refueling, Nissan did not give details how far the extender would give with regard to car mileage.
On the other hand, the range extender could be derived from the IDS Concept car that the company unveiled in the Tokyo Motor Show, which certainly exhibited an interesting development for electric vehicles, hybrids and crossovers.
