The 2010 release of the Nissan Leaf EV is only the tip of the iceberg for this Japanese automaker’s green makeover. Nissan subsidiary Infiniti will release the M35 Hybrid for sale worldwide by spring 2011. The M35 Hybrid is part of the M model line promoted by Infiniti at the Geneva Motor Show. Several models within the M line including a diesel version for Western European consumers will be released in 33 markets by spring 2010 with the M35 Hybrid to slowly reach sales floors thereafter.
The M35 Hybrid features a Nissan hybrid drive system consisting of an electric motor, twin clutch and 3.5-liter V6 engine. The electric motor is primarily used to boost the power of the V6 engine at higher speeds. The M35 Hybrid motor also gathers energy from the regenerative braking system to recharge the lithium-ion battery. Nissan and Infiniti claim that the M35 Hybrid can run on all-electric power for brief periods thanks to the electric motor. Nissan developed a laminated lithium-ion battery pack in-house to make the M35 Hybrid possible. This battery pack is the same size as a standard lead-acid battery but produces twice the electric output, thereby eliminating the battery size criticism as the M35 Hybrid hits the market.
As mentioned yesterday on HybridMile, Nissan is starting to push past Toyota for the lead in green vehicle development. The Nissan Leaf EV’s 2010 release will put the automaker ahead of its primary competitor for a consumer base in need of more options. The Infiniti M35 Hybrid is touted as an improvement not only on previous Nissan vehicles in terms of fuel mileage but as a challenger to existing hybrids like the Prius. The Infiniti brand is the perfect avenue for Nissan to pursue another hybrid line as it would fill the void for hybrid luxury sedans globally.
The Infiniti M35 Hybrid splashed into the news with very few details beyond the release date. Nissan and Infiniti may be setting low expectations for the M35 Hybrid by not releasing unrealistic fuel mileage and performance numbers. In the end, however, this new model will develop over time to reflect advancements in technology as well as consumer demands. We will need to stay tuned for more information on the Infiniti M35 Hybrid but this announcement shows Nissan’s aggressive approach to green vehicle development.
