Tag: Dongfeng

  • Nissan Sets Fuel Efficiency Record with N6 Hybrid, Teases $4K FSD

    Nissan Sets Fuel Efficiency Record with N6 Hybrid, Teases $4K FSD

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nissan has launched the N6 hybrid sedan, achieving global fuel efficiency standards in collaboration with Dongfeng.
    2. The N6 features an impressive Mach 1.5T gasoline engine with over 48% thermal efficiency, making it highly fuel-efficient.
    3. The N6 recorded an average fuel consumption of 2.9 liters per 100 km during a 14,000 km journey, verified by Guinness World Records.
    4. Electric Range Extended Vehicles (EREVs) are gaining popularity in China, blending electric driving with gasoline engines for longer trips.
    5. Nissan plans to integrate Wayve’s self-driving technology into its ProPilot system by 2027, aiming to offer a competitive alternative to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving at a lower cost.

    Nissan has made a name for itself in the electric vehicle (EV) world, especially with the launch of the Leaf. The company has now surpassed the global fuel efficiency standard with its new N6 hybrid sedan, which was developed in cooperation with Dongfeng.

    Impressive Engine Efficiency

    This Dongfeng has recently revealed the world’s most fuel-efficient Mach 1.5T gasoline engine for hybrids, achieving a thermal efficiency of more than 48%.

    Nissan’s N6 plug-in hybrid marks its debut in the local market and is constructed on the Tianyan Architecture, which is a joint project of the Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company (DFN). This architecture is designed specifically for “new energy vehicles,” which includes EVs and plug-in hybrids.

    Outstanding Fuel Economy

    During a remarkable journey of 14,000 km (or 8,750 miles), the Nissan N6 managed to use only 2.9 liters per 100 km, equating to about 81 miles per gallon. Even though the trip faced varying terrains and weather conditions, the average fuel consumption was verified by the Guinness Book of World Records.

    The car’s impressive efficiency is due to a hybrid powertrain that combines one of the most effective gasoline engines globally with a 21 kWh LFP battery capable of quick 20-minute recharges. This combination allowed the Nissan N6 to be the first hybrid in its premium sedan segment to achieve less than 2 liters per 100 km in charge-sustaining mode. Nissan claims that the annual running costs for this vehicle are just $280.

    The Rise of EREVs

    In China, EREVs (electric vehicles with extended range) have gained significant popularity as they blend the benefits of electric-only driving with a gasoline engine for long-distance travel. Even Xiaomi, which started its journey in the electric vehicle market only two years ago and has already turned a profit, has made moves toward hybrid EREV technology by filing for fuel indicator gauges.

    Nissan is also an early backer of the self-driving startup Wayve, alongside Nvidia, which recently invested $500 million into Wayve, impressed by its vision-only technology that reportedly rivals Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD).

    Future Developments

    Nvidia’s Jensen Huang remarked that Wayve could become “the next trillion-dollar company,” and that Nissan plans to integrate Wayve’s technology into its ProPilot self-driving option, expected to be available in 2027. Nissan has stated that it will offer this Tesla FSD rival at a significantly lower price of $4,000.

    Meanwhile, Rivian has introduced a subscription service for its Autonomy+ self-driving feature at $50 per month, aiming for Level 4 autonomy similar to Tesla’s unsupervised FSD. This system will feature a custom AI chip and 11 cameras, set to debut in the R2 in 2026.

    Though Tesla and Waymo currently lead in self-driving technology and its commercialization, competition is intensifying. If this rivalry leads to reduced FSD costs and increased adoption of driver-assist features, it could make our roads much safer.

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  • Solid-State EV Battery Retains 72% Capacity in Extreme Cold

    Solid-State EV Battery Retains 72% Capacity in Extreme Cold

    Key Takeaways

    1. Dongfeng’s solid-state battery achieves an energy density of 350 Wh/kg, enabling mass production by 2026, despite being lower than the theoretical maximum of 500 Wh/kg.
    2. The battery is designed to provide an electric vehicle range of 1,000 km, potentially exceeding 400 miles in U.S. conditions.
    3. Solid-state batteries enhance safety by eliminating volatile liquid electrolytes and perform better in extreme temperatures, with 72% capacity retention at -30°C.
    4. The new battery successfully endured high-temperature tests up to 170°C, well above the required threshold.
    5. Dongfeng is developing a fast-charging version compatible with 2 MW chargers and aims for a battery approaching 500 Wh/kg energy density by 2027, in line with other industry leaders.

    A new solid-state battery created by a prominent automaker from China has successfully completed key performance and safety evaluations and is now entering pilot production.

    Battery Performance and Specifications

    Dongfeng’s inaugural solid-state battery generation boasts an energy density of 350 Wh/kg. While this figure is lower than the theoretical maximum of 500 Wh/kg for this technology, it is reportedly stable and economically viable enough to commence mass production by 2026. This is arguably more significant for proving the practicality of solid-state batteries in electric vehicle powertrains than merely pursuing the highest specifications with lab prototypes.

    Dongfeng claims that its initial solid-state battery will enable an electric vehicle range of 1,000 km while maintaining the same size as current batteries utilizing liquid electrolytes. This range is likely based on China’s CLTC cycle, which is roughly one-third less stringent than the EPA’s standards, suggesting that the equivalent range in the U.S. could exceed 400 miles on a single charge in real-world conditions.

    Advantages of Solid-State Batteries

    Beyond their higher energy density, solid-state batteries offer numerous other benefits. Their design eliminates the volatile liquid electrolyte, enhancing safety. Additionally, they can be charged more quickly and maintain their capacity much more effectively in extreme temperatures. For Dongfeng’s solid-state battery, which is set to begin mass production next year, tests at cold temperatures showed a remarkable capacity retention of 72% at -30°C (-22 degrees Fahrenheit). This performance is 20% better than conventional lithium batteries with liquid electrolytes, making it suitable for electric vehicles in colder regions.

    The new solid-state battery has also successfully undergone high-temperature testing, known as the hot box test, and demonstrated its ability to endure temperatures as high as 170°C (338 degrees Fahrenheit), significantly exceeding the required threshold of 130°C.

    Future Developments

    Dongfeng indicates that it is also developing a fast-charging version of its solid-state battery, which will be compatible with 2 MW chargers. Additionally, the company is working toward a solid-state battery that approaches the theoretical 500 Wh/kg energy density of sulfide-based technology, although production of this model isn’t anticipated until after 2027. This timeline aligns with other major industry players, such as CATL, Samsung, and Toyota, who have committed to launching vehicles equipped with true solid-state batteries in the same period.

     

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