NISSAN 2010 Altima Hybrid - First Responder's Guide - Manual (Page 4)

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About the Nissan Altima Hybrid
There are two power sources stored on board that are used to drive the vehicle:
• Gasoline is stored in a fuel tank and used to supply the gasoline engine.
• Electricity is stored in a high voltage battery and is used to power the traction motor.
The result of combining these two power sources is improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. The
gasoline engine also powers an electric generator to recharge the high voltage battery; unlike an entirely
electric vehicle, the Altima Hybrid never needs to be recharged from an external electric power source.
Depending on the driving conditions, one or both sources are used to drive the vehicle. The following
information explains how the Altima Hybrid operates in various driving modes:
1. During light acceleration at low speeds, the vehicle is driven by the traction motor. The gasoline engine
is shut off.
2. During normal driving, the vehicle is driven mainly by the gasoline engine. The gasoline engine also
powers the generator to recharge the high voltage battery.
3. During full acceleration, such as climbing a hill, both the gasoline engine and the traction motor drive
the vehicle.
4. During deceleration, such as when braking, the vehicle converts kinetic energy from the front wheels to
electricity that will recharge the high voltage battery.
5. While the vehicle is stopped, such as at a stoplight, the gasoline engine and the traction motor are off,
however the vehicle remains operational.