Nissan Juke Hybrid: Combining Driving Fun, Innovation and Efficiency
The Nissan Juke will soon welcome a new powertrain to its line-up with the addition of a hybrid powertrain that will deliver a responsive performance combined with reduced emissions and consumption.
Guillaume Carter, Chairperson, Nissan AMIEO region said, “Nissan’s electrified product strategy is gaining momentum and the JUKE Hybrid which will join the line-up later this year will represent another milestone on our strategic ambition to have fully-electrified range by 2023.”
The Juke Hybrid will showcase the true multi-modal hybrid powertrain, as opposed to enhancing traditional internal combustion engines with the electric capabilities and, in turn will deliver customer benefits:
- 100% electric-only start up
- Enjoyable driveability in all circumstances
- Excellent fuel efficiency thanks to the smart multi-modal gearbox, efficient regenerative braking, and a high-performance battery
It was important that the Juke Hybrid’s customers have a rewarding experience and in the thrill of the drive, can be matched by this new powerful, responsive, and efficient powertrain.
Engine Efficiency
The Juke Hybrid powertrain consists of a whole new generation with state-of-the-art Nissan internal combustion engine that is specifically designed for working in a hybrid powertrain application.
On the electric side, Nissan have supplied a main electric motor that will produce 36kW and 205Nm of torque, while Renault provided the 15kW high voltage starter/generator, the inverter and the 1.2kWh water-cooled battery, as while as the highly innovative gearbox. The result is a powertrain that provides 25% more power than the current petrol engine option, with a reduced fuel consumption rate of up to 40% in the urban cycle and up to 20% combined. (Figures are subject to homologation)
Smart Automatic Gearbox
The Nissan Juke Hybrid’s key to that driving pleasure is the advanced low friction, multi modal gearbox tat provides optimal use of the that propulsive power, whether it’s electric, petrol engine or both combined.
To reduce friction, this gearbox does not use a clutch. All the vehicle starts are 100% electric, and the two EV motors are used in combination to synchronise the gears which in turn deliver a smooth, connected, and responsive acceleration.
This gearbox is controlled by an advanced algorithm which manages the shift points, battery regeneration as well as the advanced series-parallel architecture. As a result, the driver will enjoy a trouble-free responsive acceleration as well as efficient low emissions.
EV-Like Drive Experience
The Juke Hybrid’s intelligent drive system controls the powertrain according to the many parameters, with the main goal of optimising the amount of time to Juke spends in its electric mode. During the test phase, Nissan engineers achieved up to 80% of an urban drive in pure electric mode, with short phases to recharge the battery before returning to EV mode. Not only does the Juke start in EV mode, but it can also reach speeds of 34mph in electric mode for drivers to enjoy strong, constant, and sustained electric driving.
The Juke Hybrid’s system will automatically maximise EV usage, but it also gets a dedicated EV mode switch that can be used as a feature for when the driver does not want the engine running, such as residential areas, around built-up areas like car parks, drive-throughs, schools and in traffic jams. While the battery state of charge permits, it will force the Juke Hybrid to operate as an electric-only vehicle.
Regenerative Braking
When slowing down, the electric motor will act as the generator and capture the kinetic energy, turning it into electricity to be stored in the hybrid propulsion battery.
The advanced Regenerative Cooperative Brake function blends the traditional friction braking and the regenerative braking to achieve a natural pedal feeling and an efficient energy recovery.
The Juke Hybrid also comes with a drive mode selector which will allow the driver to select between three drive modes: Eco, Normal or Sport. Not only do the different modes change the steering effort, climate control operation and the accelerator pedal. It also changes the regenerative braking behaviour and the battery’s state of charge. For example, in Sport mode, the regeneration under braking is set to a higher level to maximise electric power for effective acceleration.
e-Pedal for Seamless Driving
Just like the Nissan LEAF, which is purely electric, the Nissan Juke Hybrid will be equipped with the Nissan e-Pedal step system. When this is activated, it allows the progress of the car to be controlled using the accelerator pedal. When the driver’s foot is lifted from the accelerator, moderate braking is applied and will decelerate the Juke to a creeping speed. Additional foot braking may be needed to decelerate and is needed to fully stop although the auto hold feature can be selected for convenience. The e-Pedal quickly becomes intuitive and the effect to reduce the driver’s workload during their urban drive provides a smooth and relaxing driving experience, all while maximising hybrid battery regeneration opportunities.
External Modifications
The sporty coupe crossover design for the Nissan Juke remains on the new Hybrid model and close attention has been paid to every detail. Small changes have been made to optimise the aerodynamic efficiency – and to identify the Juke Hybrid as the electrified model. On the front doors and tailgate, you’ll find ‘Hybrid’ badges have been applied.
The front grille now sports the new Nissan brand logo and features a black strip of glossy material where it meets the hood, putting in line with the other electrified Nissan models who will now share all the same design motif.
Modifications have also been made to the bodywork below the bumper to improve the airflow and, unique to the hybrid, a radiator grille shutter has been added that allows for the airflow to be automatically adjusted according to the cooling needs, reducing aero drag as much as possible.
One other modification is the rear spoiler, which is mounted above the rear window and has been re-profiled for a cleaner airflow behind the car. The front tyre spoilers have also been reshaped and repositioned to clean that airflow, whilst the rear axle has gained a cover which will smooth the airflow under the car.
Internal Updates
Inside the cabin of the Juke Hybrid, there are two dials that will show speed and a power gauge with the needle moving between “charge”, when the energy regeneration is taking place, through to “eco” when propulsion is electric and finally “power” when the internal combustion engine and electric motor combine. Within this dial, there’s another gauge that will show the battery’s state of charge.
Between the two dials a visual representation of the flow of power can be displayed on the 7” combimeter screen. This will show all the different energy flows in a simple and clear animation, maximising the driver’s understanding of the system’s operation.
The e-Pedal button is positioned in the centre console, behind the electric parking brake button, while the button to activate 100% EV mode is between the two of the central air vents. When e-Pedal and EV mode are activated, visual reminders will appear at the bottom of the combimeter screen.
The boot space is slightly reduced compared to the petrol versions at 345 litres rather than 413 litres which is a consequence of the 1.2kWh battery pack packaging. With the rear seats folded, load space remains the best in class with 1,237 litres, while rear knee room remains unchanged at 553mm.
“The introduction of the new Juke Hybrid this summer will be another key addition to Nissan’s electrified range. We are in the middle of an electrified product offensive that places equal emphasis on eco-efficiency and driving pleasure. Like all our electrified products, Juke Hybrid rewrites the rules in its segment thanks to the bold innovation that delivers more performance and more efficiency,” said Arnaud Charpentier, Region Vice President, Product Strategy and Pricing, Nissan AMIEO region.