Nissan’s lineup is getting greener with proposed hydrogen and plug-in hybrid models

By Nick Jaynes May 1, 2013

Nissan LEAF dash — Image used with permission by copyright holder

In a recent interview with Digital Trends, Catherine Dunwoody, executive director of the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP), revealed that Nissan – along with other several major automakers – is planning a production hydrogen-powered vehicle by 2016.

Apparently, this isn’t the only technology that Nissan has in research and design. In addition to a hydrogen vehicle, Nissan is planning a plug-in hybrid vehicle in either the mid-size or full-size vehicle range for 2015.

Speaking with WhatCar, Nissan’s executive vice-president for product planning, Andy Palmer, said, “Hybridization is a derivative, a way of improving the combustion engine. It all needs to come together in a slippery [shaped] car.”

Rather than creating an all-new product from scratch for its plug-in hybrid technology, Nissan is likely to insert the drivetrain tech under the hood of one of its current models. If the Ford Fusion Energi and Honda Accord plug-in hybrid are any indication, Nissan is likely to fit its latest Altima with a plug-in powertrain.

Nissan has a rather innovative and trail blazing streak running through it so we wouldn’t be surprised if the Japanese automaker didn’t stop there with distinctive drivetrain technologies.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

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