Infiniti has announced the development of a brand-new gasoline-generated EV powertrain for its future electrified models.
Power is provided directly to two high-output electric motors – one on each axle – by a high-discharge, low-capacity battery pack located beneath the floor of the cabin, varying in capacity from 3.5 to 5.1kWh depending on model. This is recharged constantly by a three-cylinder 1.5-litre gasoline generator based on Infiniti’s VC-Turbo variable compression ratio technology.
According to Infiniti, this setup eliminates two of the perceived obstacles to EV uptake among consumers – range confidence and the practicalities of recharging, while delivering the performance of an EV and convenience of a gasoline-powered vehicle with significantly reduced emissions.
“Our new gas-generated EV powertrain represents the next step into our electrified future, acting as a bridge to full electrification and setting the tone for our upcoming zero and ultra-low emission cars,” said Eric Rigaux, general manager, product strategy and planning for Infiniti.
The electric motors deliver a total power output of between 185-320kW (248-429hp), depending on the vehicle. Acceleration is linear, with higher-powered versions of the powertrain able to accelerate from 0-to-62mph (100km/h) in around 4.5 seconds.
Infiniti claims the driver and passengers won’t experience the same ‘shift shock’ often associated with changing gear in a conventional hybrid or internal combustion engine vehicles.
The battery pack is recharged constantly by Infiniti’s new MR15DDT three-cylinder 1.5-liter gasoline engine. The first-ever application of this engine, the MR15DDT uses Infiniti’s VC-Turbo variable compression ratio technology, delivering a continuously variable rate of charge to the battery.
This means vehicles with the gasoline-generated EV powertrain won’t have a charging port – instead requiring only a short stop at a petrol station to refill the fuel tank.
This system reportedly “breaks the historic link between city driving and higher emissions”, with the MR15DDT generator working less at low speeds to power the battery pack. The result is lower emissions and improved driving range in urban environments.
Infiniti vehicles equipped with the gasoline-generated EV powertrain will also feature a series of advanced and world-first technologies.
Innovations include a world-first independent mounting system for the MR15DDT generator beneath the bonnet, designed to ensure that engine noise and vibrations are unnoticeable at any driving speed. Both the engine and electric motors are fully encapsulated to reduce audible engine noise and motor whine. The independent mount system features fluid-filled mounts, designed to absorb any further vibrations that it may otherwise send through the body.
The MR15DDT VC-Turbo engine itself features a multi-link design, where the piston connecting rods are almost vertical during the combustion cycle, rather than moving wider laterally as they would in a conventional crankshaft rotation. This provides reciprocating motion and negates the need for balance shafts found in other in-line engines.
Inside the vehicle cabin, active noise cancellation technology will counter low frequency noises from the engine and road by producing opposing sound waves to neutralise unwanted noises in the cabin, and ensure a quieter, more peaceful ride.
Other innovations designed to combat noise include quiet tires, carefully tuned suspension systems, acoustic glass, and other passive soundproofing measures.
