Nissan patents moving EV battery for improved handling | PiataAuto.md

Current electric vehicle battery packs, including their housings, can weigh between 1,323 and 1,543 pounds on models with moderate-sized batteries. Larger battery packs can weigh considerably more; the Hummer EV, for example, is known for its exceptionally heavy battery, tipping the scales at over 2,932 pounds – more than the total weight of a Toyota Corolla.

The concept is reminiscent of foosball tables, where rods allow players to be slid laterally to adjust positioning. Nissan’s patent envisions a battery pack mounted on active rods, allowing for lateral movement.

These rods would be actively controlled by the vehicle’s computer, enabling the battery to move both laterally – from side to side – and longitudinally, forwards and backwards. For instance, during a sharp right turn, the system would quickly shift the battery to the right, moving the vehicle’s center of gravity and helping to balance the car, potentially improving grip and cornering precision.

This principle of active bracing is already used in some larger SUVs seeking a more sporty character, where body roll is physically countered by hydraulically-actuated arms. Similarly, some vehicles with large V8 or V12 engines employ active engine mounts to counteract centrifugal forces during tight turns. This technology is typically expensive and adds only incremental improvements in handling, reserved for higher-performance vehicles.

However, Nissan patented the technology using images of a now-discontinued Nissan Leaf, suggesting potential application in more accessible models. This move could indicate a broader strategy to enhance handling characteristics across its EV lineup.

The battery positioning adjustment would utilize threaded rods supporting the battery’s structural elements. An electric motor would rotate these rods, shifting the battery’s position. This design is simpler than hydraulic systems, resembling the electric sliding mechanisms found in vehicle seats.

To allow movement in two directions, the transverse threaded rod would not be directly connected to the battery housing, leaving space and being fixed to the vehicle’s chassis.

The patent application details the sensors that would provide data to the vehicle’s computer, informing battery movement. These include weight sensors to detect differing pressure on the axles, lateral sensors, and integration with air suspension systems to analyze air spring pressure.

the system could incorporate cameras to analyze the road ahead and traffic conditions, gyroscopes, ultrasonic and laser sensors, and radar. Nissan has included a comprehensive range of automotive sensors in the patent, providing flexibility for future implementation.

The technology could be driver-selectable, activated on demand or within specific driving modes, such as a “Sport” mode.

Whether this technology will deliver noticeable benefits remains to be seen. While theoretically sound, the advantages may be most pronounced in a high-performance electric sports car, such as a Nissan GT-R. On a Nissan Leaf, a more advanced suspension architecture might offer a greater overall improvement.

However, the system could offer unexpected benefits, such as improved towing stability, maneuverability, and even enhanced safety in accidents, where active center of gravity adjustment could influence vehicle behavior. The space required for battery movement could, however, limit the size of the battery pack.

the technology appears complex for implementation on vehicles like the Leaf, suggesting Nissan may be preparing it for future, higher-performance electric models, contingent on financial resources.