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Foreword
Nissan released theNissan Altima Hybridin North America in January of 2007. The Nissan Altima Hybrid runs
onconventional gasolineand a traction motor. The basic vehicle systems and featuresof the Altima Hybrid are
the same as those of the conventionalAltima, except where noted in this guide. This First Responder’s Guide
was published to help educate and assist first responders inthe safe handling of the Altima Hybrid and its
technology.
A high voltage batteryis used to power thetractionmotor, generator, electricair conditioningcompressor,
voltage converter, and inverter unit. A separate 12volt battery is used to power other electrical devices such as
the radio, horn, headlamps, and instrument cluster gauges. A number of safeguards have beendesigned to
ensure that the high voltage Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)battery is kept safe and secure in the event of an
accident.
TheAltimaHybridutilizes both low and high voltagesystems:
Low voltage system
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Battery Information
The Altima Hybrid utilizes two batteries in order to supply both high and low voltage.
Low Voltage Battery
The Altima Hybrid contains a lead-acid 12 volt DC low voltage battery.
The low voltage battery is located in the passenger rear quarter panel
well of the trunk and is concealed by atrim cover. The negative (-) 12
volt battery cable can be accessed through an access panel in the
trim cover.
The12 volt batterypowers the vehicle’s 12 volt electrical system,
similar to a conventional vehicle. As with conventional vehicles, the 12
volt battery is grounded to the metal chassis of the vehicle. However,
the 12 volt battery is charged by the high voltage battery through the
DC/DC converter.
High VoltageBattery
The Altima Hybrid contains aNi-MH245 volt DC high voltagebattery.
The high voltage batteryisenclosed in a metal case, which is isolated
from high voltage, and is securely mounted in the trunk area behind
the rear seat and is concealed by a trim cover. The service disconnect
can be accessedthrough an access panel in the trim cover.
The 245 volt battery powers the vehicle’s high voltage electrical
system. The high voltagebattery consists of34 low voltage (7.2 volt)
Ni-MH battery modules connected in series to produce approximately
245 volts DC. EachNi-MH battery module is sealed in a non-spillable
plastic case.The electrolyte used in theNi-MH battery module is an alkalinemixtureof potassiumand sodium
hydroxide. The electrolyte is absorbed into the battery cell plates and forms a gelthat should not normally leak,
even in a collision.In the unlikely eventthatthe high voltage batteryis overcharged, the modules vent gases
directly outside the vehiclethrough a venthose.
An air vent is located on the rear parcel shelftocool thehigh voltage
battery.If the vent is covered, the battery will overheat, resultingin
reduced output performance ofthe hybrid system.
The high voltage batterysupplies power to the following:
