Anyone know of any good Altima Hybrid forums? My mom picked up a leftover 07 today after some pretty rushed shopping for car (her old 96 Camry was rear-ended and likely totaled). The $2350 tax credit vs. the $0 tax credit on the HyCam (and all Toyota/Lexus hybrids) helped pushed them towards the NAH. I'd like to learn about some of its characteristics and quirks compared to the Prius. For example: - What's the max speed you can run w/o ICE on? - If you have the heater on w/cold ICE, does it tend to keep the ICE running? - Can one pulse and glide w/o the equivalent of the MFD? The NAH's w/o the $6400 technology package (which includes nav) doesn't have an MFD and power flow displays (can't see arrows). - Does anyone know what the switchover point in mph is from regen to friction brakes while braking lightly?
You might try GreenHybrid. It's not dedicated to the Altima, but it has an Altima sub-forum. I don't know of any "AltimaChat" equivalent of PC, but then I've never had a need to search for one.
From what everyone can tell, the Altima hybrid is essentially the Camry hybrid drivetrain with a Nissan engine (and of course Nissan body). Virtually all characteristics of the Prius are the same on the Camry. 42 MPH "stealth" mode limit. Yes the heater will keep the ICE running. Braking is similar as well. Graduated friction brakes depending on rate of decel, they cut out around 8 MPH. Green hybrid does have a NAH sub-forum but it is not very well frequented. There aren't a lot of NAHs sold. Do as I do with the TCH. Read all you can on your vehicle, and keep up with the Prius groups.
I just look at the EV light (green) that indicates the ICE is off. The power flow is shown at the charge/discharge meter and just make sure it is at zero. This way, there is no power going into or out of the HV battery.
Thanks for the pointer! Looks like a fairly lively subsection. Yeah, I checked Altima - FreshAlloy.com Forums and err, it's not really active and didn't see anything on the NAH at 1st glance. Green light? Hmm, I only test drove these twice and didn't notice any green light other than the Ready indicator. "EV MODE" text can appear though in the amber dot matrix display. Maybe I'll get a chance to drive it and play w/it more. (It's not at my place since I don't live w/my parents.)
