Nissan e-Power: New Hybrid Tech Drives Like EV, No Plug-In Needed | CNBC

Nissan’s e-Power: A Unique Hybrid Approach for the U.S. Market

Nissan plans to introduce a novel hybrid powertrain to the U.S. Market this year, dubbed “e-Power.” Unlike traditional hybrids or plug-in electric vehicles (EVs), e-Power utilizes a gasoline engine solely to generate electricity, which then powers the vehicle’s electric motors. This series hybrid system, already deployed in other markets, aims to bridge the gap for consumers hesitant to fully embrace EVs, offering electric driving without the require for plugging in. The initial rollout will be in a new version of the popular Rogue compact SUV, a move timed to coincide with rising gas prices, slower-than-anticipated EV adoption, and a projected increase in overall hybrid sales, according to company officials.

The arrival of e-Power comes as automakers reassess their EV strategies following substantial losses. Nissan, like others, is turning to hybrid technology to meet consumer demand for fuel efficiency and performance. S&P Global Mobility forecasts that hybrids will account for 18.4% of U.S. New vehicle sales this year, a significant increase from 12.6% in 2023 and 7.3% in 2022. Simultaneously, pure EV market share is projected to decline slightly to 7.1% from 8% last year.

How e-Power Differs from Traditional Hybrids and EVs

The core distinction of e-Power lies in its architecture. In a conventional hybrid, like the Toyota Prius , the gasoline engine directly powers the wheels, sometimes in conjunction with an electric motor. In contrast, the e-Power system’s gasoline engine functions exclusively as a generator, constantly charging a battery that then powers the electric motors driving the wheels. This setup delivers an electric driving experience without requiring external charging.

This differs from emerging extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), such as those offered by Ford and Ram , which typically feature larger batteries and do allow for plug-in charging. Nissan’s e-Power system prioritizes a smaller battery and relies entirely on the gasoline engine for electricity generation.

Addressing U.S. Market Concerns

Nissan has previously deployed series hybrid technology, particularly in Asia, but has been cautious about introducing it to the U.S. Market due to concerns about consumer expectations regarding driving dynamics and power. To address these concerns, Nissan has developed a more powerful 1.5-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged engine specifically for the e-Power system. Kurt Rosolowsky, Nissan North America vehicle evaluation and test engineer, explained that the turbocharger enhances efficiency at higher speeds, ensuring the engine can effectively deliver energy to the battery.

Here’s the third generation of Nissan’s series hybrid system, building on experience gained from selling over 1.6 million e-Power vehicles globally in nearly 70 countries since its debut in Japan in 2016. Sam Abuelsamid, vice president of market research at Telemetry, believes the system has strong potential. “I think it’s going to be a really good system. I think it’s going to be very popular for Nissan in the new Rogue when it arrives later this year,” he said.

The Driving Experience: Electric Feel, Familiar Refueling

Early driving impressions of a European version of the Nissan Rogue Sport equipped with e-Power highlight its impressive acceleration and regenerative braking. The experience is characterized by the quiet operation and smooth power delivery typical of electric vehicles, but with the familiar sound of an engine revving – albeit significantly muted. The absence of traditional transmission gears and a driveshaft contributes to reduced noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).

The e-Power system simplifies the drivetrain by eliminating the need for a traditional transmission and driveshaft. Whereas the current Rogue Sport version is front-wheel-drive, Nissan plans to offer the e-Power system with all-wheel-drive in the new Rogue, expanding its appeal. The lack of a plug-in requirement and the familiar engine sound may appeal to drivers hesitant to transition to fully electric vehicles.

Fuel Efficiency and Cost Considerations

Nissan has not yet released specific pricing or fuel economy figures for the upcoming Rogue with e-Power. However, testing of the Rogue Sport with e-Power demonstrated fuel economy exceeding 40 miles per gallon in heavy city driving. The current Nissan Rogue achieves over 30 MPG, depending on the model .

Historically, Nissan’s fuel efficiency has lagged behind competitors like Honda and Toyota . The e-Power system represents an effort to close this gap and offer consumers a more fuel-efficient option.

Future Expansion and Modular Design

Nissan has not confirmed whether it plans to expand the e-Power system to other vehicles in its U.S. Lineup. However, Rosolowsky indicated that the system is modular and can be adapted to work with various engine sizes. “If we were to expand this to other vehicles, you can theoretically bolt this onto another gasoline engine of a different size and have more options for an e-Power system,” he stated.

What’s Next for Nissan’s e-Power

The launch of the new Rogue with e-Power later this year marks the initial step in Nissan’s U.S. Hybrid strategy. The company will be closely monitoring consumer response and market dynamics to determine future expansion plans. Key factors will include fuel prices, EV adoption rates, and competitive pressures within the hybrid segment. Nissan’s success with e-Power could significantly impact its position in the U.S. Automotive market, offering a compelling alternative for consumers seeking a balance between electric driving and the convenience of gasoline refueling.