The Nissan Rogue will get an e-Power hybrid system that resembles an electric car in operation
Nissan remains one of the few major brands in the U.S. market that has yet to offer hybrid models. That's about to change - an e-Power system is headed to the US that promises an electric car feel. However, it's already clear that it will cost more than expected.
Here's What We Know
Nissan's e-Power hybrid technology has long been introduced in other countries and has already reached its third generation. The latest configuration integrates the motor, inverter, generator, gearbox and transformer into a single module. This configuration favours weight reduction, improves efficiency and reduces noise and vibration.
The principle of e-Power differs from hybrids like the Toyota Prius: the petrol engine does not drive the wheels directly, but only charges a small battery that powers the electric motor. Therefore, the car is perceived as an electric vehicle in motion. By the way, a similar principle was also implemented in the Chevrolet Volt.
In the USA e-Power will appear not earlier than 2027 - as a part of the next generation of Nissan Rogue crossover. Europeans will see the system earlier - already this year on Nissan Qashqai.
Initially Nissan promised that the price of models with e-Power will be at the level of petrol counterparts. But according to Automotive News, the company has reconsidered that approach. According to Shunichi Inamijima, executive director of powertrain development, rising material costs are preventing it from reaching price parity, though the goal remains.
The updated system should be 15 per cent more economical on the motorway and 9 per cent more economical in the city than the previous version. However, given the tiny 1.8 kWh battery, the internal combustion engine will be running frequently - in terms of pure electric propulsion, we shouldn't expect a miracle.
Source: Automotive News
