Believe it or not, Nissan’s e-Power technology has been around for nearly a decade. It made its first practical application in 2016 when it was one of optional powertrains for the Nissan Note. Since then, it’s been applied to a wide variety of models, from small hatchbacks to crossovers.
The Philippines got its first taste of e-Power in mid-2022 with the launch of the Kicks in the country. It still used the same first-generation system, meaning a 1.2-liter engine whose sole purpose in life is to provide charge to the single electric motor. In essence, it’s an EV that doesn’t need to be plugged in and simply relies on the engine generator for energy.
While we had that, Nissan rolled out the second-generation e-Power system in select markets. It was applied to the new-generation X-Trail, as well as the Serena minivan. Of course, it also powers the little hatchback that started it all, the Note.
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But the second-generation e-Power might not be long for this world. With the competition catching up, Nissan has responded by unveiling, you guessed it, the third-generation e-Power. Europe will be the first market to get it, and it will be fitted to the redesigned Qashqai later this year.
The big change here is the reduced complexity as third-gen e-Power houses the electric motor, generator, inverter, reducer and increaser all in a 5-in-1 compact unit. It also helps that it uses a 1.5-liter turbo engine to speed up charges. The result of those changes means more power, and it’s now up to 205hp.
It’s worth pointing out that battery capacity is still unchanged. At the same time, it’s still not a plug-in hybrid. Still, Nissan claims efficiency figures of up to 22.2km/L based on European driving cycles. The company is also looking at 1,200 kilometers of potential range from the new-generation e-Power.
It’s not just the Qashqai that will benefit from the new powertrain. Nissan has confirmed it will also be used for the next-generation X-Trail and be the first e-Power model for North America. After that, it will be the redesigned Elgrand luxury van to get it, which is slated to make its world premiere later this year.
