Nissan's e-POWER drivetrain reaches new efficiency levels

Nissan has announced a breakthrough with its new generation e-POWER hybrid drivetrain.

The new drivetrain will reach a thermal efficiency of 50%, thanks to a concept called 'STARC', named after the key words 'strong', 'tumble' and 'appropriately stretched robust ignition channel'.

The concept enables improvement of thermal efficiency by strengthening in-cylinder gas flow (the flow of the air-fuel mixture that is pulled into the cylinder) and ignition, reliably burning a more diluted air-fuel mixture at a high compression ratio.

Nissan's e-POWER system utilises an on-board gasoline engine to provide electrical energy to the e-powertrain battery pack.

Its latest approach to engine development has raised the bar to world-leading levels, accelerating past the current auto industry average range of 40% thermal efficiency, making it possible to even further reduce vehicle CO₂ emissions.