Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., introduced its new drive system called e-POWER to customers. It marks the first time that e-POWER technology is available for consumers, marking a significant milestone in the electrification strategy under Nissan Intelligent Mobility.

e-POWER borrows from the Electric Vehicle (EV) technology perfected in the Nissan Leaf, the best-selling pure electric car in history, with more than 250,000 units sold.

Unlike the Leaf, e-POWER adds a small petrol engine to charge the high-output battery when necessary, eliminating the need for an external charger while offering the same high-output. The e-POWER system features full electric motor drive, meaning that the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor.

The power from a high-output battery is delivered to the e-POWER's compact powertrain comprised of a petrol engine, power generator, inverter, and a motor.

In conventional hybrid systems, a low-output electric motor is mated to a petrol engine to drive the wheels when the battery is low (or when traveling at high speeds). However, in the e-POWER system, the petrol engine is not connected to the wheels; it simply charges the battery. And unlike a full EV, the power source originates from the engine and not just the battery.

e-POWER delivers massive torque almost instantly, which enhances drive response and results in smooth acceleration. Also, the system operates very quietly, much like a full EV. Because e-POWER relies on the engine much less frequently, its fuel efficiency is comparable to that of leading conventional hybrids, especially during around-the-town commutes.