TOKYO - Nissan has unveiled the latest model of its proprietary hybrid system, e-POWER, by showcasing the updated Qashqai equipped with the technology. The company says it has significantly improved fuel efficiency during high-speed driving—an area that had previously been seen as a challenge.
The new model is scheduled to debut in Europe within the current fiscal year, with plans to introduce it in the United States in a different vehicle model in the following fiscal year. Through these moves, Nissan aims to meet the rising global demand for hybrid vehicles.
"We want to continue building the future through our technology, staying true to our core values," the company stated.
Nissan’s hybrid program centers around its proprietary e-POWER system, a distinctive approach that sets it apart from conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrid technologies. Unlike typical hybrids where the engine and electric motor alternate in driving the wheels, e-POWER uses a gasoline engine solely to generate electricity, while the wheels are driven exclusively by an electric motor. This setup delivers an EV-like driving experience—quiet, responsive, and smooth—without requiring external charging infrastructure. First introduced in Japan in 2016 with the Note compact, e-POWER has steadily evolved, gaining wider deployment across Nissan’s lineup and emerging as a core part of the company’s electrification strategy. The system has been praised for its ability to offer electric driving feel with the convenience of gasoline, making it especially attractive in markets where charging infrastructure is limited.
Over the years, Nissan has focused on refining the efficiency and responsiveness of e-POWER. Key enhancements include downsizing and optimizing the gasoline engine to maximize thermal efficiency and pairing it with advanced battery management systems. The latest iteration, showcased in the Qashqai for Europe, addresses one of the earlier drawbacks—fuel efficiency at highway speeds. Traditionally, hybrids struggle to maintain efficiency at higher speeds due to increased engine workload, but Nissan claims to have overcome this with the newest model. The company plans to introduce this updated version in Europe by the end of fiscal 2025, followed by a rollout in the U.S. under a different vehicle line next fiscal year. These launches are part of a broader strategy to align with global decarbonization goals while responding to a rising demand for hybrid options amid lingering concerns about EV range, cost, and charging infrastructure.
Nissan sees hybrid technology not just as a transitional step toward full electrification, but as a practical, scalable solution for a diverse global market. The e-POWER system plays a critical role in this vision, allowing the automaker to offer low-emission vehicles that are accessible, familiar to consumers, and adaptable to different regulatory environments. At the same time, Nissan continues to invest in next-generation battery development and EV platforms through its broader Ambition 2030 initiative, signaling a long-term commitment to electrification across all fronts. The hybrid program, therefore, serves as both a commercial and strategic bridge, reinforcing Nissan’s technological identity while providing immediate value to consumers and regulatory stakeholders around the world.
Source: テレ東BIZ
