First generation e-POWER (e-POWER system)

e-POWER is Nissan's unique electric-drive hybrid powertrain that integrates an electric motor with a gasoline engine. Since the system is 100% driven by a high-output motor, drivers can enjoy an EV-like experience with the peace of mind of an onboard gasoline engine for generating energy for the battery.

Since e-POWER has been developed in parallel with Nissan's EV technology, advancements in energy management and powertrain performance have been optimized over three generations since the system was introduced in 2016. With each generation, the system's electric-drive motor and onboard gasoline engine have been continually refined to offer responsiveness and a quiet drive across a wide range of vehicles including compact cars, minivans and SUVs.

As a 100% motor-driven system, e-POWER is capable of providing a powerful and responsive drive, thanks to the motor's inherent ability to quickly generate maximum torque.
The system can freely control the onboard engine start timing since it is not directly connected to the wheels. Because of this, the engine operates at its most efficient RPM during electrical power generation. During low/mid-range speed driving, the e-POWER system prioritizes using only the motor to offer a quiet drive. The system activates the engine for power generation only when necessary and/or at higher speeds when road noise can mask its operation.

Nissan's e-POWER hybrid system is comprised of a high-voltage battery, gasoline engine and electric-driven system that includes a high-power motor, inverter, and generator. In conventional hybrid systems (parallel hybrid), the wheels can be driven by an electric motor and/or a gasoline engine at any given time. However, Nissan's e-POWER system, classified as a series hybrid, the wheels are exclusively driven by a high-output electric motor, like how an EV operates.
Since the onboard gasoline engine is exclusively used to charge the battery and does not directly drive the wheels, the engine can be activated at any time and operate at its most efficient RPM. Generated electricity charges the high-voltage battery which then supplies power to the motor.