In the quest to provide sustainable transportation, many automotive brands have presented various interpretations of drive systems. Though different in some aspects, many are similar in terms of concept and philosophy because the end goal is the reduction of fossil fuel usage and/or emissions.

Nissan first introduced a battery electric vehicle to the world in the form of the Leaf. It was the world’s first mass market modern EV which saw a good degree of success. That is, until the EV marketplace become more crowded. Battery electric vehicles, however advanced they are, also present some challenges to ownership.  Most notably, access to the charging infrastructure has to be convenient for practical day-to-day usage. Also, based on currently applicable technology, the greater the distance consumers demand to be ‘built-in’ to the vehicle, the heavier the battery pack becomes thus affecting driving dynamics and in return, efficiency. This is by no means a diss on EVs but the fact remains that the stars don’t always align with everyone thinking of going the electrification route and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

This is where concepts like Nissan’s e-Power come in to fill the gap. This is a concept that represents a unique, and convenient approach to electrification, blending elements of traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) with electric mobility. It offers a bridge between fully electric cars and conventional ICE vehicles to provide consumers with the benefits of electric driving without the need to recharge a battery from an external power source. Thus, it presents an electrification option to those who wish to embrace the technology but are limited by various factors.

The Basics Of Nissan e-Power Technology

The Nissan e-POWER system debuted in Japan in 2016 with the Nissan Note e-Power. It later expanded to other models like the Nissan Serena and Kicks, especially in Asia. The core idea is to offer a driving experience similar to a fully electric vehicle, with instantaneous torque, smooth acceleration and quiet operation, while avoiding the common anxieties, such as driving range and charging times, that consumers associate with EVs. 

The Nissan e-Power system is built around a small petrol engine that acts solely as a generator to charge a battery. This battery, in turn, powers an electric motor that drives the wheels. Unlike traditional hybrids where the engine and electric motor work together to power the wheels, e-Power’s engine is just a generator and has no direct link to the axle. This setup makes it a fully electric drive system rather than a conventional hybrid because the wheels are exclusively driven by the electric motor.

Let’s take an objective look at the advantages and disadvantages of e-Power:

Advantages of e-Power Technology

1. Electric Driving Experience without Charging: A key advantage of e-Power is that it provides a fully electric driving experience without the need to plug in for recharging. One can experience the smoothness, quietness, and instant torque associated with EVs, all powered by a relatively small battery that the car recharges internally.
2. Extended Range: Because the petrol engine is used solely to charge the battery, e-Power vehicles do not rely on an external charging infrastructure. This aspect makes it attractive to drivers with limited access to EV charging stations, offering a solution that brings down range anxiety. This also translates to not needing to plan each journey in greater detail, owing to the vast existing network of petrol stations. At the same time, this drivetrain setup also minimises fuel consumption compared to conventional petrol-driven vehicles. 
3. Fuel Efficiency and Lower Emissions: In comparison to traditional ICE vehicles, the e-Power system is more fuel-efficient and emits lesser pollutants. The engine operates mainly at optimal conditions to charge the battery, instead of fluctuating as needed to drive the wheels. This in effect has a positive influence on fuel economy. As the e-Power system is effectively an electric drive system, it leverages Nissan’s efficiency-optimising technologies to keep emissions relatively low.
4. Cost-Effective and Accessible Electrification: The relatively compact design and absence for the need to use an external charging system mean that e-Power can be more affordable than fully electric vehicles with large battery packs. This cost efficiency is especially beneficial in markets that are price-sensitive or less inclined toward full EV adoption due to charging limitations. The smaller battery pack also means replacement cost is relatively low.
5. Versatility and Immediate Adaptability: Nissan’s e-POWER system can be adapted to various vehicle sizes and types without the need for a complete overhaul of traditional vehicle design. This versatility enables Nissan to apply the e-Power technology across a broader range of vehicles and potentially scale it up to more markets.

Disadvantages of e-POWER Technology

1. Reliance on Petrol: While e-Power vehicles reduce fuel consumption and emissions compared to traditional vehicles, they still rely on petrol thus limiting their effectiveness in greatly reducing fossil fuel dependence.
2. Emissions and Pollution: Even though e-Power is more efficient, it is not emissions-free. The combustion engine, though optimised, still produces emissions. This fact may hinder the appeal of e-Power among consumers who prefer a fully electric zero-emissions vehicle.
3. Lower Battery Capacity: e-Power’s battery is generally smaller than that of a full EV, which limits the vehicle’s potential for prolonged electric-only operation. The priority of this design choice is to reduce cost and weight, and offer driving dynamics similar to the lighter ICE vehicles (when compared to a similar EV). However, due to the smaller battery pack, the petrol engine may need to run more frequently to keep the battery charged, depending on how it’s driven. You can ‘force’ it to be in pure electric mode, especially in city traffic, but this is dependent on how much charge is in the battery. 
   
4. Maintenance and Complexity: The dual-system nature of e-Power, combining an electric motor and a petrol generator, introduces complexity in terms of maintenance. While the engine does not need to drive the wheels, it still requires upkeep, which could add to long-term maintenance costs compared to fully electric vehicles that generally have fewer moving parts. On the other hand, the smaller battery pack also presents a lower cost of replacement after the warranty period.

Nissan’s e-Power system is suited for urban commuters and also drivers in areas where EV charging infrastructure is still underdeveloped. It is also suited for those who regularly drive interstate but don’t always have the time or opportunity to recharge. As an example, the Nissan Kicks e-Power has a claimed driving range of about 800 km. It offers an electrified experience and the convenience of refueling petrol to power a generator which charges a battery, and thus addresses range anxiety and infrastructure concerns while providing a ‘greener’ alternative to conventional ICE vehicles. 

However, you don’t really need to know about Nissan’s e-Power. You just need to keep in mind that the system works in the background to optimise efficiency as you drive. You can actively determine when charging and/or full electric drive occurs but by and large the system can work it out for you so you can focus on enjoying the drive. And there is also no worry about the state of the charging infrastructure wherever you may go. The e-Power concept is by no means the ultimate solution, but it has its place as one of the pathways towards more sustainable mobility.