What is e-Power?
e-POWER is Nissan's unique electric-drive powertrain that integrates a gasoline engine and motor.
Since the engine only generates electricity and the system is 100% driven by a high-output motor, it is possible to enjoy the driving experience of an EV.
e-POWER utilizes motor control technology cultivated in past EV development activities, powertrain integration technology, and energy management technology. By changing the combination of electric-drive motors and power-generation engines, it delivers quiet driving with excellent response over a wide range of vehicles from compact cars to minivans and SUVs.
Technology of e-Power
The e-POWER system is comprised of a high-voltage battery and the powertrain, which is integrated with a high-power motor, inverter, gasoline engine, and a generator. In conventional hybrid systems, the wheels are driven by an electric motor and a gasoline engine. However, in the e-POWER system, the wheels are driven by a high-output electric motor like an EV.
Since the engine connected to the generator only charges the battery and does not directly drive the wheels, it is possible to freely set the start timing and efficient RPM. Generated electricity charges the high-voltage battery and directly drives the motor.
e-Power System Operation
Since e-POWER is 100% motor-driven, it provides a responsive and powerful driving experience, by taking advantage of the characteristic that the motor can generate maximum torque from when it starts.
The system can freely control engine start timing because the engine is not directly connected to the wheels. It provides very quiet driving with reduced engine operation time by driving the vehicle with just the motor from start to low/mid-range speed and starting the engine and generating electricity in fast speed areas with elevated road noise. It also achieves low fuel consumption because it generates electricity at efficient engine RPM.
