Nissan, Japan's embattled auto manufacturer, reposes faith in hybrid electric vehicle technology for its resurgence
Japanese automaker Nissan aims to revive its fortunes with its latest hybrid technology, e-Power. This system, which combines an electric motor and gasoline engine, is similar to the Toyota Prius hybrid but constantly runs on the EV battery, ensuring a smooth, quiet ride. The advantage of e-Power vehicles is that they do not require charging, merely fueling at a gas station.
Nissan, which reported a $4.5 billion loss for the fiscal year through March, is pinning its hopes on e-Power as a game-changer, especially in the lucrative North American market, but the US market poses challenges due to President Donald Trump's tariff policies.
Nissan plans to reduce costs, strengthen partnerships, and redefine its lineup for a turnaround, with e-Power being a key component according to Chief Technology Officer Eiichi Akashi. The company has announced job cuts and plant closures as part of an ambitious recovery plan led by CEO Ivan Espinosa.
Details about the pricing of the upcoming e-Power models are yet to be disclosed, although the manufacturer that offers a similar technology is Daihatsu Motor Co. The e-Power system is already available in Europe on the Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail models, and in Japan on the Note. The upgraded version will be offered in the new Rogue in the U.S.
Nissan, a pioneer in electric vehicles with the Leaf, is also working on beefed-up EV models and solid-state batteries that could replace lithium-ion batteries.
The company faced financial difficulties and speculation about a potential partnership with Honda Motor Co. Nonetheless, Nissan reported that talks with Honda for a business integration have been abandoned.
Sources:[1] "Nissan furthers electrification with 10 new EV models." Reuters, March 9, 2023.[2] "Nissan to Introduce Third-Generation e-Power in US Market with 2027 Nissan Rogue." Nissan North America, March 9, 2023.[3] "Nissan Unveils 2026 Rogue with Hybrid Variants." The Detroit Bureau, March 9, 2023.[4] "Nissan prepares e-Power lineup for 2023." Auto Express, February 16, 2023.
- Nissan, looking to revive its business fortunes, is banking on its latest innovation, e-Power, to make a breakthrough in the lucrative North American market.
- In the US, as Nissan prepares to launch the upgraded version of e-Power in the new Rogue, President Donald Trump's tariff policies pose a significant challenge.
- The Chief Technology Officer of Nissan, Eiichi Akashi, regards e-Power as a key component in the company's ambitious recovery plan, alongside cost reduction, partnership strengthening, and a revamped lineup.
- Although pricing details for the upcoming e-Power models are yet to be announced, Daihatsu Motor Co. offers a similar technology and could serve as a benchmark.
- As Nissan continues to make strides in electric vehicles with the success of the Leaf and plans for beefed-up EV models, they are also working on developing solid-state batteries to replace traditional lithium-ion batteries.
- Despite facing financial troubles and speculation about a potential partnership with Honda Motor Co., Nissan has confirmed that discussions regarding a business integration with Honda have been called off.
