Nissan reveals e-POWER electric drivetrain

Nissan is set to become the latest manufacturer to join the range-extender electric drivetrain ranks, unveiling its new e-POWER system this week.

Following in the wheel tracks of BMW’s i3 and Holden’s Volt, the new system borrows electric technology from the Nissan LEAF, combining it with a small petrol engine – a hybrid system of sorts.

However, unlike a traditional hybrid, which uses either the electric motor, petrol engine or both for propulsion, the e-POWER relies solely on the electric motor to power the wheels. The petrol engine, meanwhile, serves exclusively as a generator to charge the battery, extending its range.

The system is now set to enter Nissan production, most likely as a Japan-only offering in the Note small hatch. In order to fit on the Note’s architecture, and to improve packaging efficiency, the e-Power system features a smaller version of the LEAF's battery, however, the usual reduction in range is offset with the help of the petrol generator.

Nissan is yet to disclose official fuel consumption or range figures, but insists the production e-POWER will deliver acceleration and refinement akin to a typical electric car.

While reports suggest the e-POWER will be Japan-specific, there is scope for such a powertrain in Australia, where hybrid and range-extender take-up has been better than electric vehicles generally -- a direct result of less range anxiety.

This is demonstrated by the electric LEAF’s sales freefall; demand for the diminutive hatch is down nearly 65 per cent according to the latest VFACTs data.