since 1976
since 1976
Developed entirely in-house, e-POWER has become a key pillar alongside battery electric vehicles in driving electrification for Nissan. Since making its debut in the Japanese market in 2016, the proprietary drive system has won over customers, critics and industry experts with the unique blend of electric motor-driven performance and class-topping fuel efficiency.
Success from the start
Introduced as a powertrain option for the Nissan Note in November 2016, customers in Japan were quick to embrace the 100% electric motor-driven e-POWER for its EV-like performance and class-leading fuel efficiency, and helped made it the best-selling compact car in 2017 and the overall best-selling car in 2018 across Japan.
The innovative e-POWER technology also received a prestigious Japanese environmental award – the Chairman’s Prize – for its contributions to reducing CO² emissions by the Energy Conservation Center Japan (ECCJ) as part of the Energy Conservation Grand Prize Awards for 2017.
Nissan would also introduce an e-POWER variant in its segment-leading Serena MPV in 2018 that won the 2019 Technology of the Year award by the Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference of Japan (RJC). The judges noted that Nissan created an electrified vehicle with excellent fuel efficiency by using existing core EV components and by taking full advantage of regenerative braking, the e-POWER system enabled one-pedal operation, easing driver workload and making driving more enjoyable.”
In Japan, the launch of the Kicks e-POWER in 2020 saw Nissan winning the 2021 Technology of the Year award by the Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference of Japan (RJC) and the Kicks was also named as one of the ‘6 Best Cars of the Year’ by RJC.
The e-POWER system was noted for its powerful performance as well as its high level of quietness, while the Kicks e-POWER’s sporty design and exhilarating performance cemented it as one of the best cars of the year, as adjudged by esteemed automotive researchers and journalists in Japan.
Such was the popularity of e-POWER in Japan that the all-new successor of the Nissan Note would only be powered by e-POWER exclusively. The stylish yet sophisticated compact hatchback went on to win the coveted title of Japan Car of the Year 2021-2022; a decade after the Nissan LEAF took the honours in 2011 – a fitting tribute to the LEAF which provided the foundations of the e-POWER system. Among the winning attributes noted by the JCOTY judges were ‘extremely low noise level and excellent driving performance achieved by the 2nd generation e-POWER system.’
Expanding the e-POWER footprint
Buoyed by the success of e-POWER in Japan, Nissan introduced the Kicks e-POWER in Thailand in 2020 – the first e-POWER model to be launched outside of Japan. The trendy compact crossover with the unique 100% electric motor-driven system pioneered electrification in the ASEAN region and was subsequently launched in Indonesia and Singapore later in the year.
In 2022, the Kicks was updated with the second-generation e-POWER drive system for the Japan, Thailand and Singapore markets. The newly upgraded Kicks e-POWER also made its debut in Philippines and Vietnam, with Malaysia to follow soon.
Powered by the second-generation drive system, the upgraded Nissan Kicks e-POWER took home the Product Innovation Awards 2023 which was bestowed by Business+ Magazine in collaboration with the College of Management Mahidol University in Thailand.
Beyond the accolades
While awards recognise the technological achievements of e-POWER, the underlying reward is the joy experienced by drivers when they get behind the wheel of a Nissan e-POWER vehicle – where the exhilaration of an electric motor-powered drive is not diminished by range anxiety or the need to stop and charge, reassured by the knowledge that every drop of fuel is efficiently utilised.
As a testament to the growing appeal of e-POWER, the cumulative sales of Nissan models powered by e-POWER had already exceeded 1.2 million units globally. With more markets earmarked for e-POWER expansion, electrification without compromises is becoming a reality.
About e-POWER in Malaysia
The e-POWER drive system is a technology unique to Nissan – it is a 100% electric motor-driven powertrain utilising a petrol engine to produce energy to charge its Li-ion battery pack and to power an electric motor to drive the wheels. It offers instant torque and responsive performance just like an EV, but without range anxiety and the need to plug in and charge. Compared to an ICE-powered vehicle, the e-POWER system has lower tailpipe emissions and running costs, it utilises regenerative braking to reclaim energy and offers single-pedal driving. Nissan plans to launch the all-new KICKS e-POWER model in Malaysia in December 2024.
To learn more about the ground-breaking e-POWER technology in anticipation of the first-ever e-POWER model in Malaysia, visit the dedicated Apa-e? webpage found on Nissan Malaysia’s official website (https://nissan.com.my/v2/experience-nissan/e-power/). Here you can indulge in all-things e-POWER and even win exclusive Nissan merchandise by participating in the Apa-e? Quiz! Also, keep an eye out for on-ground Apa-e? roadshows scheduled in October 2024.
