Key Takeaways
- Nissan’s e-Power technology, a range extender debuted in 2016, is finally launching in the U.S. with the Rogue as the first model.
- There are reports suggesting the new-generation Kicks may also feature the e-Power system for American markets.
- The updated e-Power system reportedly includes a larger engine and enhanced battery for improved efficiency and performance.
Nissan’s E-Power Finally Arrives in the U.S.
Nissan’s e-Power technology, which first hit the market with the Note e-Power in late 2016, is set to make its debut in the United States. After being successfully implemented in several Nissan models globally—ranging from sedans to crossovers—the technology had not been available in the U.S. for nearly a decade. The Rogue will be the first model equipped with this innovative hybrid system. Initial tests conducted in a Euro-spec Qashqai have yielded positive feedback.
Potential Expansion with the Kicks
It is a strategic choice to introduce e-Power in the Rogue, aligning with its existing global counterpart, the X-Trail, which has utilized the technology for some time. To effectively grow Nissan’s e-Power lineup in the U.S., a second model is necessary. Reports from Japan suggest that the recently redesigned Kicks may adopt the e-Power hybrid system next. While Best Car, the publication behind the report, has a history of exaggerating claims, the appearance of spy shots provides some credibility.
Kicks with Hybrid Capability
If the claims are valid, this will not be the first instance of the Kicks utilizing an electrified powertrain. The earlier version of Kicks, known as Kicks Play in America, already featured an earlier iteration of e-Power in Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, achieving significant sales success in these markets. In this configuration, the Kicks employed a 1.2-liter engine solely to generate electricity for the batteries, delivering 134 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque via a single-speed reduction transmission.
Advancements in E-Power Technology
The new-generation e-Power system is expected to include either a 1.4-liter or 1.5-liter turbo engine, strictly for generator use. Accompanied by a larger battery pack, this upgraded system aims to enhance efficiency and driving performance. Models like the X-Trail and Serena minivan have already seen these developments. Should the new Kicks integrate this system, it is likely to feature the 1.4-liter engine, which produces 161 hp and 232 lb-ft—superior to the current 2.0-liter engine in the Kicks, which offers 141 hp and 140 lb-ft.
With the limited options for hybrid subcompact crossovers in the U.S. market, the introduction of the new Kicks could be an attractive addition. However, consumers will have to wait for this model’s release in Japan before its U.S. availability can be confirmed.
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