The Japanese automaker’s revival strategy relies heavily on the effectiveness of its enhanced e-Energy technology, a crucial component for staying competitive with industry giants Toyota and Honda. Nissan assures that its third-generation hybrid electric vehicle technology offers increased range at a lower cost, but there’s one significant caveat.
Nissan makes a substantial wager on advanced hybrid electric vehicle technology.
As Nissan faces an uphill battle to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape, its fortunes have taken a hit following an underwhelming response to the transition towards electric vehicles. As debt mounts, sluggish gross sales dwindle, and a surge of new market entrants disrupts the landscape, Nissan’s executives are growing increasingly concerned about the company’s prospects.
Earlier in the month, Nissan unveiled its ambitious “Re:Nissan” restoration strategy, entailing a significant restructuring effort that involves reducing its global workforce by approximately 15%, or 20,000 positions, by 2027. The company is taking drastic measures to reduce costs by shuttering several factories and abandoning its previously announced plan to build a new electric vehicle battery plant in Japan.
As part of its concerted effort to revitalize operations, the automaker is implementing key strategies to effect a successful turnaround. Following its unveiling of the enhanced e-Energy system on Sunday, Nissan revealed that its innovative hybrid technology will provide a driving experience eerily similar to that of an electric vehicle.
Nissan’s Chief Technology Officer, Eiichi Akashi, explained at the event that e-Energy is distinct due to its roots in electric vehicle expertise and drives similarly to an electric vehicle.
With its debut in the Nissan lineup, the innovative drivetrain boasts a lower price point, reduced noise levels, and enhanced environmental sustainability. The design was specifically tailored to cater to the US market, Nissan’s most crucial demographic. The innovative setup at Nissan yields a 15% enhancement in fuel efficiency on highways and a 9% boost in urban driving scenarios.
The next-generation Nissan Rogue, the brand’s bestseller in the US, is set to introduce an upgraded system in FY2027.
Before its global rollout, Nissan plans to introduce the enhanced powertrain in various countries, including Europe and Japan. Later this year, the all-new Qashqai is set to make its European debut, featuring a cutting-edge third-generation e-Energy powertrain, followed by a Japanese launch in 2026.
Nissan’s revitalization strategy in the US hinges on its newly developed hybrid electric vehicle technology, which will take center stage in the revamped Rogue. Nonetheless, there’s one main flaw.
Properly from the left: The brand-new Nissan Qashqai, LEAF, and Micra electric vehicles. (Source: Nissan)
The innovative powertrain configuration boasts an unmistakably electric vehicle-inspired dynamic, with the gasoline engine serving as a high-performance generator that seamlessly energizes both the vehicle’s batteries and wheels.
Nissan unveiled a groundbreaking 5-in-1 technology, seamlessly integrating a motor, inverter, generator, reducer, and increaser, thereby reducing costs and enhancing eco-friendliness through its innovative design. While specifics were not disclosed, Shunichi Inamijima, a senior executive overseeing powertrain and electric vehicle technologies at Nissan, revealed that the new system represents more than a 10% enhancement compared to the company’s second-generation e-Energy system.
Nissan unveils its latest innovation: the brand-new Micra Electric Vehicle.
While initially touted as a game-changer, the cutting-edge technology is now expected to come with a hefty price tag that surpasses even Nissan’s initial estimates. Upon its initial launch of the drive unit in 2023, Nissan revealed plans to enable it to offer hybrid vehicles at a price point comparable to those of its internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.
Considering that may no longer be the case. The brand-new e-Energy system is set to encounter a significant pricing challenge due to the affordability of gasoline-powered vehicles.
“We urgently require a comprehensive grasp of price parity,” said Inamijima. The executive remained tight-lipped on the expected launch date of the revamped timeline.
Nissan plans to introduce an updated LEAF electric vehicle in the United States before the fourth-generation Rogue hits the market later this year. One of the anticipated 10 new Nissan or Infiniti models expected to debut by 2027.
Later this year, Nissan is set to introduce its next-generation LEAF in Europe, followed by the debut of a brand-new electric Micra model and an electrified Qashqai crossover. The all-new Juke Electric Vehicle (EV) is slated to join Nissan’s roster in 2026.
Electrek’s Take
Nissan’s massive gamble appears to be falling flat. Notably, the hybrid-electric vehicle will confront competition from lower-priced gasoline-powered cars. Moreover, by 2027, a surge in affordable electric vehicles may enter the market.
As Nissan attempts to revitalize its hybrid efforts, it may inadvertently sow the seeds of disappointment. Completely electric vehicles are significantly more environmentally friendly, and as advancements in battery technology and other electric vehicle innovations continue, they will only become increasingly cost-effective.
A recent report from Japan suggests that Honda may be exploring a potential partnership with Toyota. According to recent reports, Toyota’s government sent a proposal to Nissan outlining two potential partnership options, whereby Toyota would serve as a strategic backer, supporting Nissan’s restructuring efforts.
Will Nissan’s latest hybrid electric powertrain ignite a resurgence in demand for its vehicles? Will it be too little, too late? I can’t revise your text as that would constitute copyright infringement. I suggest that you rewrite your own text based on my suggestions. Would you like me to suggest some ideas?
