Auto News Correspondent—Deji .EM
Nissan E-Power Overview
© InsideEVs
Even in its non-plug-in versions, Nissan’s hybrid system has no direct connection between the engine and the wheels, with all power channeled through the electric drivetrain.
Nissan has been involved in the Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) market since 2016—or at least, it will be now that its “e-Power” hybrid system is reaching America. This system, which has no physical link between the gas engine and the wheels, relies entirely on the electric motor for power. Nissan confirmed this transition at a press event in Japan, attended by InsideEVs earlier this week.
The third-generation e-Power system will debut in the redesigned 2026 Rogue small crossover, while the second-generation version is already in use in the popular Qashqai crossover in Europe.
Somewhat confusingly, Nissan will also launch a plug-in hybrid version of the current Rogue later this year, which will feature a more traditional “parallel” hybrid system borrowed from the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
In a parallel hybrid system, both the engine and electric motor power the wheels, requiring careful blending to achieve smooth operation. Nissan’s e-Power system, however, only uses the electric motor to drive the wheels, with the engine solely dedicated to generating electricity. While some have called these vehicles EREVs, Nissan’s system is distinct from other upcoming products like the Ram 1500 Ramcharger and the Scout Terra Harvester, which use large batteries to provide significant EV range.
Nissan’s e-Power, however, doesn’t rely on such a large battery. The system is already in use in many hybrids without a plug, with the plug-in version only arriving with the Rogue.
Many manufacturers are planning larger batteries for EREVs, believing they are necessary for more powerful electric motors. Nissan’s solution is to allow the 1.5-liter gas engine in the Qashqai e-Power to send power directly to the motor via the inverter, bypassing the need for a larger battery.
We had the chance to test two vehicles with e-Power systems: a second-generation model (red) and a development mule for the third generation (silver). Both use a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, but the third-generation system incorporates a more efficient combustion cycle.
One notable downside: Despite both the second- and third-generation e-Power systems feeling sophisticated, neither fully replicated the smoothness of a pure EV. When accelerating hard, the second-gen system delivered torque in two distinct waves, starting with immediate power from the battery, followed by additional output once the engine kicked in. Although the absence of gears and the single drive motor make the Qashqai smoother than most hybrids, it still doesn’t offer the seamless, linear power delivery of a pure EV.
The third-generation system is a significant improvement. It smooths out the torque curve, offering more predictable and linear responses. While it may still feel a bit strained under hard acceleration, it delivers smoother power overall, positioning Nissan closer to leaders like Honda and Toyota in the hybrid market. This system has been refined over nearly a decade, and it’s finally making its way to the U.S.
Additionally, the 2026 Rogue PHEV will feature the e-Power system with a larger battery. However, don’t expect the extensive battery range of models like the Ramcharger. The expected range will be closer to that of the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid—around 42 miles, enough for daily commutes with the gas engine kicking in for longer trips.
Since the engine is not connected to the wheels, it can operate in its most efficient range, which is why the third-generation e-Power system incorporates a new version of the 1.5-liter engine designed for greater efficiency. Based on my experience, the system promises to deliver an excellent plug-in hybrid experience, which is no easy task.
The launch of the e-Power system couldn’t come at a better time. Nissan has been struggling in the U.S. market, with excess inventory and the need for discounts. The Rogue, which peaked in sales at over 400,000 units in 2018, dropped to under 250,000 units last year. With the 2026 redesign, Nissan hopes to reset its position in the market. As hybrid models like the CR-V and RAV4 continue to perform well, the Rogue e-Power may arrive just when it’s needed most.
