Nissan's third-generation e-POWER combines five components in one unit

An electric drive with onboard generation

In Nissan's third-generation e-POWER hybrid, only the high-output electric motor drives the wheels. The gasoline engine generates electricity for the battery instead of mechanically powering the vehicle. Nissan says this arrangement provides EV-like response while carrying its energy source onboard.

For the new generation, Nissan developed an engine specifically for power generation. Its activation timing and operating range can be selected independently of driving conditions, allowing the system to choose a more efficient generation mode.

What the 5-in-1 module contains

The integrated unit packages the motor, reducer, inverter, increaser and generator. A tightly packed flat-wire coil lets more current flow through the compact motor, while double-sided cooling in the inverter reduces losses, particularly at high speeds. Some models also use silicon-carbide power semiconductors.

Integration also increases rigidity and assembly precision. According to Nissan, tighter tolerances on rotating shafts help suppress vibration and noise. Sharing parts with the company's 3-in-1 EV powertrain reduces both the number of components and manufacturing investment.

Two engines designed for generation

The system can use the HR14DDe or the turbocharged ZR15DDTe. Constant-speed operation, a long-stroke design and strong in-cylinder tumble flow maintain stable combustion at a high compression ratio and a high exhaust-gas-recirculation rate.

The ZR15DDTe adds Nissan's STARC combustion concept, a large turbocharger, a cold-sprayed valve seat integrated into the intake port and a specially shaped piston crown. Together, these features control airflow near the spark plug to support stable ignition, higher output and better thermal efficiency.