- Nissan's e-POWER is new electrical powertrain by 100% motor drive with responsive acceleration and excellent quietness
- The e-POWER system allows drivers to enjoy all the benefits of an EV without having to worry about charging the battery
JAKARTA, Indonesia, Aug. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- PT. Nissan Motor Indonesia highlights its vision for the future of mobility through a display of the first Nissan model to receive the e-POWER drivetrain, the Nissan Note e-POWER, at the Nissan's booth at GIIAS 2017.
This innovative new drive system is marking a significant milestone in the electrification strategy under Nissan Intelligent Mobility. The e-POWER borrows from the EV technology perfected in the Nissan LEAF, the best-selling pure electric car in history, with more than 277,000 units sold.
Unlike the LEAF, e-POWER adds a small gasoline engine to charge the high-output battery when necessary, eliminating the need for an external charger while offering the same high-output.
"The e-POWER is an innovative solution toward the electrification in the emerging market," said Eiichi Koito, President Director of PT Nissan Motor Indonesia. "The e-POWER uses only a high-output battery -- never the engine -- to drive the car's wheels. The driver can enjoys the quietness, powerful torque and other performance characteristics of an EV, but without having to worry about charging the battery."
The Technology of e-POWER
The e-POWER system features full electric-motor drive, meaning that the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor. The power from a high-output battery is delivered to the e-POWER's compact powertrain comprised of a gasoline engine, power generator, inverter, and a motor.
In conventional hybrid systems, a low-output electric motor is mated to a gasoline engine to drive the wheels when the battery is low (or when traveling at high speeds). However, in the e-POWER system, the gasoline engine is not connected to the wheels; it simply charges the battery. And unlike a full EV, the power source originates from the engine and not just the battery.
This system structure generally requires a bigger motor and battery because the motor is the only direct source to drive wheels. This has made it hard for the automotive industry to mount the system in compact cars.
However, Nissan has cracked the code and learned how to minimize and reduce weight, develop more responsive motor control methods and optimize energy management. As a result, e-POWER uses a smaller battery than the LEAF, but delivers the same driving experience as a full EV.
The Benefits of e-POWER
The e-POWER delivers massive torque almost instantly, which enhances drive response and results in smooth acceleration.
"The system operates very quietly, much like a full EV. Because e-POWER relies on the engine much less frequently, its fuel efficiency is comparable to that of leading conventional hybrids, especially during around -the-town commutes", said Masayuki Ohsugi, General Manager R&D Nissan Motor Indonesia.
"During deceleration, the engine stops running and the regenerative power is used to charge the battery until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. It doesn't waste energy during deceleration", added Ohsugi.
The e-POWER is able to accelerate, slow down, and stop with one pedal. The vehicle will accelerate when drivers push acceleration pedal and decelerate when they release the acceleration pedal. In heavy traffic, this technology will greatly reduce the need for the drivers to switch from one pedal to the other pedal, thus reducing driver fatigue.
Globally, Nissan has been successful in the EV market. The Note e-Power was very well-received by customers in Japan. Launched in Japan in November 2016, the Nissan Note e-POWER is now Japan's best-selling car (based on new-vehicle sales the first half of calendar year 2017), demonstrating the immediate popularity of its innovative electric motor drive system.
"We are committed to developing electric-powered powertrains that cater to the different requirements of the world's markets. The e-POWER is one example of that quest and may be a possible solution for the emerging market like in Indonesia," conclude Koito.
About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. In fiscal year 2016, the company sold 5.63 million vehicles globally, generating revenue of 11.72 trillion yen. Nissan engineers, manufactures and markets the world's best-selling all-electric vehicle in history, the Nissan LEAF. Nissan's global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in six regions: Asia & Oceania; Africa, Middle East & India; China; Europe; Latin America; and North America. Nissan has a global workforce of 247,500 and has been partnered with French manufacturer Renault under the Renault -Nissan Alliance since 1999. In 2016, Nissan acquired a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors, which became the third member of the Alliance – a grouping with combined annual sales of almost 10 million units a year.
For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissan-global.com.
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For further information, please contact:
R. I. Hana Maharani
Head of Communications
PT. Nissan Motor Indonesia
P: (021) 858 2323
F: (021) 858 4912
E: hana.m@nissan.co.id
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Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20170816/1921284-1-d
