Nissan bets on hybrid e-Power technology to drive turnaround amid financial struggles
Struggling Japanese automaker Nissan is banking on its proprietary "e-Power" hybrid technology to help fuel a much-needed business revival. The technology, already available in select models, uses both an electric motor and a gasoline engine—similar to Toyota's Prius—but operates differently in a key way: the car is always powered by the electric motor, providing a consistently quiet and smooth driving experience.
'Nissan has a proud history of pioneering innovative technology that set us apart,' said Chief Technology Officer Eiichi Akashi during a media event at the company's Grandrive test track outside Tokyo, AP reported.
Unlike typical plug-in EVs, e-Power vehicles don't require external charging. The battery is powered solely by the gasoline engine, allowing drivers to refuel at gas stations without worrying about charging infrastructure—offering a unique middle ground between conventional hybrids and full
electric vehicles
.
Nissan Motor Corp., which posted a $4.5 billion loss for the fiscal year ending in March, is pinning its hopes on e-Power as part of a broader turnaround strategy. The company faces significant challenges in the U.S. market, where President Donald Trump's tariff policies have complicated matters for Japanese automakers.
To reverse its fortunes, Nissan is pursuing cost-cutting initiatives, strengthening partnerships, and reshaping its vehicle lineup—with e-Power technology playing a key role in that effort, according to Akashi.
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As part of its recovery plan, Nissan recently announced it would cut 15% of its global workforce—around 20,000 employees—and reduce its manufacturing footprint from 17 plants to 10. The restructuring is being led by new Chief Executive Ivan Espinosa.
Currently, e-Power technology is available in the Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail in Europe, and the Note in Japan. The U.S. market will see the upgraded system introduced in the upcoming Rogue model.
While pricing for the new e-Power vehicles has not yet been disclosed, the only other automaker offering a similar setup is Suzuki Motor Corp., which incorporates it in its compact "kei" cars.
Nissan, an early innovator in electric vehicles with the launch of the Leaf in 2010, is also working on enhanced EV models and is developing solid-state batteries—a potential replacement for the lithium-ion batteries now used in EVs, hybrids, and e-Power systems.
Despite these efforts, analysts caution that Nissan is facing serious financial risks and may soon need external support. Speculation has emerged that the company may sell its Yokohama headquarters building or repurpose one of its domestic factories into a casino to raise funds.
The company was previously in discussions with rival Honda Motor Co. regarding a possible business integration but announced in February that those talks had been called off.
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