Eduard Huma
After years of being limited to overseas markets, Nissan’s e-Power hybrid system appears to be inching closer to a U.S. launch. Nothing about the move feels sudden, though. If anything, the available information suggests a slow, deliberate rollout rather than a broad push across the lineup.
Right at this very moment, the Rogue is positioned to lead that effort, with other models to follow later on; this means that Nissan is not planning to flip a switch and introduce an e-Power variant everywhere at once.
The irony here is that the technology involved is not new. The e-Power was somehow introduced in 2016 with the Note e-Power, and it has slowly but surely expanded throughout the vehicle segments abroad ever since. A lot have “borrowed” the technology – minivans, sedans, or crossovers have used for years, especially in markets where Nissan has a more established strategy.
Complete Powertrain Information
From a mechanical standpoint, Nisasn e-Power is more than a standard hybrid. And that’s because the conventional engine never drives the wheels directly, because it works as a generator that sends electricity to the battery.
The entire hybrid configuration is completed by a 1.2-liter engine. The electric motor handles propulsion by sending the power to the front via a single-speed reduction transmission. There’s no CVT involved.
Nissan has also developed a newer generation of e-Power. This is an updated system consisting of two engine choices – a 1.4-liter or 1.5-liter turbocharged engine – with limitations in generating electricity. For that, we have a much larger battery pack and other refinements that improve electricity when cruising on the road.
Other Specifications
Beyond the Rogue, there’s growing discussion around a second possible e-Power model for the U.S. Reports from Japan suggest the next-generation Nissan Kicks could be next in line. The claim comes from Best Car, a publication known for aggressive reporting, so some skepticism seems reasonable. That said, alleged spy shots are cited as supporting evidence.
If the new Kicks does receive e-Power, it’s suggested that it would use the 1.4-liter generator rather than the 1.5-liter version. In current applications, that 1.4-liter setup produces 161 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. For comparison, the existing crossover’s 2.0-liter engine is rated at 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft.
Conclusion
For the U.S., Nissan’s approach appears cautious, almost intentionally so. The Rogue is expected to act as a test case, with any broader expansion depending on how the system is received. The Kicks remains a possibility rather than a promise. Still, after nearly a decade of use elsewhere, e-Power finally looks ready to make the jump to America—just not all at once, and not without a bit of waiting.
