Nissan’s latest e-POWER hybrid system has won the 2027 RJC Technology of the Year award in Japan. The third-generation technology, used in the all-new Kicks and all-new Elgrand, was recognised at the 36th RJC Car of the Year awards for its gains in efficiency, performance and refinement.
Nissan’s third-generation e-POWER powertrain has received the 2027 RJC Technology of the Year award. The prize was presented at the 36th RJC Car of the Year awards, run by the Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC).
The award covers the system as fitted to two new models, the all-new Kicks and the all-new Elgrand. Both use the latest version of the series-hybrid setup, but with different engines.
How e-POWER works
Unlike a conventional parallel hybrid, e-POWER never uses the petrol engine to drive the wheels. The engine acts only as a generator, and a high-output electric motor does all of the propulsion. According to Nissan, this gives the car the immediate response of an electric vehicle without the need to plug it in.
In the third generation, Nissan pairs an engine built purely for generating power with a new 5-in-1 electric powertrain unit. This module combines five core components, including the motor and the inverter, in a single package. The company says the result is much better fuel efficiency and a quieter car.
Two engines, one system
The two award-winning models use different engines. The Kicks has a 1.4-litre engine, while the larger Elgrand gets a newly developed 1.5-litre turbocharged unit that uses Nissan’s own combustion technology.
Why the jury chose it
In its reasoning, the RJC pointed to the higher thermal efficiency of the generator engine and the better energy efficiency of the new 5-in-1 unit. The jury summed up the overall effect:
“Advances to both the electric powertrain unit and engine further improve fuel efficiency, driving performance and quietness, enhancing the overall appeal of these vehicles with this series-hybrid system.”
What it means
e-POWER has long been Nissan’s main electrified alternative for buyers who aren’t ready for a fully electric car. Nissan’s argument for the series-hybrid layout is that it delivers an EV-like driving experience while running on petrol alone. This award from a Japanese body of automotive researchers and journalists backs the engineering work behind the latest version, which focuses on efficiency and refinement, two areas where series hybrids have traditionally been criticised.
Nissan has not given power, torque or fuel-consumption figures for the third-generation system in this announcement.
Facts: Nissan third-generation e-POWER
- Award: 2027 RJC Technology of the Year (36th RJC Car of the Year awards)
- Type: Series hybrid; petrol engine generates electricity, electric motor drives the wheels
- Electric powertrain: New 5-in-1 unit combining five core components, including motor and inverter
- Kicks engine: 1.4-litre
- Elgrand engine: Newly developed 1.5-litre turbocharged
- Models: All-new Kicks, all-new Elgrand
The third-generation e-POWER system is already on sale in the new Kicks and Elgrand.
Source: global.nissannews.com