- Third-generation e-POWER wins RJC Technology award.
- Awarded at 36th RJC Car of the Year.
- Fitted to all-new Kicks and Elgrand.
- Five core components in one module.
- Kicks 1.4-litre, Elgrand 1.5-litre turbo.
The third-generation e-POWER hybrid system from Nissan has been named 2027 RJC Technology of the Year at the 36th RJC Car of the Year awards. The awards are organised by the Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC).
The award-winning system is fitted to two new models, the all-new Kicks and the all-new Elgrand.
How Nissan e-POWER works
e-POWER is a hybrid system in which a petrol engine generates electricity, while the wheels are driven entirely by a high-output electric motor. Because the motor alone turns the wheels, the car drives with the responsiveness of an electric vehicle.
The latest version pairs an engine dedicated to generating power with a 5-in-1 e-POWER electric powertrain unit. That unit brings five core components, including the motor and inverter, together in a single module. According to the carmaker, the result is a significant improvement in fuel efficiency and quietness.
Why the RJC chose e-POWER
In explaining its decision, the RJC pointed to the combination of a power-generation engine with improved thermal efficiency and a newly developed 5-in-1 electric powertrain unit with enhanced energy efficiency.
It also noted that advances to both the electric unit and the engine further improve fuel efficiency, driving performance and quietness, enhancing the overall appeal of vehicles that use this series-hybrid system.
Kicks and Elgrand engine choices
The two models take different engines. A 1.4-litre unit generates the electricity in the Kicks. The larger Elgrand uses a newly developed 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that incorporates Nissan’s own combustion technology.
Despite the different engines, both vehicles drive their wheels purely with electric power, and both use the same 5-in-1 electric powertrain unit recognised by the RJC jury.
Supplied by MotorPress (Tanje Wandrag, Media Queries, Nissan South Africa)
This story is based on aggregated news, press release(s) or other sources and was prepared with the help of AI tools, which can make mistakes. Prices, specifications, general information and availability may change, so confirm the details with the manufacturer, other news sources or a dealer.
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