Nissan's Third-Generation e-POWER Powertrain

Core Philosophy: e-POWER is Nissan's proprietary electric-drive hybrid system. It blends the instantaneous torque of an electric motor with the convenience of a gasoline engine, which serves exclusively as an onboard power plant to charge the battery.

By ensuring the vehicle is $\text{100\%}$ propelled by a high-output motor, Nissan provides an EV-style driving sensation while eliminating "range anxiety" through the integrated combustion generator.

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🚀 Evolution of the 3rd Generation

The latest iteration of e-POWER introduces a fundamental shift: the use of purpose-built engines. Unlike previous versions, these engines are engineered specifically for electricity generation rather than mechanical propulsion.

The "5-in-1" Modular Architecture

Nissan has transitioned to a modular "5-in-1" design. This approach integrates five critical elements into a single unit to maximize space and performance:

Technical Enhancements for Efficiency

To boost acceleration and energy economy, Nissan focused on increasing electrical flow and minimizing waste:

• Flat Wire Coils: By using flat wires instead of round ones, gaps are minimized, allowing for a denser arrangement and higher current flow through the motor.
• Advanced Inverter Cooling: A double-sided cooling structure is employed to dissipate heat more effectively, which is critical for maintaining efficiency during high-speed cruising.
• SiC Semiconductors: Certain models utilize Silicon Carbide (SiC) power semiconductors.
  • Conventional Silicon $\rightarrow$ Silicon Carbide
  • Result: Lower power loss during conversion, meaning more energy reaches the wheels and less fuel is burned.

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🔇 Refinement and Synergy

Quietness and Precision

Integration isn't just about size; it's about stability. By unifying the components, Nissan has:

1. Increased Rigidity: This prevents the system's resonance points from interfering with the vehicle body.
2. Reduced Runout: High-precision assembly minimizes the "wobble" (runout tolerances) of gears and rotating shafts, effectively suppressing vibrations.

EV Integration

Nissan leverages a shared ecosystem between its full EVs and e-POWER vehicles. By sharing the 3-in-1 EV powertrain components, the company achieves:

• $\downarrow$ Number of unique parts.
• $\downarrow$ Production investment costs.
• $\uparrow$ Cross-pollination of expertise between EV and hybrid development.

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⚙️ Purpose-Built Generation Engines

Nissan has developed two specific engine variants to act as the heart of the e-POWER system:

• HR14DDe: A highly efficient, naturally aspirated power generator.
• ZR15DDTe: A turbocharged version for increased power generation capacity.

The Science of Stable Combustion

In a standard engine, the RPM fluctuates constantly based on the driver's foot, making it hard to maintain an optimal combustion cycle. However, a purpose-built generator can operate at a constant, optimized speed.

Key Engineering Goals:

• Increase the compression ratio.
• Elevate the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) ratio.
• Maintain a stable combustion cycle regardless of road speed.

Energy Flow Logic

The relationship between power, voltage, and current in the 5-in-1 system can be simplified as: $P = V \times I$ Where $P$ is power, $V$ is voltage, and $I$ is the current flow (optimized via flat wire coils).

As of September 2026, this technology represents the pinnacle of Nissan's commitment to diversified electrification.