If you are not familiar with the small Nissan Kicks , it is a compact crossover, like the Juke, but it is not sold in Europe. The Japanese brand updated it (restyling), taking advantage of the opportunity to introduce Nissan e-Power technology in a model outside Japan — until now was only present in the small MPV Note (video below).
A technology that deserves our full attention, as it will also arrive in Europe in 2022 — most likely with the successor to the Qashqai. The new generation was anticipated by a concept, the IMQ , also equipped with this piece of technology, albeit in a variant for all-wheel drive models.
After all, what is this Nissan e-Power?
It is the latest hybrid technology from the Japanese brand and is distinct from other hybrid (non-plug-in) technologies that we are familiar with, such as Toyota or Hyundai.
The Nissan e-Power is closer to the Honda e:HEV hybrid technology that we'll see in the new Jazz or already seen in the CR-V already on sale. In other words, it is fundamentally a serial hybrid, where the combustion engine only serves as a generator for the electric motor , not being connected to the drive shaft.
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It's the same type of operation that we see in Hondas, even though there is a driving scenario in which the combustion engine can pass power directly to the drive shaft. From what we see in Nissan e-Power technology, that never happens.
Electric…gasoline
In other words, when equipped with Nissan e-Power technology, this model essentially becomes an electric vehicle… gasoline. The combustion engine is not a range extender, as in some electric vehicles. The combustion engine is… the battery.
In the case of this Nissan Kicks, as a “battery” we have a small three-cylinder in-line, with 1.2 l of capacity and 80 hp of power. When used only as a generator, it allows it to work longer in its ideal efficiency regime, contributing to the expected reduction in consumption and emissions.
The energy that the 1.2 produces feeds the battery, then passes through the inverter (transforms direct current into alternating current), which finally arrives at the EM57 electric motor, with 129 hp and 260 Nm , this one, connected to the driving front axle.
Yes, it has a battery (lithium ion), but this one is quite compact and low-density — just 1.57kWh. Forget about extensive electrical displacement. By the way, Nissan didn't even disclose in this first press release any value for the electric autonomy, despite the small Kicks having an EV mode.
Wasn't it better to have only one battery?
Given the high cost of electric vehicles, hybrids like this Kicks will be a valid and much more accessible option in the fight to reduce consumption and emissions. If it were exclusively electric, like a Leaf, the little Kicks would have to be a lot more expensive.
It is this technology that should take the place of Nissan's diesel engines in Europe. The end of diesel engines in the next generation of the Qashqai is practically certain, whose place will be taken by a hybrid Qashqai with e-Power technology.
In addition to Qashqai, will we see this technology in Juke or another Nissan model? We will have to wait and see.
Nissan is also going through a delicate phase of its existence, with the announcement of a recovery plan shortly. What is known is that this plan promises renewed focus on key markets such as the US or China, but a reduced presence in others such as Europe. Find out more:
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