Nissan e-Power System Takes Center Stage After Honda Deal Breaks Down

Negotiations between Honda and Nissan for a potential merger have officially fallen apart, and new reports are shedding light on why. One of the biggest roadblocks? Honda reportedly insisted that Nissan abandon its e-Power hybrid system in favor of Honda’s own hybrid technology—a demand Nissan flatly refused.

Nissan is on the verge of launching the third generation of e-Power, which brings major improvements:

• 20% more efficient than the first-generation system.

• 15% more efficient than the current version.

• 20% lower development costs compared to the first-gen model.

Unlike conventional hybrids, Nissan's e-Power system doesn’t use the gasoline engine to drive the wheels. Instead, the engine works solely as a generator, supplying power to a battery that feeds an electric motor, which then powers the wheels. This setup provides a driving experience closer to a pure EV while still using a combustion engine for energy generation.

The next-gen e-Power system will make its European debut in the Nissan Qashqai. With the Honda deal now off the table, Nissan is forging ahead independently, focusing on its technological innovations and independent strategy.