Nissan, the Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer, has recently announced the launch of its innovative e-POWER and e-4ORCE technologies in Africa. The announcement was made during the first-ever all-electric Formula E race event in South Africa. The introduction of these new technologies is part of Nissan’s plan to bring electric vehicles (EVs) to Africa and promote a sustainable future for the continent.
The launch of e-POWER and e-4ORCE was part of a series of events in the lead-up to the historic ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in Cape Town. Attendees were able to experience the e-POWER and e-4ORCE technologies through a Qashqai and X-Trail driving experience at Killarney International Raceway in Milnerton, Cape Town. This allowed Nissan to showcase its latest technologies to potential customers, highlighting the benefits of EVs and their role in the future of mobility.
e-POWER is a unique 100% electric motor-driven system that offers the responsive and effortless driving experience of an all-electric car without the need to recharge. This technology combines modern EV technology with an efficient petrol engine to charge the lightweight, lithium-ion battery pack when necessary. The electric motor delivers power directly to the wheels using energy stored in the battery pack, while the petrol engine is used for charging the battery pack or powering the electric motor.
The e-POWER system was first introduced in Japan in 2017 on the Note compact family car and went on to become Japan’s number one best-selling car in 2018. It borrows from the EV technology perfected in the Nissan LEAF, the best-selling pure electric car in history. Unlike conventional hybrid systems, Nissan’s innovative e-POWER technology delivers a constant EV-like drive experience, thanks to the driven wheels being powered only by the electric motors, so response is always instant, linear and smooth.
e-POWER technology is a gateway for customers who are not yet ready to make the step to full EVs. The technology helps bring more people closer to EV ownership and is a significant step toward Nissan’s ambitions for an electrified future in support of its sustainability goals. This is especially important in Africa, where infrastructure and range anxiety are still major concerns for potential EV owners.
Nissan understands the current barriers to electrification in Africa and is working to address them. The company collaborates with different stakeholders across the continent to build policy frameworks that support a future of electric mobility for Africa. The introduction of e-POWER and e-4ORCE technologies is a significant step in this direction.
The e-4ORCE system is designed to work exclusively with Nissan’s electrified powertrains, delivering power, comfort, and control in all conditions. This is Nissan’s most advanced all-wheel-drive technology for electrified powertrains. It integrates Nissan’s electric propulsion and 4WD control technologies with its chassis-control technology for a huge leap in acceleration, cornering, and braking performance. It reinforces handling and drivers’ reassurance on almost all surfaces, and the ingenious system offers superior control and immediate response, while pitch management modulates brake balance for a more comfortable ride.
The powerful dual e-motor system has a total output of 157kW thanks to the addition of the rear motor, which allows for keen acceleration, with a zero-100km/h time of just 7.0 seconds. It also has a rear torque bias of 100% when accelerating from standstill, ensuring the maximum amount of power is delivered to the rear wheels for optimal acceleration.
