A smooth step into the future: Nissan’s e-Power technology and what it means for drivers

Nissan has positioned itself at the forefront of automotive innovation through its e-Power hybrid system, which seamlessly combines the performance advantages of electric driving with the familiarity and convenience of a traditional combustion engine.

During a recent Drive TV interview, Jess spoke with Nissan’s Head of Product Planning, Clíodhna “Cli” Lyons, who explained exactly what sets e-Power apart from ordinary hybrids, how it fits into the company’s sustainability goals, and why it may be especially appealing to Australian drivers.

The conversation covered topics ranging from the system’s engineering to its market impact, and it offered valuable insights into Nissan’s electrified line-up's future direction. 

In a conventional hybrid, both the petrol engine and the electric motor can directly propel the wheels.

Nissan’s e-Power takes a different approach: the electric motor alone drives the wheels, while the petrol engine exists only to generate electricity for the battery.

This setup delivers the benefits of an electric vehicle – near-instant torque, quiet operation, and smooth acceleration – without the need to plug into a charger.

Lyons emphasised how e-Power feels like driving an EV, describing the experience as “you don’t drive it, you glide it,” thanks to the car’s seamless, linear power delivery. Because the engine never directly powers the wheels, the typical lag associated with combustion engines disappears, and drivers can enjoy quick, uninterrupted acceleration in any situation. 

Although fully-electric cars such as the Nissan Leaf have garnered considerable attention and sales success, not all drivers are ready to make the jump to all-electric motoring. Some remain concerned about charging infrastructure or the cost associated with purchasing a purely battery-powered vehicle.

According to Lyons, e-Power represents the perfect bridge technology for these consumers, offering a way to lower emissions and fuel consumption while retaining the reassuring familiarity of a fuel tank. Drivers can cruise on electric power for the entirety of their journey, but they never have to worry about finding a charger on a long road trip because the onboard combustion engine charges the battery whenever it needs replenishing. 

Lyons explained that e-Power is closely tied to Nissan’s broader sustainability practices. The company has learned a great deal from its leadership in electric vehicles – particularly through real-world data and lessons gleaned from the Nissan Leaf.

Nissan took that understanding of battery management, electric motors, and charging cycles, and then applied it to the design of e-Power. The result is a system that delivers EV-like performance while giving drivers a taste of what it would be like to eventually transition to a fully-electric car.

In this sense, e-Power is not just another hybrid option; it is also an educational stepping stone that can help drivers feel more confident about adopting full EVs in the future. 

On the driving side, the biggest draw of e-Power is arguably the thrill it provides. One of the most notable advantages of electric motors is their ability to deliver torque instantly.

Traditional combustion engines take time to build up power once the accelerator is pressed, and drivers often experience what is known as 'turbo lag'. By comparison, e-Power responds so quickly that it feels like a significant performance upgrade.

Lyons described the result as seamless and “fun to drive,” underscoring that Nissan wants to ensure no one feels they are making a sacrifice by choosing a hybrid over a conventional car. Instead, the company aims for owners to feel as though they have levelled-up to a more refined, exhilarating ride. 

Of course, any emerging technology prompts questions about reliability.

Lyons addressed these concerns directly, noting that Nissan’s cumulative sales of e-Power vehicles have already reached 1.5 million units worldwide across 68 markets.

That track record, she said, gives Nissan the utmost confidence in the durability and long-term performance of its hybrid system.

For Australian customers in particular, Nissan has sweetened the deal by offering a 10-year, 300,000-kilometre warranty (as long as the vehicle is serviced by Nissan). Lyons described this extended warranty as a powerful “proof point,” demonstrating that the company stands firmly behind its technology and is unafraid to offer generous coverage to back it up. 

The Australian context, as Lyons noted, is uniquely well-suited for e-Power. Many drivers routinely cover large distances, sometimes crossing vast stretches of remote territory.

For those who love road trips, the lack of charging infrastructure in certain areas can be a deterrent to buying a fully electric car. Because e-POWER cars refuel at any standard fuel station, however, Australians can enjoy a quieter, more electric feel on their drives without the stress of planning out charging stops.

Lyons pointed to the success of Nissan’s X-Trail and Qashqai models, both of which feature e-Power variants, as evidence of increasing demand in the country. This growth reflects not only the Australian market’s appetite for SUVs but also a general shift in consumer priorities toward vehicles that are more efficient and eco-friendly yet remain practical. 

Another critical piece of the puzzle is Nissan’s dealership network. In a country as large and decentralised as Australia, customers want reassurance that help will be available if something goes wrong.

According to Lyons, Nissan currently has the fifth-largest dealer network in Australia, with around 180 locations. This presence is meant to give drivers confidence as they venture across the continent, knowing that professional support and spare parts are never too far away. Lyons emphasised how crucial it is for prospective buyers to feel they can trust both the car and the brand’s infrastructure behind it. 

While e-Power is a vital part of Nissan’s strategy right now, the company also has its sights firmly set on the electric future.

Lyons briefly discussed the upcoming Nissan Ariya – an all-electric crossover slated to arrive in Australia in the latter half of 2025 – and hinted that further announcements would follow in the coming years.

She remained tight-lipped about specific upcoming models, but the underlying message was clear: e-Power is part of a broader transformation, not just a one-off novelty. For many drivers, buying an e-Power vehicle could serve as an accessible entry point into electrified driving, eventually paving the way for a full EV in the future. 

Taken as a whole, Nissan’s e-Power story is about offering a compelling blend of convenience and efficiency at a time when customers are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact.

By allowing the petrol engine to act purely as a generator, Nissan delivers the sensation of electric driving – rapid, quiet acceleration and a smoother overall ride – while easing two of the major pain points that can deter potential EV adopters: the higher cost of battery-driven models and the worry about charging infrastructure.

Thanks to e-Power, more drivers can experience the joys of electrified motoring, right now, without having to radically alter their habits or spend time looking for charging stations.

As the auto industry races toward a future that will undoubtedly be dominated by electric vehicles, Nissan’s hybrid reinvented helps bridge the gap. By showing how easy and enjoyable electric-style driving can be, it promises to convert many sceptics into believers and move the entire market closer to full electrification.