Nissan unveils new approach to electrified powertrain development

Nissan has unveiled its new approach to electrified powertrain development, which it calls X-in-1.

Under the approach, core EV and e-POWER powertrain components will be shared and modularized, resulting in a 30% reduction, compared to 2019, in development and manufacturing costs by 2026.

Through the X-in-1 approach, Nissan aims to further increase the competitiveness of its EV and e-POWER vehicles. Nissan has developed a 3-in-1 powertrain prototype, which modularizes the motor, inverter and reducer, which is planned for use in EVs. A 5-in-1 prototype, which additionally modularizes the generator and increaser, is planned for use in e-POWER vehicles.

The X-in-1 approach, which covers 3-in-1, 5-in-1, and other possible variants, has been developed to enable EV and e-POWER core components to be produced on the same line.

In 2010, Nissan became the first automaker to mass-market an EV, the Nissan LEAF. To continuously enhance its electrification technologies, Nissan has been carefully listening to its EV customers around the world. In 2016, Nissan launched its unique e-POWER electrified powertrain, utilizing its EV technology, which provides the same driving pleasure as an EV as it is 100% motor drive.

The X-in-1 approach to electrified powertrain development provides the following benefits:

• Sharing and modularizing core components improves production efficiencies and reduces powertrain costs by approximately 30% compared to 2019. Nissan aims to achieve e-POWER price parity with ICE vehicles by around 2026.
• Size and weight reduction of the unit improves vehicle driving performance and minimizes noise and vibration.
• Adopt newly developed motor that reduces the use of heavy rare earth elements to 1% or less by weight.
• The sharing of core components and control technology provides the enjoyable driving experience unique to Nissan EVs.

Senior Vice President Toshihiro Hirai, who leads powertrain & EV engineering powertrain development, said: “We make the most of our expertise and know-how from our more-than-a-decade long development and production of electrified technologies. Through our innovations in electrified powertrain development, we’ll continue to create new value for customers and deliver 100% motor-driven vehicles – EVs and e-POWER – as widely as possible.”