Nissan is getting into the Prolonged-Vary Electrical Car (EREV) market, though it has been engaged on this idea since 2016. The corporate’s “e-Energy” hybrid system operates and not using a bodily hyperlink between the gasoline engine and the wheels, directing all energy by means of an electrical drivetrain. Not too long ago, officers confirmed that this know-how might be launched within the U.S., forward of the launch of the redesigned 2026 Rogue small crossover. The second-generation e-Energy system is already utilized within the widespread Qashqai crossover in Europe.
There might be some confusion as Nissan additionally plans to launch a plug-in hybrid model of the present Rogue this 12 months, which can make use of a standard “parallel” hybrid system borrowed from the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. In a parallel system, each the engine and electrical motor contribute energy to the wheels, making it difficult to mix their outputs completely. In distinction, e-Energy fashions completely use electrical motors for propulsion, with the gasoline engine solely offering electrical energy. Whereas different EREVs function massive batteries that supply substantial electrical ranges, Nissan’s system doesn’t require an outsized battery, as it’s already out there in quite a few hybrids and not using a plug.
Many producers are choosing greater batteries in EREVs, assuming this might be very important for powering bigger electrical motors. Nissan circumvents this by enabling the 1.5-liter gasoline engine within the Qashqai e-Energy to ship its output on to the motor by means of an inverter, reasonably than solely to the battery.
In testing, the present second-generation e-Energy felt subtle however didn’t completely replicate the seamless expertise of a pure EV. When the accelerator was pressed exhausting, the response got here in two distinct phases. The preliminary energy got here immediately from the battery, which represented solely a fraction of the entire output—maxing out at 187 hp—till the engine revved as much as contribute additional energy. Whereas missing gears aids in making a easy trip, it doesn’t present the continual energy supply attribute of electrical autos.
The upcoming third-generation system, meant for the U.S. market, is extra refined. It smooths out the torque supply, leading to a extra predictable driving expertise. Fast acceleration can typically result in energy shortages, however a measured enter ends in a proportional output.
The improved system positions Nissan to compete intently with phase leaders like Honda and Toyota, reflecting years of refinement. The 2026 Rogue PHEV will function an e-Energy setup with a considerably bigger battery than earlier fashions. Nonetheless, it is not anticipated to match the intensive vary of opponents just like the Ramcharger; extra realistically, it’s going to fall nearer to the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, providing round 42 miles of electrical vary, appropriate for each day commutes whereas the three-cylinder engine offers help for longer journeys.
Nissan claims that as a result of the engine will not be linked to the wheels, it will possibly function inside its best vary. The third-generation e-Energy fashions are outfitted with a revised model of the 1.5-liter engine designed for improved combustion effectivity. Primarily based on my impressions, this method ought to present a notable plug-in hybrid expertise, an achievement not simply realized.
This improvement comes at an important time for Nissan, which is dealing with challenges within the U.S. market, together with extra stock and the necessity for reductions. The Rogue is significant for the corporate, with its peak gross sales reaching over 400,000 models in 2018—dropping to beneath 250,000 final 12 months as a consequence of waning demand and a much less participating product lineup. The 2026 redesign is poised to be a pivotal second for Nissan, notably as opponents just like the CR-V and RAV4 hybrids see robust gross sales. The introduction of the Rogue e-Energy might arrive simply when it’s most wanted.
For extra data, you possibly can attain out to the creator at Mack.Hogan@insideevs.com.
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