We all know by now that in the past year alone brands have been heavily pushing for EV viability in the country. One such brand is Nissan, and while we have EVs here they aren’t exactly that affordable.
The Japanese automaker has taken notice and wants to do something about it
Nissan to make EVs more affordable
Nissan Japan today 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, the brand became the first automaker to mass-market an EV, the 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 improve production efficiencies and reduce 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 a newly developed motor that reduces the use of heavy rare earth elements to 1% or less of magnet 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 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.”
Under its long-term vision, the company aims to bolster its lineup with 27 new electrified models, including 19 EVs, by the fiscal year 2030. They aim to bring the unique value of their electrified vehicles to the broadest range of customers by introducing the most suitable models to each market at the appropriate time.
