Nissan’s push to bridge the gap between traditional petrol cars and full battery-electric vehicles has earned major recognition in its home market, with its third-generation e-POWER system taking top honours at the 36th Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC) Car of the Year awards.

Named 2027 RJC Technology of the Year, the updated series-hybrid drivetrain currently underpins the all-new Nissan Kicks compact crossover and the latest Elgrand luxury MPV in Japan.

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How e-POWER differs from a conventional hybrid

Unlike traditional hybrids where both the petrol engine and electric motor take turns driving the wheels, Nissan’s e-POWER setup relies entirely on a high-output electric motor to turn the axles.

The petrol engine has no mechanical link to the wheels at all, instead, it acts strictly as an onboard generator to charge the battery. The result is the instant torque, smooth acceleration and cabin quietness of an electric car, without ever needing to hunt for a public plug point or install a home wallbox.

What’s new in generation three

For its third iteration, Nissan overhauled both ends of the powertrain:

• 5-in-1 electric powertrain unit: Five core components—including the electric motor, inverter, generator, reducer and increaser—have been packaged into a single, compact module to sharpen energy efficiency and cut weight and vibration.
• Dedicated generator engines: The Kicks pairs the electric unit with a 1.4-litre three-cylinder petrol generator, while the larger Elgrand debuts a newly developed 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine featuring Nissan’s latest combustion technology.

In its citation, the RJC jury praised the pairing of improved thermal efficiency from the generator engines with the upgraded 5-in-1 electric module, noting noticeable gains in fuel economy, responsiveness and overall refinement.

Why it matters for South Africa

While Nissan South Africa has yet to confirm local launch timing for third-generation e-POWER models, the technology has long been flagged by Nissan Africa executives as an ideal stepping stone for local motorists. With public charging infrastructure still heavily concentrated in major metros and long-distance intercity driving remaining the norm, a plug-free hybrid that refuels at any standard forecourt while delivering EV-like urban efficiency remains one of the most practical electrification routes for Mzansi.