Nissan is making big moves in the world of electrification but the company’s gamble on E-REVs could potentially allow it to gain a big win fall if all falls into place.
Nissan revealed recently that it intends to put a strong emphasis on E-REV vehicles.
Electrification has become a rapidly dominant theme in Nissan’s future plans with the Japanese auto giant investing large sums of money and research efforts into technology like solid-state batteries and advanced hybrid technologies. However, changing market conditions and slowing demand for EVs are forcing Nissan and other automakers to pivot on some of their EV-related goals and embrace other green vehicle types to maintain customer loyalty.
One potential avenue is extended-range electric vehicles (E-REV) with more automakers exploring their potential. This includes Scout which is reportedly planning an extended-range model to go along with its all-electric models. Nissan says that its system will be a touch above the rest and that it will help the company win big in the race toward electrification.
Breaking it down
E-REV vehicles would help Nissan create a bridge into formal EVs with models like the Rogue, Murano, and Pathfinder all being compatible with such a setup
An E-REV vehicle is an electric vehicle that’s equipped with a small gasoline engine that acts as an onboard generator for the smaller battery pack. This is supposed to provide a middle ground for consumers who want to move into an electric vehicle but might be concerned about range anxiety and their ability to find a charging station. Having an onboard generator mitigates the range anxiety and allows the battery to be charged while the vehicle is on the move.
In the case of Nissan, it’s eying the technology for its larger vehicles with Nissan’s Chief Planning officer Ponz Pandikuthira revealed that its larger SUV models like the Rogue, Pathfinder, and Murano are all good platforms for an E-REV model. An E-REV model of these three models would help Nissan avoid some of the challenges that come with making a formal EV version of the trio while also maintaining strong performance when it comes to towing and hauling cargo around town.
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Nissan has other surprises up its sleeve
Nissan is continuing research into new EV technologies including solid-state batteries with th elatter promising improved energy density and range.
While E-REVs will become a bridge to EVs for customers, Nissan will also be exploring other ways to expand its presence in the green vehicle market. That includes rolling out a new generation Lithium Ion battery pack in 2026 which is supposed to have 25% more energy density which will improve the driving range for EVs equipped with the new battery pack.
After the company does that, it hopes to have vehicles equipped with solid-state batteries by 2028. Solid state batteries have received renewed attention by automakers as they attempt to find ways to improve range and performance with Stellantis recently confirming that it will be installing SSB technology in a small fleet of Charger EVs to see how these batteries cope with real-world driving conditions. As for Nissan, the solid-state batteries it’s reportedly working on might be a core part of the package for a rumored revival of the Nissan GT-R which is rumored to go all-electric to create a potent halo offering for Nissan’s growing lineup of EVs.
The Chevy VOLT was an E-REV. Why did GM abandon the tech? Had they put the Volt powerplant in say, a TRAX-sized SUV it would have been a winner! (didn’t they hint at a modified Chevy Orlando PHEV 10 years ago?
GM chose to go the all-electric route, a controversial decision. It is pulling back a bit and will add some PHEVs around 2026, though those will likely be larger vehicles than the old Chevy Volt.
Paul E.