Nissan X-in-1 – Modularization in EV Powertrains for Greater Efficiency

The strategy aims to reduce development and manufacturing costs by 30 percent compared to 2019 by 2026. At the same time, Nissan aims to further increase the competitiveness of its EV and e-POWER vehicles. Nissan has developed a 3-in-1 powertrain prototype that modularizes the motor, inverter, and reducer and is designed for use in electric vehicles. A 5-in-1 prototype, which additionally modularizes the generator and incrementer, is planned for use in e-POWER vehicles.

"We leverage our expertise and know-how from over a decade of developing and producing electrified technologies," explains Senior Vice President Toshihiro Hirai, who leads the development of the powertrain and electric vehicles. "Through our innovations in developing electrified powertrains, we will continue to create new value for our customers and deliver 100 percent motorized vehicles - EVs and e-POWER - as much as possible."

The X-in-1 approach, which includes 3-in-1, 5-in-1, and other possible variants, was developed to enable the production of EV and e-Power core components on the same line. In 2010, Nissan became the first automaker to bring an electric car to the mass market with the Nissan Leaf. According to Hirai, to continuously improve its electrification technologies, Nissan has been listening attentively to its EV customers worldwide and, as a result, launched its electrified powertrain e-Power in 2016, which utilizes its EV technology.

Production Efficiency and Cost Savings

The shared use and modularization of core components improve production efficiency and reduce the cost of the powertrain by about 30 percent. Nissan's goal is to achieve price parity of e-Power with ICE vehicles by around 2026. At the same time, the reduction in size and weight of the unit is expected to enhance the driving behavior of the vehicle and minimize noise and vibrations.

Both for the environment and for Nissan's supply chains, it is good news that the Japanese were able to reduce the proportion of rare earths in the newly developed engines to less than 1 percent.

A Look into the Electric Future

As part of its long-term vision, Nissan Ambition 2030, the company aims to expand its lineup by the 2030 fiscal year to 27 new electrified models, including 19 EVs. Nissan is committed to making the unique value of its electrified vehicles accessible to as broad a customer base as possible by introducing the most suitable models to each market at the right time.