Analysis of the second-generation e-POWER technology of the super hybrid electric drive X-Trail

As one of the earliest automakers in the world to enter the new energy field, Nissan has rich technical accumulation and market experience. The second-generation e-POWER technology has also given new meaning to the long-standing title of "Technology Nissan". Compared with the first-generation system, the second-generation motor output power has increased by 5% and the maximum torque has increased by 7%.

First, let's take a look at the second-generation e-POWER technology of the super hybrid electric drive X-Trail. Its power structure is composed of an internal combustion engine + a generator + a flash charging and flash discharging power battery + two motors. The working mode of Nissan's e-POWER hybrid technology is different from Honda's i-MMD and Toyota's dual-engine technology. It does not rely on charging and has unique advantages. In fact, the working logic of e-POWER is very simple. It adopts a series structure solution. The internal combustion engine is only used to drive the generator to generate electricity. The electricity generated by the generator is temporarily stored in the battery to provide electricity to the drive motor at any time. The drive of the entire vehicle is entirely realized by the drive motor. It is also the only hybrid system on the market that can be 100% pure electric drive. The super hybrid electric drive X-Trail has the driving experience of a pure electric vehicle.

The second-generation e-POWER technology has upgraded the thermal efficiency of the internal combustion engine compared to the old model, with a thermal efficiency of 46%. The second-generation e-POWER internal combustion engine uses high compression ratio technology, increasing the compression ratio from 10.2 to 12. This is an important breakthrough in the development of automotive internal combustion engines. In addition to significantly improving thermal efficiency, the high compression ratio also reduces fuel consumption. Its internal combustion engine also uses mirror-sprayed cylinder walls, cooled exhaust gas recirculation system EGR, Miller cycle and other technologies. The internal combustion engine of the super hybrid electric drive X-Trail does not participate in vehicle driving, it is 100% focused on power generation.

01#

This "extended range" is extraordinary!

The great thing about e-POWER is that it is more powerful than any range extender known so far. In terms of power generation, the second-generation e-POWER super-hybrid electric drive technology uses a variable compression ratio range extender, paired with a high-efficiency generator, with high power generation efficiency and fuel economy. The variable compression ratio range extender can adaptively adjust the compression ratio according to the working conditions, increase the compression ratio at low loads to reduce fuel consumption, and reduce the compression ratio at high loads to increase power. The high-efficiency generator can output high power at low speeds, and has a small size and weight. It can flexibly adjust the working status of the engine and generator under different working conditions to achieve the best power supply effect.

In terms of power supply, the second-generation e-POWER super-hybrid electric drive technology uses a power-type battery that supports flash charging and flash discharging. It has a higher charge and discharge rate, can instantly output peak torque, and achieve the same response speed as pure electric vehicles. This battery can not only charge and discharge quickly in a short period of time, but also recover some energy during braking or deceleration and store it in the battery, thereby extending the driving range. Therefore, the second-generation e-POWER super-hybrid electric drive technology also uses advanced range extender technology, high-efficiency generator technology, and flash charging and flash amplification power battery technology. The combination of these three realizes high power supply, which is difficult to match with other range-extending technologies.

Let's take a look at ordinary extended-range vehicles. Ordinary extended-range vehicles require large batteries to meet the requirements of strong motors for high current because of their low power supply. To put it bluntly, it's not that these car companies don't want to make the batteries smaller, but because the technology can't keep up. So you will find that there are almost no small batteries in extended-range vehicles, and basically all of them are large batteries, which is precisely a manifestation of poor technology.

02#

The “small battery” here plays a big role!

The flash-charge and flash-discharge power battery of the super hybrid electric drive X-Trail is a power battery with high power density, high energy efficiency and high reliability. This battery technology adopts a new way of storing electric energy, which can store and release a large amount of electric energy in a short time. Its charge and discharge rate is more than 15 times that of ordinary EV batteries, so it can improve the vehicle's power performance and acceleration ability. At the same time, due to its long life and recyclable advantages. Most batteries on the current automotive market are energy storage batteries. The amount of energy stored directly determines the endurance. When it is used up, it needs to be charged, and the endurance of this ordinary energy storage battery will be affected to varying degrees in low temperature environments. The super hybrid electric drive X-Trail does not need to be charged, and the battery will not be limited by temperature. The battery of the super hybrid electric drive X-Trail can achieve a 10-year 200,000-kilometer warranty, which almost runs through the entire life of the vehicle.

So the real power of the second-generation e-POWER super hybrid electric drive technology is that it can use a small battery to meet the current needs of the entire vehicle, which is precious. It's like taking a shower - other car companies put water into the water tank first, and then pressurize it to the shower. But the second-generation e-POWER can directly connect the shower to the water pipe, without the need for intermediate water storage. The significance of battery shrinkage may be greater than you think. First, it can not occupy the interior space of the vehicle to ensure the comfort of passengers. Unlike other cars, the rear floor is raised or occupies the trunk space; second, the small battery also reduces the cost and weight of the vehicle, making it affordable for more people. People say that the extended-range technology is not as good as the plug-in hybrid, but the emergence of e-POWER can be regarded as a real revival of the "extended-range" technology route. Let's make an assumption here: What will happen if Ideal Auto gets the e-POWER technology? The first is that the full-charge range is improved, because the power generation efficiency becomes higher, and the same battery will achieve a longer range. Secondly, fuel consumption will be reduced, and the title of "oil tiger" can be removed. And the power level will be improved, and "running out of power" will become a thing of the past. Although it is not said, I believe Ideal Auto has been envious of e-POWER.

03#

What are the strengths of the super hybrid electric drive X-Trail?

The second-generation e-POWER super-hybrid electric drive technology can only be said to be one of the highlights of the new X-Trail. The super-hybrid electric drive X-Trail cancels the traditional gearbox and is replaced by two motors. There is no gearbox and the two motors also have a clear division of labor. The generator at the bottom is connected to the internal combustion engine and generates electricity under the drive of the internal combustion engine; the drive motor at the top is connected to the reducer and the wheel drive shaft, and has no mechanical connection with the internal combustion engine and the generator. Its main function is to provide power for the vehicle and recover kinetic energy. The maximum power of the front motor is 150kW and the peak torque is 330 Nm. The maximum power of the rear motor is 100kW and the peak torque is 195 Nm.

This power structure can achieve independent control and drive of the front and rear axles, provide balanced chassis control, lane tracking and precise steering, and effectively improve the tracking and precision of turns without the driver having to make additional steering wheel corrections. This is what experienced drivers often say, "point and hit".

In addition, the super hybrid electric drive X-Trail adopts the e-4ORCE Snow Fox electric four-wheel drive, which innovatively integrates four-wheel drive control technology, four-wheel control technology, and chassis control technology, and transforms the four-wheel drive control technology from mechanical control to 100% electronic control, with better acceleration and cornering performance.

Finally, the second-generation e-POWER super-hybrid electric drive technology adopts the e-Pedal single-pedal mode to make driving easier. On Tesla, this single-pedal mode has been well received by many car owners, because in this mode, only one pedal is needed to control acceleration and deceleration, and it will automatically brake and stop when the pedal is released. It can not only reduce the frequency and intensity of use of the brake pedal, extend the life of the brake pads, but also improve driving safety and comfort. According to official data, under the NEDC comprehensive working conditions, the super-hybrid electric drive X-Trail has a fuel consumption of only 6.4L per 100 kilometers. Of course, this mode is not mandatory, you can use it or not.

Its working principle can be simply summarized as follows: the control module adjusts the speed and torque of the motor according to the driver's driving intention and the vehicle's operating status to achieve precise power distribution to the four wheels. The sensor continuously feeds back information during the operation of the vehicle, providing a basis for the control module to adjust the motor speed and torque. The drive module effectively transmits the power of the motor to the four wheels according to the instructions of the control module. The system is equipped with five driving modes: automatic, economic, sports, snow, and off-road. In ice and snow sports, it can provide the vehicle with good driving force and stability to ensure driving safety. In addition, in the field of ecological protection, the energy-saving and environmentally friendly characteristics of the e-4ORCE Snow Fox electric four-wheel drive system also make it an ideal choice for sustainable travel. Whether it is urban roads or off-road conditions, the e-4ORCE Snow Fox electric four-wheel drive system can provide the vehicle with stable power output to ensure a driving experience.