Nissan Is Finally Getting Serious About HybridsNissan's late to the hybrid game, that's for sure. But with the introduction of the all-new Rogue Hybrid, the company has at least entered the arena. More importantly, the Rogue serves as the starting point for Nissan's e-Power in America.The Rogue Hybrid, however, won't be the only electrified model in the automaker's lineup. Nissan is reportedly preparing to bring the Kicks e-Power to the US while also developing V6 hybrid powertrains for its upcoming truck and SUV range. Obviously, this gives Nissan a broader hybrid strategy rather than simply adding electrification to one popular crossover.NissanA Hybrid Push Through 2030Nissan Americas Chairman Christian Meunier outlined the company's plans during a briefing at Nissan's global headquarters on September 28. The automaker wants hybrids to become a major part of its North American lineup by the end of the decade."We'll be well-equipped. I think the hybrid is going to become by 2030 probably the primary powertrain in North America but also in Latin America," Meunier said, as reported by Automotive News.Nissan figures hybrids will soon make up 30-40% of Rogue sales. The plan is to build the Rogue Hybrid right in Smyrna, Tennessee, starting in 2028. Sure, it's about meeting demand, but it's also a way for Nissan to keep its factories busy, boost profits, and rely less on imports.NissanKicks e-Power Is On The WayThe Kicks will be an important piece of Nissan's hybrid expansion. An e-Power version is expected to arrive in the US around 2028, giving the compact crossover an electrified option without following the conventional hybrid formula.Japan's already got a taste of what e-Power can do in the Kicks, which uses Nissan's third-generation e-Power system. Its 1.4-liter three-cylinder engine is essentially a generator, rather than the direct source of propulsion. Nissan lists it at 97 horsepower and 85 lb-ft of torque, but those figures don't reach the wheels. Propulsion duty goes to the front electric motor, which produces 141 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque – almost the same power as the current US Kicks but way torquier.SpecificationKicks e-Power (Japan)Current US-spec KicksPowertrain1.4L e-Power hybrid2.0L gasolineEngine cylinders3-cylinder4-cylinderEngine power98 hp141 hpEngine torque85 lb-ft140 lb-ftElectric motor143 hp–Electric motor torque232 lb-ft–Of note, Nissan hasn't confirmed whether the US-spec Kicks e-Power will inherit the same setup as the one sold in Japan.For US buyers, the Kicks e-Power could be the sweet spot between a regular gas crossover and a full-on EV – and at a lower price point. It's a clever move for folks who aren't quite ready to ditch gasoline entirely.NissanV6 Hybrid Trucks Will Be US-MadeNissan's been hinting at V6 hybrids for a while, but now it's sounding real. The plan is to drop this setup into the next wave of body-on-frame trucks and SUVs, starting with the new Xterra. Nissan's already said the new Xterra gets a V6, and yes, a hybrid version is in the cards. The plan is to roll out V6 hybrids across a whole family of SUVs and pickups, from subcompact to midsize.More importantly, Nissan will build these new models stateside, helping ramp up US production. The Xterra leads the charge, with more hybrid trucks and SUVs to follow in the coming years.NissanNissan Rogue PHEV: DeadNot every electrified Nissan is here to stay. The polarizing Rogue Plug-in Hybrid is getting the axe soon, having served as a stopgap until e-Power takes over.Built on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the Rogue plug-in was always a temporary fix for the US. Nissan ordered 3,000 for 2027, but only half have found homes as of late. Production's done, according to Meunier, because plug-in hybrid sales have plummeted in the US.Cole Attisha
