Nissan’s new “X-in-1” Approach to Reduce EV Powertrain Costs by 30%

Nissan is committed towards the all-electric future of mobility and has unveiled its new approach for electric powertrain development. Named the “X-in-1” approach, it looks to help Nissan in further increasing the competitiveness of its EV and e-POWER vehicles.

The strategy calls for the basic EV and e-POWER powertrain components to be shared and modularized, which will reduce research and manufacturing costs by 30% by 2026 compared to 2019. The approach covers 3-in-1, 5-in-1, and other possible variants.

The motor, inverter, and reducer of Nissan's 3-in-1 powertrain prototype are all modular and intended for use in electric vehicles (EVs). For usage in e-POWER cars, a 5-in-1 prototype that also modularized the generator and increaser is envisioned.

The approach will also aim for reducing the size and weight of the power units for better handling and minimal noise and vibration. It is also eco-friendly as the use of heavy rare earth elements is reduced to 1 per cent or less of the magnet weight.

As part of its Ambition 2030 strategy, Nissan is set to introduce 27 new electrified models, including 19 EVs, by fiscal year 2030. By reducing the cost difference between electric and internal combustion vehicles, the “X-in-1” approach will serve as a boost for EV adoption.

Senior Vice President Toshihiro Hirai, who leads powertrain & EV engineering development at Nissan, said: “We make the most of our expertise and know-how from our more-than-a-decade long development and production of electrified technologies. Through our innovations in electrified powertrain development, we’ll continue to create new value for customers and deliver 100% motor-driven vehicles – EVs and e-POWER – as widely as possible.”