
According to Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, the new hybrid system will make its debut with the "new compact car," suggesting LEAF might be out of the game. The newcomer will premiere in spring next year, but only in Japan, and there is currently no news on whether the car will also arrive to other, international markets. Nissan hopes that "e-Power" will help them reach their goals faster, as the company is after an affordable electric model, capable of long-distance traveling.
Ghosn also stated that the new vehicle will meet consumer demand for greater autonomy and fuel efficiency, adding that the a new e-Power hybrid system will be on pair with the agility, quietness, strong acceleration and efficiency of the Nissan Leaf. Nissan's "e-Power" works much like Leaf's primary U.S. competitor, the gasoline-electric Chevrolet Volt – it will use a small engine to generate electricity that charges an onboard battery. The battery, in turn, powers an electric motor that turns the wheels.