Hybrid Powertrain News | Engine + Powertrain Technology Magazine

Horse Powertrain unveils waterproof hybrid engine

Zahra Awan — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 16:30:26 +0000

Horse Powertrain has revealed a full waterproof hybrid engine, the B20. Designed for extreme off-road vehicles and deep-water wading, the Horse B20 brings all-terrain capabilities to hybrid vehicles, including applications for SUVs and pick-up trucks. Fully compliant with IPX8 waterproofing standards, it can operate in depths of to 1.1m, and is capable of maintaining continuous and stable power output under extreme off-road high-load conditions including 100% grade climbing.

Weighing just 130kg, the Horse B20 is a four-cylinder, 2-liter inline gasoline engine designed for HEV, PHEV and REEV applications. Featuring a turbocharger and direct injection technology, it can output up to 140kw-185kW of power and 300Nm-380Nm of torque. The engine is powered by an advanced Miller cycle, enabling a brake thermal efficiency of 48.4%.

The Horse B20 features a range of innovations to encourage leaner, cleaner combustion and to maximize fuel economy and range, the auto maker said. These include high-pressure injectors and high-tumble intake ports, which promote superior air-fuel mixing and more efficient combustion.

The engine also features pistons designed to make full use of the “squish” effect to promote air-fuel mixing at the peak of the compression cycle – this enables the spark plug to ignite a cleaner and faster combustion event.

Outside the engine cylinders, the Horse B20 uses a gantry-type aluminum block with integrated exhaust manifold and a simplified balance shaft system, which improve NVH, durability and overall efficiency. It also features a variable displacement oil pump ensuring optimal oil flow and pressure throughout the engine.

To improve the cooling efficiency, an exclusive fully active dual-cooling system ensures the unit remains in the optimal operating temperature, even under extreme conditions such as continuous slope climbing and long-duration, high-temperature scenarios.

To achieve the IPX8 waterproof rating, the engine uses a fully sealed waterproof structure equipped with torsional vibration dampers and dedicated engine-transmission sealing. Fitted with IPX8-rated electrical components and sensors, it continuously monitors the surrounding operating environment of the engine. When the engine is submerged in water, the control system makes automatic adjustments such as limiting power or adjusting the throttle response, based on feedback signals from the sensors. This ensures the stable operation of the engine under deep wading conditions.

Ingo Scholten, deputy chief technology officer of Horse Powertrain, said, “The Horse B20 demonstrates how we are meeting the full range of market needs, delivering flexible engine and powertrain solutions designed for multiple use cases and applications.

“Supporting HEV, PHEV and REEV platforms, the Horse B20 enables new opportunities across a range of vehicle categories – particularly off-road applications, due to the engine’s waterproofing and climbing capabilities.

“This engine is another step forward in advancing modern powertrain technology and a further example of how Horse Powertrain is pushing our industry forward.”

The Horse B20 was recently used within a PHEV powertrain in the Geely Galaxy Cruiser 700 off-road vehicle (China only), paired with a Horse 3DHT230, a 3-speed intelligent hybrid transmission.

IndyCar unveils all-new IR-28 race car

Zahra Awan — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 15:25:27 +0000

The NTT IndyCar Series chassis and powertrain package for 2028 has been unveiled. Introducing a modernized look designed to provide for faster lap times and “improved raceability”, the IR-28 race car has been designed to encourage more “wheel-to-wheel action” while also creating the “safest car yet,” according to the racing series.

The IR-28 chassis was developed in partnership with Dallara, with the new car making its competition debut at the start of the 2028 NTT IndyCar Series championship.

IndyCar president J Douglas Boles commented, “With initial testing to begin this week, there is still plenty of work to do before 2028, but we are well on our way to showcasing a new era of IndyCar, which will include enhanced wheel-to-wheel competition, track records, standards in raceability and new benchmarks in safety.”

As part of the improved raceability, the IR-28 will weigh approximately 100 lb less than the current car.

New car design

The entire vehicle has been designed and built from the ground up. New front and rear wings, optimized for style and efficiency, give the road and street course car an aggressive stance, while the superspeedway wing configuration provides maximum downforce with limited drag in a sleek, high-speed-looking package.

The car’s aerodynamic architecture has been purpose-built to optimize the wake from the front to the back in order to enhance overtaking opportunities. The 2028 design also delivers reduced outwash and, for Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a more aerodynamically stable speedway front wing.

The new car will feature electronically controlled driver-adjustable anti-roll bars, which will enable enhanced tuning and raceability while cleaning up the cockpit by eliminating standard knobs and handles, thus also improving driver safety.

The IR-28 also introduces the Custom AXIS Inertance Control Suspension System, offering expanded spring, damper and inerter tuning within a lightweight shared damping architecture. According to the company, the system improves mechanical grip through suspension optimization while providing greater setup flexibility.

The 2028 powerplant

The power for the new 2028 NTT IndyCar Series machinery will be provided by 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 internal combustion engines capable of producing up to 760hp. Chevrolet and Honda have committed to participate under the new engine formula, which will deliver increased torque, power and overall performance compared to the current generation of IndyCar Series engines.

GM vice president of Global Motorsports Competition Eric Warren said, “This new car builds on more than a decade of collaboration with IndyCar.”

The low-voltage hybrid technology of the IR-28 will deliver greater power storage, more deployment options for teams and the decrease in package weight of approximately 20 lb. The significant performance advancement and deployment variability will be provided through a new partnership with UK-based Helix.

The new hybrid platform will feature the first battery-based energy storage system (ESS) in NTT IndyCar Series history, supplied by BOLD Technology and selected by IndyCar for the program. BOLD’s ESS for the IR-28 delivers approximately 14 times the energy storage capacity of the current supercapacitor-based system.

Xtrac, an exclusive supplier for IndyCar since 2000 and a Helix associate, is providing transmissions for the new chassis. Development includes a gearbox that sheds 25 lb from the current unit.

Safety evolution

The IR-28 has also been designed to keep drivers safer. From the aeroscreen to the roll hoop to side-impact structures, the new car integrates recent safety and design advancements into its core architecture.

The chassis features wider internal dimensions to accommodate a greater range of driver heights and body types, and enhanced internal airflow and driver cooling for improved comfort and performance.

Decades worth of race and incident evaluations have created a chassis that features stronger, more efficient side-structure design providing increased energy absorption in high-impact situations, IndyCar said.

“Seeing the car for the first time made me even more excited about where IndyCar is going. The design is super cool and feels like a proper next step for the series while still looking like an IndyCar Series car,” said Alex Palou, driver of the no. 10 Honda for DHL Chip Ganassi Racing.

“We all wanted a new, modern-day car that is lighter and looks futuristic and fast but still has all of the incredible safety advancements that IndyCar is known for,” said Alexander Rossi, driver of the no. 20 Java House Chevrolet for ECR . “There are still a lot of things to work through in terms of on-track testing and how it reacts to the different types of environments it will be exposed to, but from a visual standpoint, it’s incredible.”

Recent news, BMW details Gen6 battery production process at Plant Woodruff

Electrification focus drives Mahle’s upcoming technology launch

Zahra Awan — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:31:00 +0000

Mahle says it is accelerating the electrification of road transportation with the upcoming launch of its new range-extender system for heavy electric (BEV) trucks and its Mahle Contactless Transmitter (MCT) electric motor developed for use on the electric drive axles of heavy commercial vehicles.

The company will present its technologies at IAA Transportation, which is to be held in Hannover from September 15 to 20.

Range-extender system

Range extender electric trucks combine the sustainability of electric drive systems with the flexibility and range of the internal combustion engine (ICE). “Time and energy are limited, valuable resources, especially in road transport business; only operators who work economically can survive,” said Arnd Franz, chairman of the group management board and CEO of Mahle. “With electrification products, Mahle can help make heavy trucks more efficient and flexible at the same time as reducing operating expenses.”

The key component of the new system is an efficient high-voltage generator with a continuous output of 110kW and a peak output of up to 130kW, driven by a compact ICE. The high-voltage generator supplies reliable power to the electric drive system even on difficult trips with a full load. Its architecture can be adapted easily to the performance requirements of a variety of applications and regional markets.

Featuring a newly developed advanced oil cooling system, the generator has a power density of more than 7kW per kilogram, allowing a high power output with reduced weight and simplified interfaces.

The system is a self-contained unit integrating a generator, ICE, thermal and fluid management systems, fuel tank, AdBlue tank and exhaust aftertreatment. Designed to fit within the battery installation space of a battery-electric truck, it can be integrated into existing BEV platforms while replacing around one-third of the battery capacity. According to Mahle, this reduces rear axle load by approximately 400kg and overall vehicle weight by around 600kg. The company says the configuration enables a driving range of more than 800km, with roughly half provided by the battery and the remainder by the range extender.

Under real-life operating conditions, the truck emits about 80% less CO₂ in range-extender operation than a truck with a conventional drive system. If the ICE, which is biofuel-ready, is operated with renewable fuels such as the advanced HVO100 bio-diesel, the truck has virtually zero CO₂ emissions.

A comprehensive thermal management system with 48kW of high-temperature and 15kW of low-temperature cooling capacity ensures stable operation of the range extender system under heavy-duty operating conditions. For the ICE engine, Mahle has continued the development of components to reduce fuel consumption and operating costs.

“Our range extender is the key to disconnecting the market ramp-up of battery-electric trucks from the inadequate pace of infrastructure development,” said Dr Marco Warth, the vice president of Mahle Corporate Research and Advanced Engineering. “If the charging station is busy, or alternative routes are called for as a result of weather conditions or congestion, and infrastructure reaches its limits, other fleets can be stranded; an e-truck with range extender just carries on. Operational availability is maintained, even under peak conditions.”

MCT electric motor for heavy commercial vehicles

The MCT electric motor was developed for use on the electric drive axles of heavy commercial vehicles. It is not equipped with permanent magnets and therefore does not require any rare earth elements. Compared with a benchmark permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), the MCT electric motor saves up to 3kg of rare earth magnets per vehicle. The elimination of rare earth magnets reduces the environmental footprint of the electric drive system.

In real-life driving conditions, the new motor is 10% lighter and more efficient than permanently excited electric motors with magnets. Compared with the permanently excited variant, it reportedly offers higher efficiency within a significantly larger operating envelope covering a variety of driving situations. The MCT electric motor has a peak output of 370kW and torque of over 900Nm at 3,900rpm. The motor efficiency in the VECTO cycle, an EU simulation tool for determining the fuel efficiency of new vehicles, is about 95%.

MG announces roadmap focusing on Plug-in Hybrid+ and SolidCore Battery

Zahra Awan — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 14:33:57 +0000

Building on more than a century of innovation, MG has unveiled its latest technology roadmap, outlining how the brand will continue to bring advanced electrification and intelligent driving technologies to a wider audience.

Focusing on powertrain and ADAS development, the roadmap focuses on the next-generation MG Plug-in Hybrid+ technology and the introduction of MG SolidCore Battery technology for Plug-in Hybrid+ models.

New Plug-in Hybrid+ technology

The Plug-in Hybrid+ system is built around a new generation of dedicated hybrid petrol engines, available in 1.1-liter and 1.5-liter turbocharged variants, achieving maximum thermal efficiencies of more than 42% and 43% respectively.

The engines work in conjunction with a new hybrid transmission incorporating two core technologies: power split and motor decoupling, designed to optimize fuel and electrical energy efficiency.

Power Split technology distributes power between the engine and electric motors, continuously adjusting energy flow according to driving conditions to enable the powertrain to operate efficiently without the constraints of a fixed-ratio transmission. Motor decoupling introduces a disconnect mechanism that isolates the generator during pure electric driving, reducing drag and improving electric drive efficiency.

The Plug-in Hybrid+ system automatically selects the the optimum operating mode across the full speed range, using electric drive at low speeds, power split operation at medium speeds and direct engine drive at higher speeds. This operating strategy is designed to maintain engine thermal efficiency above 40% across approximately 90% of driving conditions, while achieving up to 90% electric drive efficiency regardless of battery charge level.

The powertrain accelerates from 0-62mph in under six seconds, with 50-75mph acceleration taking as little as 3.5 seconds. Torque delivery has also been revised, with hill-start capability improved by up to 72% compared with the previous system.

By eliminating generator idling during pure electric driving, Motor Decoupling technology reduces noise, vibration and harshness by up to 5dB in EV mode compared with conventional plug-in hybrid systems.

Plug-in Hybrid+ models will also benefit from this new technology, beginning in 2027 with the launch of the MG ZS Plug-in Hybrid+.

SolidCore battery for Plug-in Hybrid+ models

MG has confirmed that its SolidCore Battery technology will be introduced across future Plug-in Hybrid+ models.

Built around a semi-solid-state architecture incorporating a 3D spinel structure, the SolidCore Battery delivers higher energy conversion efficiency and faster power response than conventional liquid-electrolyte batteries, MG said, adding that it is optimized for Plug-in Hybrid+ applications, offering more consistent power delivery, improved range stability and more stable performance across varying speeds, driving scenarios and climate conditions.

By maintaining stable battery output across a range of operating conditions, the SolidCore Battery technology supports more consistent vehicle performance regardless of speed, driving scenario or ambient temperature, contributing to the overall efficiency of the Plug-in Hybrid+ system, MG said.

The SolidCore Battery technology reduces the impact of low temperatures and depleted battery charge on vehicle performance, addressing some of the limitations commonly associated with plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The first MG Plug-in Hybrid+ models to feature SolidCore Battery technology will be three new SUVs in the B, C and D segment categories.

BYD enters Europe’s B-segment with Dolphin G DM-I

Zahra Awan — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:51:51 +0000

Powered by BYD’s Super Hybrid with DM Technology, the Dolphin G DM-i (the designation stands for dual mode intelligence) features compact dimensions, family-car practicality and the ability to travel up to 65 miles on electricity alone.

When it’s required to tackle longer journeys, the Dolphin G DM-i manages its hybrid system to “achieve flexibility beyond the capabilities of conventional ICE-powered superminis”, the auto maker said, achieving weighted fuel consumption (with the battery fully charged) of 201.7mpg and more than 1,000km of range on a full charge and a full tank of petrol.

BYD executive vice president Stella Li commented, “The European B-segment is one of the most important parts of the market, and with Dolphin G DM-i, we want to redefine what customers can expect from a compact car in the electric era.

“By bringing long electric range, intelligent hybrid technology and advanced digital features into an accessible compact vehicle, we are making sustainable mobility smarter, more practical and available to many more people across Europe.

“When we bring so many standout qualities and new features to such an important sector of the market here, you can see why we say, ‘It’s not a car, it’s a BYD!’.”

An EV experience with long-range backup

Unlike traditional plug-in hybrid systems, BYD’s DM architecture is EV-led, meaning the high-torque electric motor drives the wheels in most situations. This gives the car the quiet, responsive driving experience of a pure-electric vehicle, and enables the Xiaoyun 1.5-liter petrol engine to run as efficiently as possible and keep the Blade Battery charged.

The hybrid’s DM-i simplifies a configuration that includes two electric motors (one a drive motor, one a generator motor), a petrol engine and constant management by power control units to deliver the required mix of performance and efficiency.

In EV mode the car operates like a pure-electric vehicle. It uses only the electric drive motor – which can itself be used to recoup energy that would otherwise be lost during braking – to help recharge the battery.

In HEV or Hybrid mode, the intelligence systems take over to flick between five configurations, depending on factors including the state of charge and the driving situation.

First, when there’s a demand for efficient high-speed running, the electric drive motor can drive the wheels using power from not only the battery but also the generator motor, which is itself powered by the petrol engine.

When performance demands are lower and the battery charge is reduced, only part of the generator motor’s power is sent to the drive motor, with the remainder recharging the battery. A clutch between the engine and wheels enables three additional operating modes, all managed automatically by the vehicle’s intelligent control system without driver input.

The third option kicks in under hard acceleration, where the petrol engine combines with the electric drive motor to drive the wheels.

Equally, if the system decides the petrol engine is producing more power than required, it can use some of this to drive the wheels and divert the rest to the electric motor to feed back into the battery.

Finally, when the demand at the driven wheels is equal to the petrol engine’s power, it drives the wheels without the battery discharging or recharging at all.

Specifications and range options

In the Dolphin G DM-i, the permanent magnet synchronous electric motor produces 163ps (120kW) and 210Nm alone, enabling a 0-62mph acceleration sprint in just 8.3 seconds.

Two sizes of Blade Battery are offered in the Dolphin G DM-i. Active versions feature a 7.42kWh capacity for 24.8 miles of WLTP Combined pure-electric range and a combined total range of 633 miles. Boost, Comfort and Sport editions have an 18.3kWh Blade Battery, extending the pure-electric range to 105km and the combined total range to 646 miles, while also lowering CO₂ emissions from 60g/km to just 32g/km.

Active models have a 3.3kW onboard charger that can refill the battery completely from 15% in just under three hours. Boost, Comfort and Sport versions increase this power to 6.6kW and include a 39kW DC charging capability that takes the 18.3kWh battery from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes.

Recent news, Audi unveils 1,001ps Nuvolari hybrid supercar

Audi unveils 1,001ps Nuvolari hybrid supercar

Zahra Awan — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:21:43 +0000

With 1,001ps and a top speed of more than 217mph (349km/h), the Audi Nuvolari hybrid supercar is the most powerful and fastest production vehicle in the history of the four rings, according to the auto maker.

Accelerating from 0-62mph (100km/h) in 2.6 seconds and reaching 124mph (200km/h) in 6.8 seconds, the Nuvolari features technologies inspired by Formula 1, such as the high-performance hybrid powertrain, quattro predictive ride, active aerodynamics and the new Audi Space Frame (ASF) with carbon exterior.

“With the Audi Nuvolari, we are accelerating technological progress,” said Gernot Döllner, chairman of the board of management of Audi.

Hybrid powertrain with four drive units

Powered by a hybrid high-performance powertrain with a maximum system output of 736kW (1,001ps), the Nuvolari combines a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine delivering 588kW (800hp) with three axial flux electric motors, each producing 110kW. The lithium-ion battery has a gross capacity of 7.3kWh. The combustion engine delivers a maximum torque of 730Nm and reaches up to 10,000rpm.

Two oil-cooled axial flux electric motors at the front axle deliver up to 2,150Nm of torque. As an integral part of the quattro system, they support variable torque distribution. A third electric motor between the V8 mid-engine and the transmission completes the drive concept.

“Our entire team has once again demonstrated its technical expertise, innovative strength and dedication,” said Rouven Mohr, CTO of Audi.

The quattro predictive ride

The quattro drive stands for “traction, control and driving dynamics in all conditions,” the German auto maker said, adding that in the Nuvolari, it had further developed this principle with the next generation of all-wheel drive with the quattro predictive ride.

Detailed sensor data – including steering angle, acceleration, yaw rate (rotation of the vehicle around its vertical axis, which determines steering response in corners) and current grip level – continuously feed into the control system, creating a highly precise vehicle state model.

If the system anticipates a potential loss of grip in a corner, it responds proactively as an integrated system. The drive units distribute torque in both longitudinal and lateral directions. The brakes stabilize the vehicle through targeted interventions and reduce slip. The aerodynamics adjust the downforce according to the situation.

Drivers can also influence the system with four driving modes: E-Hybrid (fully electric), Balanced (comfort, efficiency and performance), Dynamic (agility and precision) and Dynamic+ (driving experience). Vehicle dynamics can be further refined in Track Mode.

Audi Space Frame

The vehicle architecture is designed for lightweight construction and high torsional rigidity using Audi Space Frame technology with a carbon exterior, which combines low weight with high structural strength.

Almost all exterior components are made from carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). All carbon fiber components have been developed using Formula 1 expertise, such as the prepreg autoclave technology, in which pre-impregnated carbon fibers are shaped and then cured under high pressure and temperature.

Active aerodynamics inspired by Formula 1

Each exterior element serves a clearly defined aerodynamic function, from the front splitter to the rear diffuser. Audi’s Formula 1 drivers provided targeted feedback during the development phase to fine-tune aerodynamic performance.

Front air intakes ensure effective brake cooling as well as efficient thermal management of the combustion engine and hybrid components. A vented front end, known as an S-duct, improves aerodynamic efficiency at the front axle, delivering additional downforce, reducing lift at high speeds and improving cooling of the powertrain.

The central element of the active aerodynamic system is the deployable adaptive rear wing. It controls downforce and drag across three configurations: closed, low downforce (LD) and high downforce (HD). A drag reduction system (DRS), familiar from Formula 1, can also be activated manually via a dedicated steering-wheel button to further lower the wing.

Dynamic energy management

The energy management system is also inspired by motorsport. Boost and recuperation strategies are closely linked to torque distribution. As an integrated system, it continuously manages the interaction between power delivery and energy recovery.

Adaptive strategies for coasting and brake recuperation extend energy recovery to nearly all driving phases. At the front axle, electric deceleration takes on a significant portion of braking, while at the rear axle, coasting, partial load and traction control phases are used for recuperation. Purely electric deceleration of up to 0.3g is possible.

Braking system

A motorsport-inspired brake-by-wire system enables variable distribution between recuperation and hydraulic braking. The brake pedal is functionally decoupled from actual braking force at the wheels to ensure a consistent and precise pedal feel.

At the core of the system is the new Audi Ceramic Pro braking system, designed for consistently high deceleration and precise control.

At the front axle, 10-piston fixed calipers work with 420 × 40mm brake discs, while at the rear, four-piston calipers are paired with 410 × 32mm discs. The brake discs, derived directly from Formula 1, are based on a long-fiber carbon structure designed to withstand extreme thermal loads without compromising structural integrity or consistent friction characteristics.

Lotus highlights motorsport heritage with all-new hybrid-V8 supercar

Zahra Awan — Tue, 12 May 2026 15:28:27 +0000

Lotus Cars has announced Focus 2030, an updated business strategy to strengthen the company’s competitiveness and create a more flexible and sustainable business model to support resilience amid challenging market conditions.

Built on four core pillars – brand reinforcement, a multipowertrain strategy, close partner collaboration and financial discipline – Focus 2030 marks a significant reset for the brand.

Lotus Group CEO Qingfeng Feng said, “Lotus was born from the rebellious spirit of Colin Chapman, and that is not lost today. Focus 2030 will reset both the brand and the business to keep us true to our DNA. We are obsessed with engineering, obsessed with performance and obsessed with building drivers’ cars, and that is what will grow this business.”

Lotus Cars said it will continue to base all vehicle development decisions on its core principles of lightweight design, aerodynamics, engineering performance, and driver engagement, regardless of product type or powertrain. The company said its design and engineering operations will remain rooted in the UK, while research and development activities in China will support faster scalability and market delivery.

As regulatory requirements and consumer demand continue to evolve at different rates across global markets, Lotus Cars said it will adopt a flexible approach across internal combustion engine (ICE), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and battery-electric vehicle (BEV) technologies. In the near term, the company is targeting an electrified portfolio mix of approximately 60% PHEV and 40% BEV, while supporting what it describes as a customer-led transition toward full electrification.

The company has said the first product initiative under its new strategy will be X-Hybrid, which combines Lotus’s ICE and BEV expertise. The system is reportedly designed to offer long range, flexibility, practicality, sustained performance and Lotus’s characteristic driver engagement.

The proprietary X-Hybrid technology was first launched on the Eletre, as Eletre X. Customer deliveries in Europe are expected to begin in Q4 2026, making it the first technology of its kind to come to market, according to Lotus.

Reaffirming its performance-focused DNA, Lotus Cars said its next step in developing proprietary hybrid technology will be the unveiling of its first supercar, Type 135, planned for 2028. The model is expected to feature a V8 hybrid powertrain producing over 1,000ps and will be manufactured in Europe, with further details due to be announced later this year.

Daniel Li, chairman of the board of directors at Lotus Technology, and executive vice chairman of Geely Holding Group, said, “Geely has believed in Lotus from the beginning, and that belief has not wavered. We are committed to giving Lotus the resources it deserves to compete at the highest level. What Lotus brings is irreplaceable, and Focus 2030 is proof that we take that responsibility seriously. We are excited for the next chapter in the brand’s story.”

AI-defined vehicles and expanded electrification shape Nissan’s future mobility strategy

Zahra Awan — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:34:04 +0000

Nissan Motor has announced its long‑term vision: Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life, a plan to integrate mobility intelligence into everyday life through Nissan’s focus on AI-defined vehicles (AIDV), offering a choice of electrification technologies to meet diverse customer and market needs.

Ivan Espinosa, president and CEO, said, “This is the right moment to articulate Nissan‘s long‑term vision as we move beyond the Re:Nissan recovery plan and set a clear path for the future. Our vision defines where Nissan is headed, with customer experience as our guiding priority. By advancing mobility intelligence, we will deliver intuitive, advanced and reliable products and technologies that offer outstanding value and enrich how mobility is experienced.”

At the core of the strategy is Nissan AIDV, combining Nissan AI Drive and Nissan AI Partner technologies. The company says this will integrate AI with vehicle control and safety systems, building on existing advanced driver assistance technology. Nissan aims to deploy AI Drive across 90% of its line-up over the long term.

The first model expected to reflect this approach is the latest Nissan Elgrand, due in summer 2026, which will introduce next-generation ProPilot with end-to-end autonomous technologies by the end of the 2027 financial year.

Christian Meunier, chairman of Nissan Americas, added, “Across the Americas, our focus on execution is making the region a key contributor to Nissan’s turnaround, driven by both revenue growth and disciplined cost reduction. We delivered significant year-over-year increases in US retail share, making Nissan the fastest-growing mainstream brand since August 2025. We’re also seeing solid progress in Canada and continued growth in Mexico, where we have maintained the #1 position for 18 consecutive years – proof that getting the fundamentals right matters. Our balance of strong execution today and smart, impactful investments in the future will strengthen our business and drive sustainable growth.”

Electrification

Alongside autonomy development, Nissan is expanding electrification through its e-Power hybrid system and a wider mix of powertrains, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and range extender systems developed through partnerships. A new hybrid system for frame-based vehicles is also planned.

This broader offer includes development of a new hybrid electric vehicle system (HEV) for future frame‑based vehicles, serving customers requiring greater capability and long‑range confidence. Nissan says it will complete the spectrum of customer choice by offering plug‑in hybrid and range‑extender hybrid solutions through partnerships.

Streamlined product portfolio

The company will streamline its model line-up from 56 to 45 models, exiting low-performing models and reallocating reinvestment to growth areas. At the same time, Nissan says it will expand powertrain options for each model, to give customers more choice, increase volume per model and strengthen the company’s business foundation.

Key upcoming models include the Rogue and X-Trail Hybrid e-Power, the Xterra for North America, the Juke EV for Europe, and the Skyline for Japan. Infiniti will also be expanded with new and refreshed models, including an all-new QX65 SUV due in 2027.

Nissan said its industrial strategy will shift toward architecture-led development based on shared platforms and software, aiming to improve development speed, cost efficiency and scalability.

Espinosa concluded, “As we continue on our path to recovery, it is essential that Nissan seizes the opportunities provided by AI technologies, by electrification and the innovation embedded in our latest products to drive market growth and focus relentlessly on serving the customer.”

In related news, Nissan launches electric Juke

TraXon 2 hybrid demonstrates emissions reduction potential for heavy commercial vehicles

Zahra Awan — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:45:41 +0000

ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) has completed a dedicated testing event for the TraXon 2 Hybrid, its next-generation hybrid transmission for heavy commercial vehicles. The system demonstrated its potential to reduce emissions while maintaining operational flexibility, meeting the practical needs of logistics companies.

“TraXon 2 Hybrid delivers a clear advantage for high‑mileage operations by substantially reducing CO2 emissions while maintaining cost efficiency,” said Christian Feldhaus, vice president of transmissions and hybrids at ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions. “Based on our ongoing discussions with vehicle manufacturers, fleet operators and industry bodies, we see hybrid technologies providing a clear and practical pathway toward significant emissions reduction in future heavy‑duty transport.”

Emissions-saving technology

The TraXon 2 Hybrid builds on the all-electric TraXon 2 platform. The hybrid system enables electric-only driving in urban zones while retaining combustion operation for long-distance transportation.

ZF test evaluations confirmed that the system supports substantial CO2 reductions in long-haul and distribution applications when operated with consistent recharging. The PHEV system can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 47% in long-haul transportation and up to 73% in distribution transportation. This supports the European fleet emissions targets for 2030 and provides flexibility for future toll and tax regulations.

The TraXon 2 Hybrid builds on ZF’s e-mobility platform, which includes electric central drives such as CeTrax 2 and AxTrax 2 e-axles, and supports applications where full electrification is not yet practical across all routes. For fleets with limited investment capacity, it also enables a gradual transition to electrification, including operational, dispatch and charging adjustments.

The hybrid platform integrates an in-house-developed electric motor and operates at 600-800V, with 190kW continuous power and higher peak output. Positioned in a P2 layout between the clutch and transmission, the electric motor enables pure electric driving up to 12th gear and supports regenerative braking for improved efficiency. The combustion engine operates according to the vehicle’s driving strategy and provides range for long-haul applications. The system is designed to improve overall efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions while retaining the range and refueling flexibility of a combustion engine. It can be combined with diesel, HVO/e-fuels, CNG/LPG and hydrogen combustion engines.

MG unveils SolidCore Battery and Hybrid+ technology

Zahra Awan — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:32:00 +0000

MG has launched the SolidCore Battery, a semi-solid-state system designed to improve electric vehicle (EV) range, charging speed, performance and cold-weather reliability.

The battery features solid-state electrolytes within each cell, forming a protective barrier that extends lifespan and ensures compliance with future regulatory standards. According to MG, this architecture performs well in low temperatures, enabling immediate vehicle start-up without preheating and delivering improved acceleration compared with conventional EVs. The SolidCore Battery is expected to appear in MG electric vehicles in Europe by the end of 2026.

Alongside the new battery, MG has also introduced its Hybrid+ technology, which combines advanced software and hardware to optimize fuel consumption, provide faster power delivery and improve integration between mechanical and electric systems. The technology includes a larger 1.83 kWh battery to extend electric-only range, an innovative three-speed hybrid transmission and an eight-mode Logic Engine to enhance power management.

MG said Hybrid+ also improves cabin refinement through noise and vibration suppression while maintaining high thermal efficiency and responsive, smooth power delivery. A fully integrated Hybrid Control Unit with real-time terrain detection enables the system to adapt propulsion strategies to changing conditions. In 2025, MG sold 137,000 hybrid vehicles across Europe, with the MG HS ranking among the top 10 best-selling hybrid models in most countries.

Commenting on the latest technology advances, MG Europe and the UK’s vice present, Kimi Li said, “MG’s new SolidCore Battery and Hybrid+ technology provide tangible benefits for our customers and position our vehicles at the forefront of their class. These advancements reinforce MG’s commitment to making cutting-edge technology and electric mobility more intuitive, accessible and widely available. Our strategy of developing MG vehicles in Europe, for Europe further enhances the desirability, versatility and value that our cars deliver to customers across the European market.”

The announcements coincide with the opening of MG’s European Engineering Centre in Frankfurt, Germany, which will serve as a hub for developing vehicles tailored to local climate conditions, road environments and customer preferences.