Amazon.co.jp customers interested in test-driving Nissan’s new Note e-POWER will soon be able to arrange free on-demand delivery of a vehicle to their doorsteps. This new promotional campaign has been made possible by Amazon Prime Now, and will run for a limited time in February and March.
Launched in Japan in November last year, the new Note e-POWER is driven entirely by an electric motor like the Nissan LEAF, with the gasoline engine used to generate power to charge the vehicle’s battery. The updated Note has been very well-received and sales have been strong, with the vehicle topping Japan’s sales rankings (excluding minivehicles) in November 2016 and January 2017.
This new campaign will pioneer the use of a “test-drive delivery” system in order to generate new touch points between Nissan and a wide range of potential customers who may be interested in the Note e-POWER but do not have time to visit a car dealer.
When an Amazon Prime member uses the Prime Now app to order a free Note e-POWER mini-catalogue, they will be given the option of selecting a two-hour test-drive slot. The vehicle will arrive within as little as one hour after the start of the selected delivery slot, and each test-drive will last for roughly 30 minutes. Drivers will be accompanied by a Nissan member of staff.
This offer will be available to Amazon Prime members on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between February 24 and March 12, 2017, in selected areas of Yokohama and Kawasaki in Japan.
The technology of e-POWER
The e-POWER system features full electric-motor drive, meaning that the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor. The power from a high-output battery is delivered to the e-POWER’s compact powertrain comprised of a gasoline engine, power generator, inverter, and a motor. In conventional hybrid systems, a low-output electric motor is mated to a gasoline engine to drive the wheels when the battery is low (or when traveling at high speeds). However, in the e-POWER system, the gasoline engine is not connected to the wheels; it simply charges the battery. And unlike a full EV, the power source originates from the engine and not just the battery.
This system structure generally requires a bigger motor and battery because the motor is the only direct source to drive wheels. This has made it hard for the automotive industry to mount the system in compact cars. However, Nissan has cracked the code and learned how to minimize and reduce weight, develop more responsive motor control methods and optimize energy management. As a result, e-POWER uses a smaller battery than the LEAF, but delivers the same driving experience as a full EV.
The benefits of e-POWER
e-POWER delivers massive torque almost instantly, which enhances drive response and results in smooth acceleration. Also, the system operates very quietly, much like a full EV. Because e-POWER relies on the engine much less frequently, its fuel efficiency is comparable to that of leading conventional hybrids, especially during around-the-town commutes. The e-POWER system allows you to enjoy all the benefits of an EV without having to worry about charging the battery.
