Summary
- Nissan filed a trademark application for e-Trail with the USPTO, suggesting a new adventurous electric vehicle
- The name is connected to Nissan’s e-Power branding and e-4ORCE powertrain used in the Ariya EV
- Plans for an electrified version of the Rogue compact crossover are in the works, including e-Power and plug-in hybrid options
- The e-Trail badge could potentially be applied to an off-road version of the Ariya EV
- Nissan’s product plans, including the e-Trail, may change due to the planned merger with Honda and delays in U.S.-market EVs
Article
Nissan has filed a trademark application for the name e-Trail with the USPTO, hinting at a new adventurous electric vehicle from the Japanese automaker. While this filing does not guarantee production intent, the name is interesting as it is similar to Nissan’s e-Power series hybrid system and e-4ORCE dual-motor powertrain used in the Ariya EV. The first version of e-Power was introduced in other markets almost a decade ago, but Nissan has yet to bring it to the U.S. Plans for e-Power in the U.S. initially included trucks, but Nissan has indicated that the system is better suited to crossovers like the Rogue and Kicks.
A next-generation Rogue e-Power is likely a couple of years away, but Nissan also plans to leverage Mitsubishi’s plug-in hybrid technology in the Rogue. The Mitsubishi Outlander already uses this tech and shares underpinnings with the Rogue, making it a straightforward swap. It is possible that the e-Trail badge could be applied to this model. Additionally, there is speculation that e-Trail could refer to an off-road version of the Ariya, to be sold alongside the current on-road focused Ariya e-4ORCE models.
It is important to note that while the e-Trail name suggests an adventure-focused electric vehicle, Nissan’s plans could change. The automaker’s planned merger with Honda could potentially impact product plans, and there have been reported delays in some U.S.-market EVs. However, the connection to Mitsubishi for plug-in hybrid technology and the success of the e-4ORCE dual-motor powertrain in the Ariya indicate that Nissan is committed to expanding its electrified vehicle lineup.
Overall, the trademark filing for e-Trail hints at an exciting new direction for Nissan in the electric vehicle market. As automakers continue to invest in electrification, Nissan is exploring different technologies and partnerships to enhance its offerings. The potential for an off-road electric vehicle or the expansion of e-Power to the U.S. market demonstrates Nissan’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. It will be interesting to see how the e-Trail concept evolves and what it ultimately brings to the electric vehicle landscape.
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