A Fully Electric Infiniti to Hit the Market by 2021
At the Detroit Auto Show, aside from the presentation of the Q Inspiration, the Japanese luxury brand announced some details regarding its future powertrains.
First of all, Infiniti confirmed the arrival of new models with electrified powertrains by 2021. News that really isn’t, since its lineup already consists of the Q50 Hybrid sedan and, until recently, the QX60 Hybrid SUV.
- Also: Infiniti Makes Statement In Detroit With Q Inspiration Concept
- Also: 2016 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid: Delving into the Unknown
The difference is that instead of equipped the vehicles with a combustion engine assisted by a small electric motor, the company will rely on a large-capacity battery that’s recharged by a small gasoline engine. A setup similar to what’s found in the Chevrolet Volt and Karma Revero. Infiniti calls this type of powertrain e-POWER.
However, the brand will launch its first fully electric vehicles from 2021, boasting a design based on the Q Inspiration. In addition, Infiniti expects that by 2025, half of its sales will consist of electrified vehicles.
The e-POWER powertrain isn’t exactly new, since in 2016, Nissan launched the European Note (our version of the Versa Note) equipped with this technology. The electric motor acts on its own under normal driving, while the gasoline engine acts as a generator when the batteries are depleted, and assists the electric motor when the vehicle is travelling at high speeds. The company promises the driving experience of an EV with the efficiency of a hybrid, but without the worry of having to plug the vehicle in to recharge the batteries.
