Summary
This paper introduces the topics presented at the AUTO-4 technical session entitled "Technological Innovations of Drive Systems for xEVs" on January 17th at the Automotive World Conference 2019. This session consisted of lectures by two automakers and one electronics supplier on the features and component technologies of electric vehicles.
The lectures by both automakers focused on the series hybrid type of electrified vehicles, which have different characteristics from that of pure electric vehicles such as large and small battery capacities, the presence or absence of a direct drive mechanism connecting the engine, and the system’s configuration elements. The concepts and advantages of series hybrids are also different from that of EVs.
Nissan's e-POWER shares components common with EVs, with the 100% pure electric motor drives of EVs demonstrating improved driving performance and excellent fuel economy with the characteristics of responsiveness and features such as single pedal operation. In contrast, the Honda Clarity PHEV has a relatively large 17 kWh battery (with a range of 114 km in pure EV mode) and a direct drive mechanism connecting the engine which were adopted to alleviate driver concerns regarding highway driving and range anxiety.
The lecture of Hitachi explained its efforts to solve the issues associated with the miniaturization of inverters (cooling, low loss, high reliability) that is indispensable for the proliferation of electric vehicles and its efforts to develop quiet motors.
Related reports:
Nissan LEAF Teardown: By-wire technologies for driving, braking, and stopping (Jan. 2019)
Nissan LEAF Teardown: Powertrain with electromechanical structure, and drive system (Nov. 2018)
Evolving EV Technologies; Nissan and Honda Approaches to Electrification (Mar. 2018)
Approaches to Combustion Engine Improvements and Electrification (Feb. 2018)
The growth of xEVs and improvements to ICE vehicles (Part 1) (Jul. 2017)
Research on revolutionary combustion technology(2): Contemplating the limits of innovation (Jan. 2017)
Local Reconstruction Note
This article has been expanded from the visible local mirror text, headings, tags, image captions, tables, and related local article titles. It is presented as a reconstructed reading version, not as a hidden original document.
Current Status of Nissan e-POWER and Further Improvements in the Future (Nissan）
The source outline identifies this section as part of “Automotive World 2019: Innovations in xEV drive systems”. Based on the available local metadata, this section should be read through the lens of Clarity, All Wheel Drive, SiC, Pedal, Hitachi Automotive Systems, e-POWER and the visible introduction, figures, captions, and tables.
Technology Innovation of the new i-MMD Plug-in for the Clarity PHEV (Honda）
The source outline identifies this section as part of “Automotive World 2019: Innovations in xEV drive systems”. Based on the available local metadata, this section should be read through the lens of Clarity, All Wheel Drive, SiC, Pedal, Hitachi Automotive Systems, e-POWER and the visible introduction, figures, captions, and tables.
Technical Trends for Electrification of Powertrains & Control Systems (Hitachi)
The source outline identifies this section as part of “Automotive World 2019: Innovations in xEV drive systems”. Based on the available local metadata, this section should be read through the lens of Clarity, All Wheel Drive, SiC, Pedal, Hitachi Automotive Systems, e-POWER and the visible introduction, figures, captions, and tables.
Related Local Signals
Nearby records in the local archive include Taipei AMPA 2026: Foxconn’s EV Technology; Smart Energy Week 2026: Batteries and Charging; Electrified Vehicle (xEV) Sales Monthly Report (March 2026); Geely i-HEV Intelligent Hybrid Technology Presentation. These titles can be used as adjacent evidence when comparing suppliers, technologies, markets, and reporting periods.