NEW CARS

2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid Debuts With e-POWER and an All-Electric Drive System

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Nissan has officially unveiled the all-new 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid, bringing the company’s distinctive e-POWER hybrid technology to one of its most important SUVs in the United States. The new Rogue Hybrid combines the familiar practicality and technology of Nissan’s best-selling Rogue nameplate with a hybrid system designed to deliver electric-motor driving characteristics without requiring the gasoline engine to mechanically drive the wheels.

The 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid is an important addition to Nissan’s U.S. lineup as the company looks to strengthen its position in one of its three key global markets. With almost 4 million Rogue models sold across three generations, the compact SUV has become a major part of Nissan’s North American strategy.

For the new hybrid model, Nissan is betting on its proprietary e-POWER technology to provide a different interpretation of what a hybrid SUV can be.

2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid Uses Nissan’s e-POWER Technology

The biggest technical story behind the 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid is its e-POWER powertrain.

Unlike conventional hybrids, where the gasoline engine can be mechanically connected to the wheels, Nissan’s e-POWER system uses an electric motor to drive the wheels. The gasoline engine serves as an onboard generator, producing electricity for the system rather than directly powering the wheels.

That means the Rogue Hybrid retains the driving characteristics associated with an electric vehicle, including immediate torque delivery and smooth acceleration, while using a gasoline engine to generate electricity when required.

Nissan says it has developed and refined e-POWER through three generations of technology. Since its introduction in 2016, almost 2 million e-POWER-equipped vehicles have been sold globally across 68 markets.

For the North American-specification 2027 Rogue Hybrid, Nissan says the system has been specifically tuned to meet the expectations of American drivers and the conditions typically encountered on U.S. roads.

The result is intended to be a smoother, quieter and more responsive driving experience than that of a conventional hybrid SUV.

Nissan Rogue Hybrid Designed Around Electric-Motor Driving

The absence of a mechanical connection between the gasoline engine and the wheels is what makes the Rogue Hybrid different from most competitors in the segment.

The electric motors provide propulsion, allowing the driver to experience the immediate response and linear acceleration associated with an electric drivetrain. At the same time, the gasoline engine provides the flexibility of an internal-combustion power source without directly transmitting its output to the wheels.

Nissan says the system delivers instantaneous torque while maintaining the efficiency advantages expected from a hybrid vehicle.

That combination could give the 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid a distinctive position between conventional gasoline-powered SUVs, traditional hybrids and fully electric vehicles.

According to Ponz Pandikuthira, Nissan Americas’ senior vice president and chief product and planning officer, the new Rogue Hybrid was developed around customer demand for the functionality and technology of the Rogue combined with the benefits of an advanced hybrid powertrain.

Nissan’s goal is to deliver an agile and spirited driving experience while improving efficiency and refinement.

2027 Rogue Hybrid Brings New Technology to Nissan’s Core SUV

Beyond the new powertrain, the 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid continues the model’s emphasis on technology and everyday practicality.

Every Rogue Hybrid comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.

Customers looking for a more advanced multimedia experience can choose a larger 14.3-inch display equipped with Google built-in.

The system incorporates Google Maps, the Google Play Store and Google Gemini, bringing expanded connectivity and voice-based functionality directly into the vehicle.

The combination of a large touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration and Google-powered services positions the Rogue Hybrid as one of Nissan’s technology-focused offerings in the competitive compact SUV segment.

2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid AWD and Trim Levels

The first version of the new hybrid SUV to reach U.S. dealerships will be the 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid SR AWD with the SR Technology Package.

That model is scheduled to arrive in dealerships in fall 2026.

Nissan will subsequently expand the Rogue Hybrid lineup, with SV, SR and Platinum grades scheduled to go on sale in early 2027.

The availability of multiple trim levels will allow Nissan to position the Rogue Hybrid across a broader portion of the compact SUV market, from buyers looking for additional value and efficiency to customers seeking more premium equipment.

Rogue Hybrid Continues Nissan’s U.S. Growth Strategy

The introduction of the 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid is about more than simply adding another hybrid to Nissan’s product portfolio.

The United States is one of Nissan’s three lead markets and represents a major part of the company’s plans for future growth and profitability. The Rogue is particularly important because of its established customer base and strong position within the company’s SUV lineup.

With nearly 4 million vehicles sold over three generations, the Rogue has already established a substantial presence in the global market.

The new hybrid version gives Nissan an opportunity to expand that customer base as demand for electrified vehicles continues to evolve.

Rather than moving directly from gasoline-powered vehicles to fully electric models, Nissan is using e-POWER as an intermediate technology designed to combine electric-motor propulsion with the convenience of a gasoline engine.

Built in Japan for the North American Market

Despite being developed specifically for the needs of the North American market, the 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid will be assembled in Japan.

Production will take place at Nissan Motor Kyushu in Japan, with the first U.S. deliveries planned for fall 2026.

The initial launch of the SR AWD with SR Technology Package will be followed by the broader Rogue Hybrid lineup in early 2027.

2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid: What Makes It Different?

The key distinction of the new Rogue Hybrid is its electric-drive architecture.

While many hybrid SUVs combine electric motors and a gasoline engine through a conventional hybrid transmission, Nissan’s e-POWER system takes a different approach. The wheels are driven exclusively by electric motors, while the gasoline engine generates electricity.

That architecture allows Nissan to reproduce some of the characteristics of an EV without requiring the owner to rely exclusively on charging infrastructure.

For buyers who want the smooth response of electric propulsion but still prefer the flexibility of a gasoline-powered energy source, the Rogue Hybrid represents Nissan’s answer to that demand.

2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid Release Date

The 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid SR AWD with the SR Technology Package is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealerships in fall 2026.

The Rogue Hybrid SV, SR and Platinum models will follow in early 2027.

Nissan has not positioned the Rogue Hybrid as a limited-production model. Instead, its introduction is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the company’s electrified vehicle portfolio in the United States.

Source: Nissan

News

Leapmotor Wants to Kill the 12V Battery in Electric Cars

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Leapmotor is targeting one of the most overlooked weaknesses of modern electric cars: the humble 12-volt battery. While EVs can carry enormous high-voltage battery packs capable of delivering hundreds of kilometers of driving range, they still typically depend on a conventional low-voltage battery to operate many of the systems needed to start and run the vehicle.

Now, the Chinese automaker, in which Stellantis holds a 51 percent stake, says it has developed a solution that could make the traditional 12V battery obsolete.

The technology is part of Leapmotor’s new LEAP 5.0 New Mobile Space Architecture and CTC 3.0 High-Low Fusion system. Rather than maintaining separate high-voltage and low-voltage electrical systems, the new architecture integrates their functions into a more centralized electrical and battery system.

If the technology performs as claimed, it could represent an important change in how future electric vehicles are designed, serviced and powered.

Why Do Electric Cars Still Need a 12V Battery?

The continued use of a 12V battery in electric vehicles is one of the more curious aspects of EV technology.

An electric car can have a high-voltage battery containing enough energy to propel the vehicle for hundreds of kilometers, yet a failed 12V battery can still leave the car unable to operate.

The reason is that the high-voltage traction battery and the low-voltage electrical system traditionally perform different functions. The 12V system supplies power to numerous vehicle components, including lighting, windshield wipers, multimedia equipment, control electronics and other accessories.

It also plays an important role in bringing the vehicle’s electrical systems online.

According to figures cited from Germany’s ADAC automobile club, almost half of its approximately 3.7 million annual roadside assistance calls are associated with discharged 12V batteries. That makes the small auxiliary battery a surprisingly significant source of vehicle breakdowns.

For electric vehicles, the situation can be particularly frustrating. A driver may have plenty of energy remaining in the main battery, but a dead 12V battery can nevertheless prevent the vehicle from functioning normally.

Leapmotor’s Answer: LEAP 5.0 and CTC 3.0

Leapmotor is attempting to address the problem by combining the traditionally separate electrical architectures.

Its LEAP 5.0 New Mobile Space Architecture works together with the CTC 3.0 High-Low Fusion system, creating an electrical architecture in which high-voltage and low-voltage functions are more closely integrated.

Instead of relying on a conventional 12V battery alongside the main traction battery, Leapmotor’s system uses a 48V power supply and a centralized Clover 5.0 electronic architecture.

The company says the new system provides seven times the low-voltage power capacity of its previous-generation architecture.

The objective is not simply to replace a 12V battery with another type of auxiliary battery. Instead, Leapmotor is attempting to eliminate the traditional component altogether by integrating its functions into the vehicle’s broader high-voltage electrical architecture.

That approach could reduce the number of individual components required and simplify the vehicle’s electrical system.

A Simpler Electrical Architecture

The potential advantages extend beyond the battery itself.

Modern electric vehicles contain increasingly complex electrical networks, with numerous control units, wiring systems, converters and electronic components. Consolidating these functions can reduce component count and potentially create more efficient packaging.

Leapmotor’s CTC 3.0 system is therefore part of a broader industry trend toward centralized vehicle architectures.

The company claims that the new system is designed to remain maintenance-free throughout the vehicle’s entire service life. If that claim translates into real-world durability, owners could benefit from fewer maintenance requirements and fewer replacement components.

There is also an environmental argument.

Conventional 12V batteries eventually reach the end of their service life and must be replaced. Eliminating them could therefore reduce the amount of lead-acid battery waste generated over the lifetime of an electric vehicle.

However, the real-world reliability of the new architecture will ultimately determine whether those theoretical benefits translate into meaningful advantages for owners.

When Will Leapmotor LEAP 5.0 Reach Europe?

European customers will have to wait before experiencing the new technology.

Leapmotor says LEAP 5.0 will not arrive in Europe immediately. The first vehicle from another brand within the wider Stellantis group to use the technology is scheduled to arrive during the fourth quarter of 2027.

The timing is significant because Leapmotor’s existing models will not immediately transition to the new architecture.

The Leapmotor C10 is scheduled to receive an update in early 2027, but that refresh will continue using the previous-generation technology rather than LEAP 5.0.

That means customers purchasing the refreshed C10 should not expect the new high-low voltage architecture.

Leapmotor’s European 800V Strategy Also Differs From China

The company’s European product strategy is already diverging from its Chinese lineup in another important area.

Leapmotor has decided not to introduce the 800V version of the B10 to European customers, despite the higher-voltage version having been available in China since July.

That decision highlights the differences between Leapmotor’s technology roadmap in China and Europe.

The company is developing increasingly sophisticated electrical architectures, but the timing and specifications of individual technologies will vary depending on market.

Could the 12V Battery Become Obsolete?

Leapmotor’s approach raises an interesting question for the wider electric-car industry: does the traditional 12V battery still have a long-term future?

For decades, the 12V electrical system has been a standard feature of passenger vehicles. Electric cars changed the propulsion system but, in many cases, retained the familiar low-voltage architecture for the rest of the vehicle.

That arrangement is increasingly being challenged as automakers move toward 48V systems, centralized computing and more integrated electrical architectures.

Leapmotor’s CTC 3.0 takes that evolution one step further by attempting to eliminate the conventional 12V battery altogether.

If the technology proves reliable in large-scale production, it could eventually influence how other manufacturers approach low-voltage electrical systems in future EVs.

For drivers, the potential benefit is straightforward: fewer components that can fail and one less conventional battery that needs periodic replacement.

For automakers, the attraction could be even greater. A simplified electrical architecture can potentially reduce component count, free up packaging space, streamline manufacturing and reduce long-term service requirements.

The biggest question is no longer whether an electric vehicle needs a large battery. It is whether it needs a small one sitting beside it.

Leapmotor believes the answer may soon be no.

For European buyers, however, the transition will take time. LEAP 5.0 is still several years away from becoming widely available in Europe, with the first Stellantis-group application expected in late 2027.

Until then, the conventional 12V battery remains an essential part of most electric vehicles—and potentially one of the smallest components capable of stopping a very large battery-powered car in its tracks.

Source: Leapmotor

NEW CARS

CEER EXOBOT Debuts as Saudi Arabia’s 850-HP Electric Sedan and SUV

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Saudi Arabia has officially entered the high-performance electric vehicle race with the debut of the CEER EXOBOT, an ambitious new electric sedan and SUV designed to establish the country’s first major automotive brand.

Revealed on September 21, 2026, the CEER EXOBOT is not a concept car or technology demonstrator. The two vehicles are production models scheduled to enter the Saudi market in early 2027, with manufacturing planned at CEER’s facility in King Abdullah Economic City. The company ultimately plans to expand its lineup to seven models by 2030.

And if the numbers are anything to go by, CEER is not entering the automotive industry quietly.

The EXOBOT sedan and SUV feature a tri-motor all-wheel-drive system producing up to 850 hp, an 800-volt electrical architecture, a 112-kWh NCM battery and a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive 48-inch curved digital display.

Then there are the doors.

Both EXOBOT models use spectacular upward-opening doors that immediately bring to mind some of the most recognizable designs in automotive history, including the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, DeLorean DMC-12 and Tesla Model X.

850 HP and 0–100 km/h in 2.6 Seconds

The CEER EXOBOT sedan is the performance flagship of the new Saudi brand.

Its tri-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain produces up to 850 hp, giving the large electric sedan a claimed 0–100 km/h acceleration time of just 2.6 seconds. That puts the EXOBOT firmly into performance-car territory, despite its substantial dimensions.

CEER says the EXOBOT uses an 800-volt electrical architecture combined with a 112-kWh high-capacity NCM battery. DC fast charging from 10 to 80 percent takes less than 30 minutes.

The official range figures currently published by CEER are based on the NEDC test cycle. The EXOBOT sedan is rated at up to 670 km, while the SUV is rated at up to 560 km. These figures should therefore not be confused with WLTP figures, which generally produce lower real-world-oriented range estimates than NEDC testing.

The sedan also features adaptive dual-chamber air suspension, rear-wheel steering and electronically controlled steering technology, giving CEER an opportunity to combine the straight-line performance expected from a high-output EV with greater agility and ride comfort.

A 5.2-Meter Electric Sedan With Gullwing Doors

The EXOBOT sedan is a substantial machine, measuring approximately 5.26 meters in length and 2.10 meters in width, with a wheelbase of around 3.2 meters.

Its proportions are closer to those of a large luxury sedan than a conventional sports car, yet CEER has given the body an aggressively futuristic shape.

The most dramatic feature is undoubtedly the door design.

Rather than conventional side-hinged doors, the EXOBOT uses upward-opening doors inspired by the gullwing architecture that has appeared on some of the automotive world’s most famous cars. CEER describes the design as part of its distinctive visual identity, giving the new Saudi EV a theatrical entrance that is impossible to miss.

The sedan can also be equipped with large 23- or 24-inch wheels, reinforcing its imposing stance.

EXOBOT SUV Brings 850 HP to a Larger Body

For buyers who prefer the practicality of an SUV, CEER has developed a second EXOBOT variant using the same fundamental electric architecture.

The EXOBOT SUV combines three electric motors, all-wheel drive and up to 850 hp with a taller and more versatile body. CEER lists a claimed NEDC range of up to 560 km and a 0–100 km/h time of 2.6 seconds on its current official website.

The SUV measures around 5.02 meters in length and 2.10 meters in width. Its active air suspension allows the vehicle’s ride height to be adjusted, with CEER quoting up to 300 mm of ground clearance depending on configuration.

That makes the EXOBOT SUV an unusual combination: a huge luxury EV with supercar-level acceleration, advanced chassis technology and enough adjustable ground clearance to provide greater versatility away from smooth pavement.

A 48-Inch 8K Screen Dominates the Interior

Inside, CEER has taken the digital-cockpit approach to another level.

The centerpiece of the EXOBOT cabin is a pillar-to-pillar 48-inch curved Digital Horizon display with 8K resolution. It stretches across almost the entire width of the dashboard and gives the interior a distinctly futuristic character.

The technology package also includes 3D navigation, camera-based digital mirrors and a CEER voice assistant capable of operating in both Arabic and English.

The company is clearly treating software as an important part of the EXOBOT experience. Through the CEER app, owners will be able to monitor vehicle status, manage charging, pre-condition the cabin, remotely park the vehicle and access service and maintenance functions.

The combination of a giant display, digital mirrors and voice-controlled functions gives the EXOBOT an interior more reminiscent of a high-end technology product than a traditional luxury car.

Steer-by-Wire and Rear-Wheel Steering

Beneath the futuristic styling, CEER has packed the EXOBOT with a long list of advanced chassis and driver-assistance technologies.

The sedan and SUV use rear-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension, while the electric architecture incorporates sophisticated steering and vehicle-control systems. The cars are also equipped with advanced driver-assistance technologies including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering and lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, emergency driver assistance and collision-prevention systems.

The result is intended to be more than simply a fast electric vehicle.

CEER is positioning the EXOBOT as a technology-heavy luxury EV capable of combining high performance with long-distance usability and sophisticated electronic control systems.

EXOBOT First Edition Will Lead the Launch

CEER will initially offer a limited First Edition version of the EXOBOT sedan and SUV.

The launch specification includes exclusive exterior finishes, a black exterior package with red brake calipers, red-and-black Nappa leather, unique interior details and a wall charger. The First Edition also includes a companion package with vehicle warranty, roadside assistance and scheduled service and maintenance.

CEER says the First Edition includes six years of scheduled service, six years of roadside assistance and an eight-year or 200,000-km battery warranty.

A more configurable EXOBOT Plus version will follow, giving customers a wider range of colors, finishes and interior options.

CEER Wants to Build a Saudi Automotive Industry

The significance of the EXOBOT goes beyond its 850-hp powertrain or unusual doors.

CEER was established as Saudi Arabia’s national automotive brand as part of the country’s broader effort to develop an advanced industrial economy and reduce dependence on oil. The company was launched by the Public Investment Fund in partnership with Foxconn, with BMW also involved as a technology partner.

The EXOBOT is therefore the first major product in a much larger industrial project.

CEER says its vehicles will be designed, engineered and manufactured in Saudi Arabia, with production taking place at the CEER Manufacturing Complex in King Abdullah Economic City. The company’s planned portfolio will expand to seven models by 2030, including vehicles aimed at different segments and customers.

The company is led by CEO Jim DeLuca, a veteran automotive executive who previously held a senior leadership position at VinFast.

CEER EXOBOT Specifications at a Glance

CEER EXOBOT Sedan:

  • Power: Up to 850 hp
  • Drivetrain: Tri-motor all-wheel drive
  • Battery: 112 kWh NCM
  • Electrical architecture: 800 volts
  • 0–100 km/h: 2.6 seconds
  • Claimed range: Up to 670 km NEDC
  • DC charging: 10–80 percent in under 30 minutes
  • Rear-wheel steering: Yes
  • Adaptive air suspension: Yes
  • Digital mirrors: Yes
  • Main display: 48-inch curved 8K Digital Horizon
  • Doors: Upward-opening
  • Wheel sizes: 23- or 24-inch

CEER EXOBOT SUV:

  • Power: Up to 850 hp
  • Drivetrain: Tri-motor all-wheel drive
  • Battery: 112 kWh NCM
  • Electrical architecture: 800 volts
  • 0–100 km/h: 2.6 seconds
  • Claimed range: Up to 560 km NEDC
  • DC charging: 10–80 percent in under 30 minutes
  • Rear-wheel steering: Yes
  • Active air suspension: Yes
  • Maximum quoted ground clearance: Up to 300 mm
  • Digital mirrors: Yes
  • Main display: 48-inch curved 8K Digital Horizon
  • Doors: Upward-opening

When Will the CEER EXOBOT Go on Sale?

CEER plans to begin sales of the EXOBOT in Saudi Arabia in early 2027, with production taking place at the company’s King Abdullah Economic City manufacturing complex.

Pricing has not yet been officially announced, meaning it is too early to determine exactly where the EXOBOT will sit against established luxury electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Lucid and other premium manufacturers.

CEER has, however, made it clear that the EXOBOT is only the beginning. The company intends to introduce a seven-model range by 2030 and expand beyond its initial Saudi market as production grows. Reuters reports that CEER plans to begin regional expansion from 2028.

Source: CEER

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