Nissan Motor is set to introduce a new type of hybrid to the U.S. market that combines EV driving with a traditional gas-powered engine. The new Nissan "e-Power" is called a series hybrid and uses the engine as a generator to power the vehicle's electric motors. It operates like emerging extended-range electric vehicles, but does not require a plug. Unlike traditional hybrid vehicles, the e-Power system does not need a traditional transmission to shift gears or a driveshaft to transfer torque from the transmission to the differential. The launch of this hybrid could be ideal timing due to rising gas prices and anticipated surge in hybrid sales amid new entrants. Nissan's new series hybrid system is designed to be launched domestically later this year in a new version of its popular Rogue compact SUV.