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The New Nissan Qashqai will be the first model in Europe to be released with Nissan's e-POWER system. e-POWER is exclusive to Nissan and is a key component in their 'Intelligent Mobility' strategy, which uses a unique approach to vehicle electrification to make driving easier and more efficient.
Nissan's e-POWER system incorporates a high-output battery, complimented by a 1.5 litre three-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine which generates 156hp. The engine is used not to propel the vehicle, but to act as a power generator to charge a lithium-ion battery pack. The petrol engine generates electricity, which can be transmitted via an inverter to the battery pack, the 140kW electric motor or both, adapting to any driving style.
By delivering power to the car this way rather than a conventional hybrid method, e-POWER strives for optimum efficiency, delivering the instant and linear power output of an EV, without ever needing to charge your battery.
There are many advantages of e-POWER over other electrically assisted power units, one of those being that the engine runs within its optimal range and best compression ratio constantly, leading to superior fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. There is no delay in the delivery of torque which can be seen in many convention hybrid vehicles, as there can be a sudden rise in engine speed as it responds to the demand for immediate acceleration. To maximise performance in high speed situations, the energy management control unit within the system can send the power generated by the petrol engine directly to the electric motor via the inverter to bolster the electricity supply which is coming from the battery.
Similar to the Nissan LEAF, the new Qashqai e-POWER benefits from Nissan's 'e-Pedal Step' technology, which provides a one pedal driving experience which is designed to take the strain out of stop-start urban driving where the driver is frequently moving their foot between both pedals. When the system is engaged, it will brake the Qashqai at 0.2g, which is enough to illuminate the brake lights and ensures a smooth, 'creeping' deceleration of the vehicle.
Arnaud Charpentier, Region Vice President, Product Strategy and Pricing for Nissan's AMIEO region said:
“With Nissan’s bold e-POWER technology, we feel that customers will fall in love with the feeling of an electric powertrain, without the range concerns. It’s a powertrain which they will enjoy driving and represents an excellent option to be greener in their day to day life. Overall, the Qashqai e-POWER will appeal to drivers who aren’t yet ready for a pure EV in their lives, but do want to be more eco-conscious and enjoy the fun-to-drive EV-feeling day to day,”
The e-POWER system was first introduced in Japan in 2017 on the Nissan Note, a compact family car, and became Japan's number one best-selling car in 2018. The application in Japan's Nissan Note features a three cylinder 1.2 petrol engine with a final output of 95kW (127hp), but this has been upgraded to meet the demands of European customers to a three-cylinder 1.5-litre turbocharged variable compression petrol engine, which translates to a total final power output of 140kW (188hp).