PARIS: Nissan has launched the new, third generation e-Power technology which will be on the Qashqai crossover in Europe from September 2025.
In the European Qashqai, real-world range is said to be over 1,000km on a full tank.
The e-Power technology sees the petrol engine being used only to generate electricity which is distributed directly to the electric motor to drive the wheels, as well as to charge the battery if needed.
Nissan says that unlike traditional hybrids, there is no complicated gearbox and coupling to combine petrol power and electric energy to drive the wheels, meaning response is instant and the drive is always smooth, just like an EV (electric vehicle).
And like an EV, the regenerative braking system on e-Power converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, fed back into the battery.
And because the engine never powers the wheels, the driving feel is entirely electric, with no gear shifts, no power lag, and no engine noise at low speeds.
Yet, unlike a battery electric vehicle, refuelling takes place at any petrol station.
The new, third generation e-Power brings major improvements across every key area:
- Fuel consumption: reduced to 4.5L/100km (WLTP) – best-in-segment figures, up to range of 1,200km
- Cabin noise: reduced by up to 5.6dB compared to previous generation – offering EV-like refinement
- +10kW boost in Sport Mode - delivering a more responsive and engaging drive
Overall, power is up by 11kW, at a maximum of 151kW. The battery capacity is unchanged at 2.1 kWh.
Despite having a similar three cylinder 1.5-litre turbo configuration as the out-going version, the engine is all-new.
A new, larger turbo has been fitted, allowing a 200rpm reduction in engine speeds during highway driving, contributing to the lower overall noise level.
The variable compression ratio technology found on the previous version has been rendered redundant by the other changes to the engine.
Additional engine efficiency has been generated by the change to 0W16 lubricating oil, reducing internal friction.
European customers who purchase a Qashqai will also appreciate the new, longer service intervals which have been extended from 15,000km to 20,000km.
Independent testing using the fuel efficiency evaluation protocol from ADAC, Germany’s leading automobile association, shows up to 16% better fuel economy in real-world conditions, and 14% improvement on the highway fuel consumption versus the current generation.
Nissan Motor Corp chief technology officer Eiichi Akashi said “The launch with Qashqai is just the beginning, we look forward to delivering this advanced powertrain to customers in North America and Japan in FY26, with other markets to follow”.
The third generation e-Power will also be the powertrain for the fourth-generation Elgrand large minivan, which is due to arrive in Japan within FY26.
