Hybrid technology for 2023 Nissan Qashqai E-Power
The popular Nissan Qashqai range is set to expand later this year with an e-Power hybrid version, sitting above the current mild-hybrid petrol. It will mark the introduction of the technology into Europe, providing a “significant milestone for Nissan’s electrification strategy” according to the brand. Pricing is still to be announced, but the Qashqai e-Power arrival has been earmarked for ‘late summer’.
First introduced for the Nissan Note in Japan in 2017, e-Power in the Qashqai features a 188bhp electric motor, battery pack, power generator, inverter and a 1.5-litre variable compression ratio (8:1 to 14:1) three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine developing 154bhp. The latter produces electricity, feeding either the battery pack, electric motor, or both, but only the electric motor ever powers the wheels.
According to Nissan, this results in an ‘instant and linear’ response to ‘deliver the pleasurable, effortless and smooth driving experience associated with a pure electric vehicle, but without the need to recharge.’ The engine runs within its ideal power band and compression ratio, resulting in fuel-efficiency and CO2 emissions advantages. While official figures haven’t been released yet, provisional numbers from testing are 53.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 119g/km.
The Qashqai e-Power also gets a new development of Nissan’s ‘e-Pedal’ called ‘e-Pedal Step’, which can decelerate the Qashqai at up to 0.2g when the brake pedal is released, illuminating the brake lights, and bringing the SUV to a ‘creeping’ speed, but not to a halt. This results in smooth low-speed parking manoeuvres according to Nissan.
According to the brand’s research, European crossover buyers spend more than 70% of their trips driving on urban and suburban roads, and feel they need to ‘compromise on driving pleasure in order to be eco-minded in their choice of vehicle.’ E-Power has been specially tuned to suit European consumer needs and targeted at those who ‘cannot or do not want to take time to recharge with a cable, but face a daily urban or suburban drive, and who are ready to make the first move in their transition to a full electric vehicle in the future.’ Prices will be announced closer to the on-sale date later this year.