Nearly a decade after its global debut, Nissan is launching the next generation of its unique e-POWER technology on the British-built Qashqai crossover.
Comprehensively re-engineered for even better fuel efficiency, lower emissions and elevated refinement and set for production in Sunderland, New e-POWER will further smooth the transition from fuel towards zero emissions.
First launched in the region four years ago, e-POWER was developed to deliver an electric-drive experience without the need to plug in – combining the smooth, effortless acceleration and refinement of an EV with the everyday convenience of traditional combustion power.
The Range And Convenience Of Diesel, With The Refinement And Responsiveness Of An EV
At the heart of e-POWER is a unique principle which delivers real customer benefits: the petrol engine is 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.
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. And like an EV, the regenerative braking system on e-POWER converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, fed back into the battery.
New e-POWER takes this concept and elevates it further to deliver a best-in-class balance of performance, EV-like refinement and real-world fuel efficiency – but with the range and flexibility of a traditional combustion engine vehicle.
New e-POWER brings major improvements across every key area:
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Fuel consumption: reduced to 62mpg (WLTP) – best-in-segment figures, equating to a potential range of 745 miles
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CO2 emissions lowered from 116g/km to 102g/km a 12% reduction compared with the current iteration
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Cabin noise: reduced by up to 5.6dB compared to previous generation – offering EV-like refinement
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+10kW boost in Sport Mode – delivering a more responsive and engaging drive
Comprehensive Engine Changes
At the core of New e-POWER is a newly-developed 5-in-1 modular powertrain unit, which integrates the electric motor, generator, inverter, reducer and increaser into a compact and lighter package. Combined with improvements to engine calibration and sound insulation, the system reduces both noise and vibration under load. 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 and is now dedicated to its application in e-POWER. It adopts Nissan’s proprietary STARC combustion concept, which has lifted thermal efficiency to 42% – an exceptionally high level – by stabilising in-cylinder combustion, which enables the engine to operate more quietly and effectively at lower speeds. A new, larger turbo has been fitted which also brings efficiency gains, 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. Customers will also appreciate the new, longer service intervals which have been extended from 9,000 miles to 12,000 miles.
The net outcome of all the changes is that Qashqai equipped with new e-POWER achieves 16% better fuel economy in real-world conditions, and 14% improvement in highway fuel consumption versus the current generation.
With a theoretical range of 745 miles on a full tank, new e-POWER goes further than many traditional plug-in hybrids – without the need for a charging cable or waiting for a full charge.
A Smarter Step Towards Electric
For many drivers, moving to a fully electric vehicle still comes with questions – about charging, range, infrastructure, and habit change. That’s where e-POWER comes in.
With its fully electric motor drive and no plug-in requirement, new e-POWER offers a clear, confident step into electrified driving – combining the smoothness and instant response of an EV, with the familiar range and convenience of an ICE. It delivers the experience of electric, without the perceived challenges and common misconceptions that can still hold some drivers back from switching to fully electric.
And because the engine never powers the wheels, the driving feel is entirely electric, with no gear shifts, no power lag, and minimal engine noise at low speeds. Yet, unlike a battery electric vehicle, refuelling takes place at any petrol station.
By removing the complexity of change, e-POWER acts as a true transition technology – giving customers the benefits of electric mobility with none of the friction. It’s built for drivers who want something better, but not something unfamiliar.
The Qashqai will also benefit from enhanced connected technology features – including Google built-in infotainment, which provides access to Google Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store. New features include voice commands via Google Assistant, access to additional apps through Google Play, weather forecasts at planned destinations, and Nissan Trip Stories – allowing customers to easily record and share their favourite journeys via the NissanConnect Services app.
