New Nissan Qashqai debuts e-POWER technology

The new Nissan Qashqai will be the first car to debut e-POWER in Europe, Nissan’s new powertrain that draws technologies from the company’s pioneering Nissan LEAF electric vehicle.

The new Qashqai’s e-POWER system is comprised of a high-output battery and powertrain integrated with  variable compression ratio 157PS petrol engine, power generator, inverter and 140kW electric motor of similar size and power output as found in Nissan’s electric vehicles. It combines the enjoyable, seamless linear acceleration of an EV, but without the need for charging.

The unique element of the e-Power is that the petrol engine is used solely to generate electricity, whilst the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor. This means the engine can always run within its optimal range, leading to superior fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions compared with a traditional internal combustion engine.

Thanks to the pure electric motor drive, there’s no delay as with an internal combustion engine or traditional hybrid. The instant ‘EV like’ response delivers exhilarating high torque feel and best level acceleration at different speeds to make overtaking or merging onto a motorway easier and more confidence-inspiring.

There are three driving modes on e-POWER versions: Standard, Sport and Eco. In Standard, the car produces excellent acceleration and lift-off regeneration is tuned to simulate the engine-braking of a conventional petrol vehicle. In Sport mode, the car further improves acceleration response with reduced engine off time, especially in sporty driving scenarios. In Eco, the car goes into fuel-saving mode by optimising battery management and allowing the driver to select a coasting model for economical highway driving. In all modes an additional B mode can be selected which increases the energy recuperation at lift-off, slowing the car more efficiently without the use of the brake pedal.

Similar to the LEAF, the new Qashqai e-POWER benefits from an entirely new ‘one pedal’ driving experience called e-Pedal mode. Drivers can start, accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal, supporting up to 90% of driving scenarios.

In stop-and-go urban driving conditions, e-Pedal mode significantly reduces the need to move your foot from one pedal to the other by providing up to 0.2G of deceleration when lifting off the accelerator. This makes driving simpler and more relaxing. In order to optimise e-Pedal for parking manoeuvres, creep has been added and the brake pedal must be used to stop the vehicle. On open, winding roads, e-Pedal provides a more engaging drive whilst reducing the need to depress the brake during cornering.

The new Qashqai will also be available with a 1.3 DiG-T petrol engine equipped with mild hybrid technology.