‘e-Power’ technology takes hybridization to a new level, offering 100% electric performance in a refined and efficient way, for the Qashqai range and the new X-Trail.
Exploring a new technological path always entails risks. However, when a brand is used to running them, assuming them and succeeding, the bet is always convincing. At a time when the entire automotive sector is immersed in the debate on total electrification, the proposal for Nissan with your technologye-Power‘ opens up the debate for the immediate future, offering a new path, a perfect alternative to navigate the complex path from thermal combustion engines to 100% electric.
We discovered this technological solution in the year 2016 on Japanwhen the engineers of Nissan They applied a small-displacement combustion engine whose main objective was to supply energy (as a generator) to an electric motor that was in charge of moving the car. The first model on which this solution was applied, which the brand does not like to consider as ‘hybrid’, was the Note. In 2019, during the Tokyo Motor Show, we learned of the Japanese brand’s intention to introduce ‘e-Power’ technology in the new generation of the Qashqai. We were even able to test it on a Nissan Notes and a Nissan Kick. This technology is the leader in the Japanese market.
Today, in 2022, with the Qashqai already rolling on European roads, the brand announces for the month of September the introduction of a version ‘e-Power‘ in the range of its successful SUV. The new set bets on a larger motor than the Juke and Kick models sold in Japan. There they mount a 1.2-liter 80 hp gasoline engine that charged the battery of a 95 KW electric motor that offers 127 hp in total. The one that carries the new Qashqai is a three-cylinder gasoline engine and 1.5 liters (155 CV) that feeds the electric motor with a total power of 188 CV.
Test in Jarama
We were able to test it recently in the Madrid circuit of the Jarama, where we could appreciate the solutions that this technology will allow us. The key to the success of this type of motor (which is not exactly the same as the ones proposed in its day in the Opel Ampera and the Chevrolet Voltchosen European Car of the Year in 2012) lies in the ability of the engine to adjust the compression ratio (variable) automatically, which allows emissions and consumption to be optimized. This effect is achieved with an actuator that changes the length of the piston stroke depending on the power demand.
Placed on the asphalt, the Nissan Qashqai ‘e-Power‘ announced us a consumption in ideal conditions of 5.3 liters per 100 kilometers, with a CO2 emissions figure of 119 gr/km. In a mixed route in which we combined urban areas (recreated), road and motorway, our consumption ranged between 6 and 8.1 litres. The fuel tank is 55 liters… although driving is that of an electric. The battery (lithium-ion).
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Contrary to what was experienced in Japan with the ‘e-Power’ of the Note and the Kicks, the system of the Qashqai it is much quieter inside. Dynamically it is elegant in terms of displacement in general. It has several driving modes which allow you to extract the best performance from the engine. In the mode Sport it acts on steering and throttle response. In addition, it benefits from the technology One Pedal that allows the driver to accelerate and brake only with the accelerator pedal (he brakes by lifting his foot and the brake lights come on), from 10 km/h. Although the car does not brake completely (that is, it has to brake), it does slow down, recovering energy when decelerating and braking. The feeling is quickly assimilated and is a very interesting addition to this model.
The brand has not yet set the price of the Qashqai ‘e-Power’ although it is estimated that it will not go much further than 35,000 or 37,000 euros. From Nissan They claim that it is an ideal time for this technology (which will also reach the new X-Trail that will be presented this week). They consider that it is a technology that will go beyond the limitations that are thought to be introduced for combustion engines after 2030. The Japanese hope that the 75% of its sales in Europe are electrified for 2026 with the aim of reaching the 100% at the end of the decade. The new ‘e-Power’ figures in this equation. And everything indicates that it will be a winning bet.