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:
Fuel consumption: reduced to 62mpg (WLTP) –
best-in-segment figures, equating to a potential range of 745 miles
CO₂ emissions lowered from 116g/km to 102g/km
a 12% reduction compared with the current iteration
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
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.
David Moss, Senior Vice President, Region
Research & Development, Nissan AMIEO, said “This new version of e-POWER
reflects everything we’ve learned from developing electric motor drive systems
for Europe. We’ve analysed what worked in our previous generations, what
appealed most to customers, and re-engineered the system to deliver maximum
efficiency, lower emissions and a quieter, more refined drive - all with the
same performance as a diesel. We are proud that New e-POWER now offers
best-in-class fuel efficiency and emissions.”
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.
