Expected to be introduced in the second half of 2022, the new Qashqai e-POWER will be the first model in Europe to be equipped with Nissan's unique e-POWER drive system. Exclusive to Nissan and a key component of the company's Intelligent Mobility strategy, the e-POWER system takes a unique approach to electrification, making everyday driving both enjoyable and efficient.
Why e-POWER?
According to a study by Nissan, European crossover users spend more than 70% of their time driving in the city. The research also reveals that consumers feel obliged to compromise on driving pleasure in order to be environmentally friendly in their vehicle choices.
Nissan has developed the e-POWER system especially for these needs of European consumers. A product of Nissan's expertise in advanced battery and engine technology and innovative variable compression ratio internal combustion engine, e-POWER offers optimum fuel efficiency without sacrificing driving pleasure. For this reason, e-POWER is defined as an ideal technology for those who cannot or do not want to spare time to charge their electric vehicle, but who have to drive in the city for a long time, in the transition to electric vehicles.
100% electric power The e-POWER system consists of a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged 156 hp petrol engine with variable compression ratio, generator, inverter and electric motor producing 140 kW of power output similar in size and power to Nissan's electric vehicles. e-POWER is distinguished from its peers by the fact that the electric motor is the sole power source for the wheels, thus giving instant and linear response. Thus, e-POWER eliminates the shortcomings that drivers face in the hybrid car driving experience and offers a more enjoyable driving character. With these features, the unique e-POWER system of the new Qashqai offers a 100% electric driving experience without the need for charging.
Best selling powertrain technology
The e-POWER system was first used in Japan in 2017 in the compact family car Note. The Note was Japan's best-selling car in 2018. To meet the demands of European consumers and daily urban driving needs, e-POWER features have been significantly improved in the new Qashqai. The Note model uses a three-cylinder 1.2 petrol engine (80hp) and 95kW (127hp) final output charging the battery pack, while in Europe the three-cylinder 140-liter turbocharged and variable compression ratio delivering 188kW (1.5hp) overall final output for the Qashqai. Switched to a gasoline engine (156hp) with The e-POWER system offers many advantages. While the internal combustion engine works with the optimum compression ratio, it provides lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to conventional gasoline engines. With these features, it affects the air quality of the city at a minimum level and offers a unique driving experience thanks to its less noisy engine.
e-POWER (1.5-petrol VCR turbo engine)
- Power HP (kW) 188 (140)
- Torque Nm 330
- Drive system Front wheel drive
- Average consumption l/100 km 5.3*
- Average emission value g/km 120* * draft values
Thanks to its 100% electric motor drive, there is no delay in torque transmission, unlike a conventional hybrid vehicle, which experiences a sudden increase in engine speed in case of sudden acceleration. This instantaneous response of the e-POWER system offers a unique driving experience in all driving conditions. The power unit in the e-POWER system transmits the electrical power produced by the 1.5-liter engine to the electric motor via the inverter to maximize performance at sudden acceleration or high speeds. The kinetic energy captured during deceleration and braking is re-directed to the battery to be recovered and reused to optimize efficiency.
Variable compression ratio technology
The centerpiece of Nissan's unique e-POWER system is the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged variable compression ratio 156hp petrol engine developed specifically for this application. The variable compression capacity of the engine, which was first used for Nissan's premium brand Infiniti, is a unique feature in an internal combustion engine, allowing the compression ratio to be adjusted depending on the engine's load, providing both optimum performance and economy. Prior to its introduction with Infiniti in 2018, this particular engine was ranked among the top 10 engines in the world by Ward's, a US-based automotive consulting firm.
The compression ratio, ranging from 8:1 to 14:1, is achieved by the action of an actuator that changes the length of the piston stroke depending on the force needed. Compression ratio increases in situations that require constant speed and low power, where the battery's state of charge is sufficient; This reduces fuel consumption and emissions. In situations that require high power, such as charging the battery or transmitting power directly to the engine, a low compression ratio is used, which maximizes the engine's power. While this transition process takes place without interruption, the driver does not need to do anything.
“Linear Tune” specially developed for e-POWER
One of the key elements in the development of the e-POWER system was to make the driving experience “connected” in terms of performance and engine sound. This is due to the fact that the sound of the vehicle does not change as the vehicle accelerates, since the gasoline engine does not transmit power directly to the tires. Nissan Technical Center engineers in England and Spain developed a technology called “Linear Tune” to prevent this situation. This system gradually increases the speed of the 1.5-liter engine as the car accelerates, thus preventing the driver from feeling as if there is "no relation" between the driving feeling and the engine sound. The difference between engine speed and road speed is a phenomenon that drivers and passengers find disturbing, and the "Linear Tune" technology specially developed for e-POWER eliminates this situation.
The new Qashqai e-POWER offers a unique 'one-pedal' driving experience called the e-Pedal Step. Designed to eliminate the fatigue caused by stop-and-go city driving, where the driver frequently moves his foot between the gas and brake pedals, e-Pedal Step allows drivers to accelerate and decelerate the vehicle using only the accelerator pedal. The system must first be activated with the button in the center console. When the system is activated, the accelerator pedal provides acceleration as usual. When the driver takes his foot off the gas, the e-Pedal Step slows down the car with a force of 0.2 g and does not compromise on safety by turning on the brake lights at the same time. Thanks to the system, the vehicle slows down to a certain speed instead of stopping completely, which makes maneuvers as smooth as possible while driving. Drivers can adjust their speed by touching the accelerator pedal for a smoother operation, so they can drive more intuitively and less tiringly in the city using a single pedal.
The addition of the e-POWER version to the Qashqai model expands the product options for Nissan lovers. The current 1,3 liter mild hybrid engine has a power output option of 158 hp (116 kW) offering low fuel consumption and low emissions. The third generation Nissan Qashqai crossover features the original Qashqai with its striking design, advanced technologies, improved interior ambience and satisfying efficient driving dynamics.
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