Nissan’s Qashqai e-Power range-extender model has opened for orders, offering “an EV-driving feel without the need to recharge”.

The Qashqai e-Power offers “an EV-driving feel without the need to recharge”

Priced from £32,950, the technology joins the Qashqai line-up alongside the existing 1.3-litre mild hybrid petrol variants, making it the first Nissan model in Europe to receive the new electrified engine.

The powertrain uses a range-extender set-up whereby the 190hp 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with variable compression ratio is only used to generate electricity, not to power the wheels directly. This is then fed via the inverter either to the 2.1kWh battery pack or to the 190hp electric motor or both, depending on the driving scenario.

It differs from traditional hybrids as the electric motor is the sole source of power for the wheels, which brings an “instant and linear” response that the brand says is an appealing alternative to traditional hybrids. And this means that drivers get the instant torque associated with a pure EV – giving a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds – but with no need to recharge. Hence the brand describing it as a “100% electric motor-driven bridging technology offering”. Initial data also gives a WLTP combined mpg figure of 52.3-53.3mpg and 119g/km CO2 emissions.

The technology is a key component in the company’s electrification plans.

Arnaud Charpentier, region vice president, product strategy & pricing, Nissan AMIEO, said: “The introduction of the innovative e-Power technology to the Qashqai brings more of Nissan’s pioneering spirit to the crossover segment. Customers will love the feeling of driving an EV, but without having to think about charging. e-Power is a gateway to full EV driving and represents a significant milestone in Nissan’s electrification strategy.”

An important part of the new technology is what Nissan describes as ‘Linear Tune’. This increases the speed of the engine to meet the motor’s energy demands as the car accelerates, making performance feel more normal and ensuring the driver feels more “connected”.

The Qashqai e-Power also features a version of the brand’s e-Pedal Step regenerative braking, already seen on models such as the Leaf and the new Ariya and allowing drivers to accelerate and brake using just the accelerator, once the system is activated. It will brake the car down to a “creeping” speed, but not a complete stop.

The new e-Power version arrives as part of a range of 22 model year updates to the Qashqai and is available in four grades – Acenta Premium, N-Connecta, Tekna and Tekna+ – but not the entry-level Visia.

Customer deliveries will start in September. Prices start at £32,950, which is a £1,985 increase from the DIG-T 158 2WD X-Tronic automatic mild-hybrid model in the same grade.

Pricing