New e-POWER in British-built Nissan Qashqai 

Nearly a decade after its global debut, Nissan is launching the next generation of its e-POWER technology on the British-built Qashqai crossover. 

Claiming better fuel efficiency, lower emissions and greater refinement it is set for production in Sunderland UK. The new e-POWER is aimed at helping the transition from fuel towards zero emissions.

First launched four years ago, e-POWER was developed to deliver an electric-drive without the need to plug in – combining the smooth, effortless acceleration and refinement of an EV with the everyday convenience of traditional combustion power.

At the heart of e-POWER is that the petrol engine is used only to generate electricity which is then 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.  

Fuel consumption is reduced to 62mpg (WLTP), equating to a potential range of 745 miles, CO2 emissions lowered from 116g/km to 102g/km a 12% reduction compared with the current model and a 10kW boost in Sport Mode.

At the core of the new e-POWER is a newly-developed 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. 

Despite having a similar three cylinder 1.5-litre turbo configuration as the out-going version, the engine is all-new. A new, larger turbo has been fitted which also brings efficiency gains, allowing a 200rpm reduction in engine speeds during motorway driving. 

For many drivers, moving to a fully electric vehicle still comes with questions – about charging, range, infrastructure, and habit change. That’s where e-POWER comes in. With its fully electric motor drive and no plug-in requirement, new e-POWER offers a different and potentially easier route.

And because the engine never powers the wheels, the driving feel is entirely electric, with no gear shifts, no power lag, and minimal engine noise at low speeds. Yet, unlike a battery electric vehicle, refuelling takes place at any petrol station.

The latest Qashqai equipped with new e-POWER will be available in European markets from September 2025. 

Words by Mark Slack