Nissan Qashqai e-POWER - a crossover with a unique electrified power plant

With its unique and innovative e-POWER technology, the Nissan Qashqai once again breaks new ground in the crossover segment that the brand launched in 2007. The new Nissan Qashqai is the first European model to feature the Nissan e-POWER powertrain. It's a key element of the brand's electrification strategy, delivering a more responsive, quieter and more efficient ride.

Nissan Qashqai e-SILA

“The introduction of innovative e-POWER technology into the new Qashqai further reinforces Nissan's pioneering spirit in the crossover segment. Customers will enjoy the pleasure of driving an electric car without worrying about charging the battery. e-POWER is an all-electric drive, an important milestone in Nissan's electrification strategy,” said Arnaud Charpentier, Nissan vice president of product strategy and pricing for AMIEO.

E-POWER system - unique, electrified, does not require charging

The e-POWER system consists of a powerful battery complemented by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with variable compression ratio delivering 158 hp. The power plant also includes an electric generator, an inverter and a 190 hp electric motor, similar in size and power to units typical of Nissan electric vehicles. The gasoline engine generates electricity, which can be transferred directly to the battery, electric motor, or both, depending on your needs, by the inverter.

The only source of drive to the wheels is the electric motor, which makes the system respond instantly and smoothly, which sets it apart from the competition. This is an attractive alternative to traditional hybrid systems, where drivers have to put up with the typical disadvantages of hybrids in terms of driving experience.

The new e-POWER transmission on the Qashqai delivers a pleasant, quiet and smooth ride typical of all-electric vehicles, but without the need to recharge the battery.

Variable compression ratio

At the heart of Nissan's unique e-POWER transmission is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged, variable compression gasoline engine with 158 hp, specially developed for this solution. First introduced in Infiniti, Nissan's premium brand, the variable compression ratio system is unique to internal combustion engines. It allows you to adjust the compression ratio, which ensures optimal performance and guarantees savings regardless of engine load. Before the solution was first used in Infiniti in 2018, the engine itself was ranked as one of the top ten in the world by US automotive consultancy Ward's.

The compression ratio ranges from 8:1 to 14:1 and is achieved by an actuator that changes the stroke of the piston depending on the required power.

Under conditions of low power demand, such as driving at a constant speed and with a high battery charge, the compression ratio is higher, which helps to optimize fuel consumption and emissions. Under conditions of high power demand (the need to recharge the battery or transfer power directly to the engine), a lower compression mode is activated to maximize engine power. The transition between different compression ratios is imperceptible and does not require any action on the part of the driver.

“The e-POWER drive on the Qashqai is a unique Nissan technology that focuses on engine efficiency and driving pleasure. When developing its version for the needs of the European market, our goal was to ensure that e-POWER drivers do not have to make any compromises in terms of driving experience. Our solution brings together the best of both worlds and reflects Nissan's core values of boldness, forward thinking and innovation, while putting the driver first,” said David Moss, Nissan Senior Vice President of AMIEO Research and Development.

Linear melody

A key element in the development of the e-POWER powertrain for the Nissan Qashqai was the need for constant driving - matching the pace of the gasoline engine to the speed of the car. Linear Tune is a collaborative effort between Nissan Technical Center Europe (NTCE) engineers in the UK and Spain. This feature controls the operation of the 1.5-litre engine by gradually increasing the RPM to meet power requirements as it accelerates, while eliminating the performance mismatch and engine noise often experienced by drivers and passengers. Auto users describe the sudden burst of engine speed without the accompanying proportional acceleration as frustrating and "inconsistent". Linear Tune in the e-POWER transmission is the antidote to such bad experiences.

electronic pedal step

Like the LEAF, the e-POWER system on the new Nissan Qashqai gives the driver a new driving experience thanks to e-Pedal Step technology. It was designed to eliminate the tedious need to frequently shift your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal during city acceleration and deceleration. The e-Pedal Step system allows you to accelerate and brake using only the accelerator pedal.

The electronic step pedal must be activated using the switch on the center console. Activating the mode does not affect the characteristics of the gas pedal - its operation does not change. By releasing pressure on the accelerator pedal, the e-Pedal Step will brake the car with 0.2 g of force, which is enough to light up the brake lights. The car will slow down until it reaches a "creep" speed without coming to a complete stop. This solution provides a smooth maneuver when parking at low speed. Drivers quickly become accustomed to adjusting accelerator pedal pressure, resulting in a smoother ride that is more intuitive and less demanding.

Responsive, efficient and quiet driving

The advantage of the e-POWER system is that the engine runs in the optimum range and at the best compression ratio, which means better fuel economy and lower carbon emissions compared to a conventional internal combustion engine, as well as greater driving comfort due to quieter engine operation. . An additional benefit is the low impact of e-POWER vehicles on urban air pollution.

With all-electric drive, there are no delays in torque delivery, unlike with a traditional hybrid system where the engine can jerk violently in response to the driver pressing the accelerator pedal. The instant response of the e-POWER transmission provides a unique and exciting driving experience in all conditions.

To optimize performance, the e-POWER power control unit can transfer the power generated by the 1.5 liter internal combustion engine directly through the inverter to the electric motor in case of heavy acceleration or high speed. During deceleration and braking, kinetic energy is recovered and used to charge the battery, which improves system efficiency.

“We understand that potential buyers of the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER will spend nearly three-quarters of their time driving in urban and suburban environments. It is for them that we have created this unique transmission, guaranteeing the most economical, efficient and quiet operation of the engine in typical driving conditions. However, we didn't skimp on performance. The car accelerates instantly thanks to the all-electric wheel drive. There is also no gearbox that could interfere with power transfer,” added David Moss.

Technology that paves the way for electromobility without the need to recharge the battery

Nissan research has shown that European crossover drivers spend more than 70% of their time in the car while driving in city and suburban areas. It has also been shown that when choosing a car, customers often feel compelled to forgo driving pleasure in favor of an environmentally friendly car.

The e-POWER powertrain responds to this trend and delivers optimum fuel efficiency without sacrificing driving pleasure, thanks to a combination of advanced battery and electric motor technologies, as well as an innovative variable compression internal combustion engine.

e-POWER is the ideal technology for daily urban or suburban drivers who would like to upgrade to 100% electric drive in the future but cannot recharge the battery or are not yet ready to switch to an electric vehicle.

The third generation Nissan Qashqai is true to its original philosophy of offering unique styling, a comfortable and spacious interior, and intuitive and efficient technologies that deliver driving pleasure.

“We are confident that with Nissan's unique e-POWER technology, customers will be able to enjoy electric driving without worrying about limited range. Our new drive delivers driving pleasure while at the same time meeting our customers' environmentally friendly approach to everyday life. Overall, the Qashqai e‑POWER will appeal to drivers who are not yet ready for a 100% electric vehicle, but who are committed to sustainability and want to enjoy electric driving,” added Arnaud Charpentier.

Sales of Nissan Qashqai e-POWER in European markets will begin in autumn.

Specifications Nissan Qashqai e-POWER *

• Power - 140 kW (190 HP)*
• The maximum torque of the internal combustion engine is 250 Nm.
• The maximum torque of the electric motor is 330 Nm.
• Combined CO2 emissions WLTP - 119-123 g/km**
• WLTP combined fuel consumption 5.3-5.4 l/100 km**
• Curb weight – 1,612–1,728 kg***
• Kd - 0.32
• Maximum speed - 170 km / h
• Acceleration 0-100 km / h - 7.9 s
• Length - 4 425 mm
• Width (without side mirrors) - 1835 mm
• Height - 1 625 mm
• Wheelbase - 2 665 mm

* Only in electric mode (100% motor driven)

** Data pending

*** Depending on equipment level and technical specifications

Photo: Nissan