Nissan Qashqai e-Power: Petrol Electric

After it was originally developed for the Japanese market, where it became an almost immediate success with Note, the technology e-Power received important developments for the European market, knowing that in this continent the expectations of power and refinement are higher. Now, it is up to Qashqai to launch this system in Europe, which is an electric version with an extended range, knowing that the X-Trail will also have such an engine. The brand recognizes the technology e-Power is an intermediate step on the path to zero emissions, aimed mainly at those who are not yet ready to take the step towards 100% electric models.

In terms of the SUV that is considered the “father” of the SUV trend in Europe, the arrival of e-Power it is also accompanied by new aesthetic elements, which do not reach the level of a facet, but which appears with a different grille (with the new Nissan symbol) and with markings. e-Power scattered on the bodywork.

The interior now has new 12.3-inch screens for the instrument and infotainment system, a new design and voice control functionality, as well as the possibility to interact with Amazon Alexa. all Qashqai models from now on.

Power supply unit

Using the CMF-C platform, designed for hybrid engines and “clean” internal combustion engines (with a structural weight of 60 kg less than the previous platform), the Qashqai now includes the e-Power hybrid system.

Basically, it works all the time with an electric motor driving the drive wheels, and a combustion engine serving as a load generator and not part of moving the wheels, unlike other hybrid systems already on the market.

It is made up of a 140 kW/190 hp electric motor, linked to a 156 hp 1.5 VCR turbo engine, with variable ratio VCR technology, which allows you to change the compression ratio according to the driving needs at any time.

The final power is the same as that of the electric motor, as it drives the wheels: 140 kW/190 hp with 330 Nm of peak torque.

The battery has a capacity of 2.1 kWh, if it is compact so that it does not add too much weight and does not interfere with the power performance, also offering the possibility of covering only a few kilometers using the electric motor, and the response is very good, and. Time availability of the electric motor to feel when starting and restoring. The activation of the combustion engine is not visible when driving most of the time, especially when stopped, for example, at a traffic light.

On the other hand, with a fuel tank of 55 liters, Nissan says that this version of the Qashqai can reach more than 1,000 km between refueling, still registering a consumption of less than 5.3 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 119 g/ e.g. However, in an international presentation in Sweden, with a model that includes both national and urban roads, the Qashqai e-Power returned 5.0 l/100 km in one of the test routes, rising to 5.2 l/100 km in the other. , thus increasing its effectiveness. However, it is also important to note that the driving was very smooth due to the flat tread and strict speed control on Swedish roads, where the radars are “on the go” and not very friendly to obstacles.

Very good details for the character of this Qashqai, very safe and capable, regardless of the driving style, while rolling is accompanied by good sound insulation.

In short, Nissan explains that this new Qashqai engine, in addition to allowing it to cover a wider market, manages to satisfy both emotional (performance) and logical (consumption), so they will invest in the hope of increasing sales.

The Qashqai e-Power will arrive in Portugal in different equipment levels, with the N-Connecta as the initial version, with Connected Services, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a 360º camera and 18 rims, at a price of 42,800 euros.

Above are the Tekna variants (adding a 10″ Head Up Display system and the ProPilot system with Navi Link), for 46,600 euros, and the Tekna+, the latter for 48,750 euros.

pjunceiro@globalmediagroup.pt