The Nissan Qashqai is the first model from the Nissan range to receive their new e-POWER powertrain, which provides responsive, efficient and quiet driving performance.
“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” said Arnaud Charpentier, Region Vice President, Product Strategy & Pricing, Nissan AMIEO.
The e-POWER system is made up of a high-output battery, combined with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which is capable of generating 190PS, as well as a power generator, inverter and 140kW electric motor, a similar size and output as those seen on Nissan’s electric vehicles, like the LEAF. It works, by the petrol engine generating electricity, which can be transmitted via an inverter to the battery pack, the electric motor, or both, depending on what is needed.
This powertrain is quite different to others as the electric motor is the only thing powering the wheels, so that you can get an instantaneous response. This is therefore more appealing than traditional self-charging hybrids as it takes a lot of the benefits of electric vehicles, and combines those with the benefits of traditional combustion engines, without compromising on performance. All of this is possible, without having to charge it, like you would with an electric vehicle, instead it is very traditional.
The 1.5-litre three cylinder turbocharged variable compression engine that powers the Qashqai has been developed specifically for this use. The engine’s variable compression capability is unique in an internal combustion engine, but it allows it to adjust the compression ratio to facilitate optimal performance and fuel economy. This ratio varies between 8:1 and 14:1 which is achieved by the movement of an actuator, changing the length of the piston stroke depending on how much power is required.
During low power demand scenarios, where the car is travelling at a constant speed, with a good state of charge, such as at low speeds, the compression ratio will operate at a higher range,, optimising consumption and emissions. Under higher demand for power, in order to charge the battery or supply power directly to the motor, a lower compression ratio will be activated to get the best out of the engine’s power output. The transition between these different compression ratio is not noticeable when you are driving, it is complete seamless and requires no input from the driver whatsoever.
“The e-POWER system in the Qashqai is a unique Nissan technology which puts efficiency and driving pleasure at the forefront of the driving experience. In developing this system for Europe, we were committed to ensuring that the driving experience should not be compromised for drivers of Qashqai e-POWER. This technology offers the best of both worlds and represents the best of Nissan – bold, pioneering and innovative – while putting the driver first.” said David Moss, Senior Vice President, Region Research & Development, Nissan AMIEO.
One of the biggest things in the development of the e-POWER system for the Qashqai was the need to ensure the driving experience gave a connected sensation, so that the petrol engine speed was relative to the actual road speed. Engineers at Nissan Technical Centre in the UK and Spain worked together in order to develop a system called ‘Linear Tune’. This controls the petrol engine and increases its speed in order to meet the motor’s energy demands, as the car accelerates, so that there isn’t a disconnect between what you experience in terms of performance and sound.
Like the ARIYA, the new Qashqai e-POWER incorporates a ‘one pedal’ driving experience called e-Pedal Step. This helps to reduce the strain of stop-start city driving, where you are often moving between the brake and accelerator. This allows the driver to brake and accelerate using just the accelerator pedal.
The e-Pedal Step system must first be activated with a switch on the centre console, which once engaged, the accelerator delivers normal acceleration. Once it is released, the accelerator e-Pedal Step will slow the Qashqai down at 0.2g, which is enough to turn on the brake lights and reduce the speed to a ‘creeping speed’, but not necessarily a complete stop. This helps to make sure that low-speed parking manoeuvres are as smooth as possible. Drivers will quickly adapt how they use the accelerator in order to maintain smooth acceleration and make urban driving as intuitive, and easy as possible.
One of the key things about the e-POWER system is that the engine runs within its optimal range and best compression ratio, which means it will always be operating at peak fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions when compared to a traditional internal combustion motor. Not only this, but driving is more refined and relaxing thanks to reduced engine noise, whilst producing minimal impact on air quality.
As a result of the pure electric motor drive, there is no delay in the power delivery, thanks to almost instantaneous torque, unlike traditional hybrids. This means that the Qashqai e-POWER gives you instantaneous throttle response, guaranteeing an exciting driving experience in all driving conditions.
In order to get the best performance in high acceleration or speed scenarios, the energy management control unit within the e-POWER system can send the power generated by the 1.5-litre engine directly to the electric motor via the inverto, which bolsters the electricity supply which is coming from the battery. When you are slowing down, the kinetic energy is turned back into electrical energy and stored into the battery in order to maximise efficiency.
“We know that potential customers for Qashqai e-POWER will spend nearly three-quarters of their time driving in urban and suburban environments. Consequently, we’ve developed the e-POWER system to run as efficiently, effectively and discreetly as possible in those circumstances. But there is no compromise to the driving performance. Acceleration is instant, thanks to the pure electric drive to the wheels, and there is no gearbox to interrupt the power delivery,” added David Moss.
The third generation of Nissan’s Qashqai crossover remains true to the original formula – striking design, elevated life-on-board ambience with intuitive technology and efficient but rewarding driving dynamics.
This new model is available to order now, why not discover the latest Qashqai e-POWER offers?
