New Nissan SUV Operates Like an Electric Vehicle Yet Uses Gasoline | Carscoops

      The updated powertrain of the Qashqai achieves a fuel consumption of 4.5 liters per 100 km (52 mpg) and emits lower CO2 levels.

      Nissan’s third-generation e-Power system is introduced in the refreshed Qashqai compact SUV.

      The revised hybrid powertrain enhances efficiency and overall performance.

      This new system will also be featured in the upcoming Rogue SUV in North America.

      Hybrids have become a favored option, providing a practical mix of internal combustion and electric power for various drivers. Nissan continues to enhance its self-charging hybrid technology, with its latest development being the third-generation e-Power system.

      This updated system first appeared in the European version of the Qashqai but will also be utilized in the next-generation Rogue in America and Japan’s Elgrand minivan.

      Nissan claims that the new hybrid system provides “the range and convenience of diesel, with the refinement and responsiveness of an EV.” This version improves on the model launched in 2022, demonstrating significant advancements in fuel efficiency and overall refinement. Naturally, this updated technology accompanies the redesigned Qashqai, which debuted in Europe last year with new styling and features.

      More Efficient, More Capable

      With a WLTP fuel consumption rating of 4.5 liters per 100 km (52 mpg), the revised Qashqai e-Power shows a commendable improvement over the previous model’s 5.3 liters per 100 km (44 mpg). Nissan states that the hybrid SUV can travel up to 1,200 km (746 miles) on a full tank, with practical ranges still surpassing 1,000 km (621 miles). CO2 emissions have also decreased, going from 116 g/km to 102 g/km.

      At the heart of the self-charging hybrid system is a new 1.5-liter gasoline engine featuring a larger turbocharger. Unlike a conventional hybrid setup, this engine does not directly drive the wheels. Instead, it acts as a generator for the electric motor and 2.1 kWh battery, supplemented by energy captured through regenerative braking. This configuration eliminates the need for a conventional transmission, providing smooth and immediate power delivery akin to an electric vehicle.

      All key components, including the motor, generator, inverter, reducer, and increaser, are contained within a compact, lightweight unit to enhance packaging and overall efficiency.

      Refinement and Performance Enhancements

      Inside the cabin, Nissan’s engineers have succeeded in reducing noise levels by as much as 5.6 dB compared to the previous model. Vibration has also been minimized, especially under load. Power output has increased by 15 hp (11 kW), bringing the total to 202 hp (151 kW or 205 PS). This figure is reached when the driver selects the new Sport mode, which provides an additional 13 hp (10 kW) boost.

      An additional benefit of the updated powertrain is the prolonged service interval, which has been extended from 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers (9,300 to 12,400 miles), potentially reducing maintenance frequency and costs over time.

      The revised Qashqai e-Power will be produced at Nissan’s Sunderland factory in the UK, with availability in Europe starting in September 2025. Following that, it is expected to be launched in markets throughout Africa and Oceania. Pricing details will be disclosed closer to the launch date.

      The third-generation e-Power system will also be utilized in the next-generation Nissan Rogue, which is anticipated to arrive in the US by fiscal year 2026, ending on March 31, 2027. In Japan, this system will also power the forthcoming Elgrand minivan, expected to launch around the same time frame.