Nissan Qashqai e-POWER Completes UK Journey with Fuel to Spare

In an impressive demonstration of endurance and fuel efficiency, engineers from Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) drove two Qashqai e-POWER vehicles across the length of the UK. Covering 837 miles from the southern tip of England to the northern reaches of Scotland, the team completed the journey with fuel to spare, having 100 miles worth of petrol left in the tank. Achieving a best-in-class fuel economy of 75 miles per gallon (mpg), this journey echoes a similar 2007 challenge where the original Qashqai 1.5dCi Diesel averaged 67.35mpg over the same route.

The Qashqai e-POWER's success can be attributed to its innovative powertrain system, which uniquely uses a petrol engine solely to generate electricity. This electricity drives an electric motor that powers the vehicle’s wheels, providing instant torque, smooth acceleration, and a quiet ride without the need to plug in. Dean Driver, a Vehicle Evaluation Engineer involved in the challenge, noted the powertrain's strength in delivering both range and refinement, making the journey not only efficient but also smooth and quiet.

David Moss, Senior Vice President of Region Research & Development in Nissan AMIEO, emphasized that the third generation e-POWER reflects years of development and customer feedback. By integrating key components into a new 1.5-litre turbo engine, the e-POWER system maximizes efficiency and reduces emissions while maintaining a diesel-like range. The platform's re-engineered design exemplifies Nissan's commitment to innovation, delivering a driving experience that is both environmentally friendly and highly efficient.

The heart of the e-POWER system is the proprietary STARC combustion concept, which enhances thermal efficiency to 42% by stabilizing in-cylinder combustion. This improvement allows the engine to operate more quietly and effectively, even at lower speeds. The all-new e-POWER 5-in-1 powertrain integrates the electric motor, generator, inverter, increaser, and reducer, marking a significant advancement in hybrid technology.

Produced at Nissan's state-of-the-art factory in Sunderland, UK, the latest Qashqai equipped with e-POWER began production in July and is set to enter European markets in the coming months. As Nissan continues to innovate in the field of electrified vehicles, the e-POWER system stands as a testament to the brand's dedication to improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. This accomplishment on the Land's End to John O'Groats journey not only marks a milestone for Nissan but also sets a new standard for hybrid vehicles.