Nissan is doubling down on its unique e-POWER technology, promising a game-changing update that offers the quiet, instant torque of an electric vehicle with the go-anywhere convenience of a petrol car. Set to debut in the British-built Qashqai crossover, this next-generation system might just be the perfect stepping stone for Kiwis curious about electric driving but not yet ready to ditch the pump entirely.
The Best of Both Worlds?
The core idea of e-POWER is brilliantly simple. Unlike a traditional hybrid where a petrol engine and electric motor can both drive the wheels, e-POWER uses its 1.5-litre petrol engine for one job only: to act as a generator. It produces electricity that powers an electric motor, and it’s this motor alone that turns the wheels. The result is a drive that feels exactly like an EV, smooth, responsive, and without any gear shifts, but your “charging” is done in minutes at any petrol station.
Nissan claims this new iteration elevates the concept significantly, aiming to smooth the transition from internal combustion to zero-emission mobility.
By The Numbers
The stats coming out of Nissan’s UK announcement are certainly impressive. The new e-POWER Qashqai is targeting best-in-class figures for its segment:
- Fuel Efficiency: An outstanding 62 mpg (WLTP), which translates to roughly 4.5L/100km.
- Emissions: CO₂ is down 12% to just 102g/km.
- Range: A potential range of 745 miles (nearly 1,200 km) on a single tank means you could drive from Auckland to Wellington and back without refuelling.
- Quiet Ride: Cabin noise has been slashed by up to 5.6dB, pushing it further into EV-like refinement.
Under the Bonnet: A Complete Overhaul
This isn’t just a software tweak. At the heart of the new system is a re-engineered 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbo engine built specifically for its role as a power station. It uses Nissan’s proprietary STARC combustion concept to achieve a remarkable 42% thermal efficiency, allowing it to run more quietly and effectively. A new, larger turbo also helps reduce engine RPMs during highway driving, contributing to that quieter cabin.
This is all part of a new, lighter, and more compact 5-in-1 powertrain unit that integrates the motor, generator, and other key components. For the driver, this translates to a boost in total power to 151kW, with an extra 10kW available in Sport Mode for a more engaging drive.
Nissan has also focused on ownership costs, extending the service intervals from 9,000 miles to 12,000 miles (approx. 19,300 km), a welcome change for any owner’s wallet.
The Kiwi Connection
While the initial launch is slated for Europe in September 2025, a rollout across Oceania will follow in the subsequent months. This means we can expect to see the new e-POWER equipped Qashqai on New Zealand roads, likely in early 2026. For a country with vast distances and an EV charging network that is still growing, this technology could be a perfect fit. It offers a tangible taste of the electric future, the quiet commute, the instant acceleration, without any of the current perceived drawbacks like range anxiety or charging queues. As Nissan executive Clíodhna Lyons puts it, it delivers an “EV driving [experience]… without changing the way we are used to live with a traditional vehicle”.
The updated Qashqai will also get a tech boost inside, with Google built-in infotainment, giving drivers access to Google Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store, alongside enhanced ProPILOT driver assistance features. For many drivers, this clever hybrid that isn’t really a hybrid could be the ideal, friction-free way to go electric.
