The technology powering the next-generation Nissan e-Power Qashqai

When you’re responsible for one of the most popular SUV crossovers on the market it’s quite hard to find ways to improve it. Let’s face it, if it was easy to find improvements it probably wouldn’t have become such a popular option in the first place. That’s the problem, and apparently the solution is the next-generation e-Power hybrid system due to be introduced to the Nissan Qashqai range in September.

Nissan is launching the next generation of its unique e-Power technology on the British-built Qashqai crossover. Comprehensively re-engineered, the latest e-Power technology offers even better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

For those of you who may not know, around a decade ago Nissan took a slightly different path with its hybrid technology.

Rather than being connected directly to the wheels, the petrol engine in an e-Power hybrid essentially serves as a generator for the electrical system. Its sole purpose is to generate the electricity necessary to power an electric motor, and to charge the battery.

Nissan basically created an EV with an onboard power station.

You can’t really argue with the idea either: an EV that can be recharged in minutes at a regular petrol pump.

As well as removing the need for a lot of the complicated gearbox and drive linkages connecting engine and wheels – good news from a maintenance perspective – Nissan’s e-Power hybrid combines all the benefits of an EV with the convenience of the internal combustion engine we’re all used to. The engine never powers the wheels so there are no gear shifts, no power lag, and minimal engine noise at low speeds. Yet, unlike a regular EV, refuelling takes place at your nearest petrol station.

At the core of Nissan’s next-generation e-Power is a brand-new modular powertrain unit, which integrates the electric motor, generator, inverter, reducer and increaser into a compact and lighter package. That in turn is connected to a new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine specifically dedicated to the e-Power system.

Greater power, quieter on the road, better efficiency

In combination with other improvements to efficiency and sound insulation, the new e-Power hybrid offers increased power, quieter performance, and fuel efficiency up to 16% better than its predecessor. With a theoretical range of 745 miles on a full tank, it should go further than many traditional plug-in hybrids - without the need for a charging cable or time spent waiting for a full charge.

And that is the latest hybrid system the Nissan Qashqai will be boasting later this year.

Nissan has confirmed the latest e-Power hybrid Qashqai is available to order now on a lease, so if you’re about to renew – or if you’re considering your first lease – that might be a little bit of information worth investigating further before you make a final decision.