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Nissan e-POWER offers drivers a different approach to hybrid technology. It delivers the smooth acceleration and responsive feeling associated with an electric vehicle, but without needing to stop and recharge through a cable.
Instead, the vehicle is refuelled with petrol in the usual way. The petrol engine generates electricity, while an electric motor is solely responsible for driving the wheels.
For drivers who are interested in electric performance but are not ready or able to install a home charger, e-POWER could provide an effective alternative.
Every Nissan e-POWER system contains a petrol engine, power generator, inverter, lithium-ion battery and electric motor.
The petrol engine generates electricity rather than directly powering the wheels. This electricity can be sent to the battery, electric motor or both, depending on the driving conditions. The electric motor then delivers power to the wheels.
Energy that would normally be lost when slowing down is also recovered through regenerative braking and returned to the battery.
The system automatically manages the flow of energy, so there is no need for the driver to select between petrol and electric power. You simply refuel at a petrol station and drive as normal.
The main difference is what actually drives the wheels.
| Powertrain | What drives the wheels? | Does it plug in? | Does it use petrol? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan e-POWER | Electric motor only | No | Yes |
| Conventional hybrid | Petrol engine, electric motor or both | No | Yes |
| Plug-in hybrid | Petrol engine, electric motor or both | Yes | Yes |
| Fully electric vehicle | Electric motor only | Yes | No |
In a conventional hybrid, the petrol engine can power the wheels directly, either by itself or alongside the electric motor. With Nissan e-POWER, the petrol engine acts as an electricity generator and the wheels are always driven by the electric motor.
This helps e-POWER deliver a more consistent electric-style driving experience.
Electric motors can deliver torque almost instantly. This gives e-POWER vehicles smooth, direct acceleration that can be particularly useful when joining faster roads or moving through busy urban traffic.
Because there is no traditional gear-changing sensation, power delivery also feels more linear and controlled.
An e-POWER vehicle cannot and does not need to be connected to an external charger. Its battery is replenished by the petrol engine and regenerative braking while the vehicle is being driven.
This could suit motorists who do not have access to off-street parking, cannot install a home charger or frequently travel beyond the public charging network.
The e-POWER system can operate its petrol engine efficiently because it does not need to respond directly to every movement of the accelerator. Regenerative braking also captures energy during deceleration and feeds it back into the battery.
The latest Nissan Qashqai with third-generation e-POWER can achieve official combined fuel economy of up to 64.2mpg and a range of up to 777 miles from a full tank, depending on the chosen grade.
At lower speeds and during lighter acceleration, e-POWER can provide a quieter and more refined experience than a conventional petrol vehicle.
The system is designed to run the petrol engine at times when its sound is less noticeable, such as at higher speeds or when road noise is already present. Nissan states that its third-generation e-POWER system is up to 5.6dB quieter than the previous generation.
Nissan’s e-Pedal Step allows drivers to accelerate and significantly reduce the vehicle’s speed by using the accelerator pedal.
Lifting off the accelerator increases deceleration while regenerative braking recovers energy. This can reduce the need to move repeatedly between the accelerator and brake in stop-start traffic. However, the brake pedal must still be used to bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
Nissan e-POWER could be a strong choice if you:
It is important to remember that e-POWER still uses petrol and produces tailpipe emissions. Drivers who can charge regularly and want zero tailpipe emissions while driving may be better suited to a fully electric Nissan, such as the MICRA, LEAF or ARIYA.
At Glyn Hopkin, Nissan e-POWER technology is available across two popular family SUVs.
The Nissan Qashqai with e-POWER combines efficient performance with family practicality, intelligent technology and the responsive character of electric-motor driving.
For customers needing more passenger and luggage space, the Nissan X-Trail with e-POWER is available with five or seven seats. Selected versions also combine e-POWER with Nissan e-4ORCE all-wheel drive for greater traction, stability and control.
The best way to understand the difference between e-POWER and a conventional hybrid is to experience it from behind the wheel.
Visit your nearest Glyn Hopkin Nissan dealership to explore the e-POWER range, speak with our Nissan specialists and arrange a test drive in the Nissan Qashqai or Nissan X-Trail.
Official WLTP figures for the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER range from 62.8–64.2mpg combined. A range of up to 777 miles is achievable on the Qashqai Acenta Premium grade. Real-world results may vary depending on vehicle specification, battery condition, weather, driving style, accessories and vehicle load.
