If something is clear at the Nissan stand at Automobile Barcelona, it is the firm commitment of the Japanese brand to electrification. Upon arrival, visitors can see a panel with the inscription "90 years driving the future", the best way to capture the brand's spirit of always going beyond what is expected, challenging conventions and promoting the future of mobility and the automotive
Bruno Mattucci, General Manager of Nissan Iberia, said it on the opening day, “Nissan pursues a double long-term objective for the benefit of society: zero emissions and zero road casualties. Our Japanese DNA is once again our hallmark. Our "Japaneseness" has very positive aspects for the Spanish customer, who associates us with values such as innovation, cutting-edge technology, quality, futuristic design and attention to detail."
And a good example of Nissan's technological ability, to understand every moment of the evolution of the car, is e-Power technology. At a time when 100% electric cars still generate some doubts among drivers, Nissan is developing transitional technology.
Thus, the new Qashqai e-Power (and also the X-Trail e-Power) is a hybrid that actually works like an electric car. And it is that the Japanese brand believes it understands that there is still room, until total and irreversible electrification arrives, for formulas that do not lead the user to exclusive dependence on electricity.
Nissan's proposition with e-Power technology is interesting and timely, based on common sense. Not surprisingly, Spain is considerably behind in the implementation of public charging points. And that is a big drawback for the popularization of the 100% electric car.
In this way, Nissan understands that electric mobility requires time for the transition. And for those who want to go from the thermal engine to the electric one, but without drawbacks such as charging or autonomy, the Qashqai e-Power arrives.
The Qashqai e-Power is, therefore, a hybrid SUV but it works like an electric one, since the car moves with the force of the front wheels transmitted by an electric motor. This technology also incorporates a gasoline engine, but in this case the combustion engine is never connected to the front axle to drive it. The force, the energy to move it, comes only from the electric motor with the energy of a battery.
The 1.5 gasoline engine, three cylinders and 156 CV, serves solely and exclusively to recharge the battery. And it does it through a generator and only when necessary. Therefore, the user will not have to recharge the battery when they get home or work. The e-Power recharges itself.
The advantage of Nissan's technology is that the battery can be small, lightweight, 1.5 kWh, and located under the front seats. In fact, unlike other hybrids, this Qashqai retains the boot capacity: 479 liters.
In addition to the gasoline engine, the battery and the generator, the e-Power system obviously includes an electric motor and an inverter, which is responsible for distributing electricity to the batteries, the electric motor or both at the same time.
The car always starts quietly, very smoothly and conveys the same sensation, the same touch as a 100% electric car. And without worrying about autonomy, which in the Qashqai e-Power exceeds 900 km.
Another advantage is that it does not have a gear change, it is not necessary. And the acceleration occurs continuously, without interruptions, very pleasantly.
The Qashqai e-Power also incorporates the e-Pedal function, already seen in the Leaf model and the new Ariya. This technology, which the driver connects at will, allows driving around the city with a high degree of retention, so that it can accelerate and brake using only the accelerator.
When you stop accelerating, the Qashqai e-Power slows down on its own, while charging the battery. Unlike the Leaf, it doesn't come to a complete stop, instead it slows down to around 3 km/h and keeps going slowly at that speed until the driver doesn't intervene and actually brakes.
Likewise, the driver has at his disposal the Sport, Standard and Eco driving modes, which adapt to different scenarios depending on the moment and modify the hardness of the steering or the delivery of power.
The Qashqai e-Power is available from 40,450 euros (N-Connecta finish) and 43,050 euros (Tekna), which includes the Head-up Display system, ProPilot with Navi-Link and 19-inch wheels.
