The Nissan Qashqai e-Power was scheduled to arrive in SA over a year ago. So, is this unique electrified powertrain still coming to Mzansi? Well, we asked Nissan exactly that…
When the 3rd-generation Nissan Qashqai launched in South Africa in September 2022, the Japanese firm’s local division said it would add its unique e-Power powertrain to the range “in early 2023”. Since we’re already into the 2nd quarter of 2024, where are the Qashqai e-Power derivatives?
Well, we asked Nissan SA exactly that. While the company unfortunately couldn’t give us a new launch date, it did at least confirm that e-Power – which it earlier described as a gateway technology to fully electric vehicles – “remains a part of our strategy” for the local market. However, a number of other African markets are ahead of us in the queue.
“We have devised a strategic plan to introduce our e-Power technology in key markets on the continent over time. Our rollout commenced with the launch of e-Power models in Morocco last year, starting with the Qashqai, and in Egypt this past February with the X-Trail,” Nissan SA told Cars.co.za.
“Next in line is Tunisia, where we plan to launch the Qashqai [e-Power]. As for South Africa, it remains a part of our strategy; however, we are unable to provide a precise timeline at this moment.”
Unlike traditional hybrids, the turbocharged 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine in Nissan’s Qashqai e-Power system is used only to generate electricity, which is then transmitted via an inverter to the battery pack, the electric motor or both, according to the driving scenario. That’s right; the petrol engine doesn’t directly drive the wheels.
In short, what sets this powertrain apart is the fact that the electric motor is the sole source of power for the wheels, resulting in an “EV-like” driving experience (without any range anxiety or the need to plug in). Though Nissan doesn’t use the H-word to describe this powertrain, it’s technically a series hybrid (as opposed to a parallel hybrid, like most of Toyota’s dual-powered models).
In the Qashqai, the electric motor provides the front wheels with peak outputs of 140 kW and 330 Nm. Nissan claims a combined fuel consumption of 5.3 L/100 km. In some markets, a 150 kW version of this front-wheel-drive powertrain is available in the X-Trail, alongside a flagship model with a dual-motor system (resulting in Nissan’s so-called “e-4orce” all-wheel-drive system).
As a reminder, the current Qashqai line-up in South Africa comprises 3 derivatives, each powered by a turbocharged 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine generating 96 kW and 240 Nm in base Visia (manual) form, and 110 kW and 260 Nm in mid-tier Acenta (CVT) and top-spec Acenta Plus (CVT) guise.
The current Qashqai range is priced from R568 200 to R670 600. Considering electrified powertrains typically come at quite a premium over more traditional engine configurations, perhaps pricing remainsthe stumbling block to the local introduction of the Qashqai e-Power…
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