Nissan's plant in Sunderland, UK, has begun production of the most technologically advanced version of the Qashqai crossover, which is equipped with an updated e-Power hybrid system.
This system is fundamentally different from previous ones: the wheels are driven exclusively by an electric motor, and the 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine serves only as a generator to charge the batteries.
According to the manufacturer, the new setup provides smoother acceleration, lower noise levels in the cabin and significantly improved fuel efficiency. According to the WLTP standard, fuel consumption is 4.5 l/100 km, allowing the car to travel approximately 1,200 km on a single tank of fuel.
“Our team has proudly been producing Qashqai since 2006 and we can say that we have the perfect combination of experience and technical knowledge to produce the new e-Power powertrain.
It was a special moment to see the first new car installed on the production line“, said Adam Penick, Nissan's vice president of manufacturing in the UK.
The e-Power system was first introduced in Europe in 2021 and was designed to enable electric driving without connecting to a charging station. Now, the system update aims to improve its efficiency and performance.
The launch is part of Nissan's wider strategy, known as EV36Zero. The £1 billion initiative aims to transform the Sunderland plant into a leading centre for electric vehicle, renewable energy and battery manufacturing.
The first all-electric model will be the next-generation Nissan Leaf, followed by the all-electric Juke in 2026. “It’s particularly rewarding to see these cutting-edge vehicles quietly rolling off the assembly line. It’s a clear sign that we’re delivering on our vision for EV36Zero,” added Penick.