Nissan E-Power Tested: Can It Really Achieve 50 MPG?
For years, Toyota and Honda have dominated the electrified vehicle market, leaving Nissan somewhat behind. While globally Nissan offers its innovative E-Power series hybrid system, the company has been hesitant to bring it to the North American market. Internal discussions often centered around whether the technology was optimized for the driving habits prevalent in the US and Canada. Nissan’s previous hybrid attempts in North America, like the Altima and Rogue hybrids, failed to impress, delivering only marginal fuel economy gains. However, that’s poised to change with Nissan’s third-generation E-Power system, and GearTech recently had the opportunity to experience it firsthand.
A First Look at the E-Power System
To showcase the new technology, Nissan transported a pair of European-spec Qashqais to North America for testing. The Qashqai is a smaller SUV than the Nissan Rogue – a previous generation was sold here as the Rogue Sport – but it utilizes the same E-Power powertrain that will debut in the upcoming Rogue later this year. The heart of the system is a new, unique 1.5L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine designed specifically for E-Power applications.
As a series hybrid, the engine doesn’t directly power the wheels. Instead, it generates electricity that’s sent to either the electric motor or the 2.1 kWh onboard battery pack for later use. This configuration allows the engine to operate at its most efficient point, maximizing fuel economy.
The 5-in-1 Modular Hybrid System
Nissan has engineered a highly compact powertrain by combining the electric motor, generator, inverter, reducer, and increaser into a single, modular unit. This design reduces weight and complexity, contributing to overall efficiency. The front electric motor is sourced directly from the latest Nissan Leaf, delivering a maximum output of 202 hp (151 kW) in the Qashqai. The Rogue E-Power will feature an all-wheel-drive system powered by an additional electric motor on the rear axle, with a higher overall power output – though Nissan hasn’t yet disclosed the exact figures.
Nissan engineers emphasized that the new three-cylinder engine was specifically developed with North American driving conditions in mind. The turbocharger enhances efficiency at higher RPMs, a crucial factor for highway driving. Nissan claims a remarkable 42% thermal efficiency for this engine, surpassing other engines in their lineup, including the variable compression (VC-Turbo) engine.
On the Road: Driving the Qashqai E-Power
Our test drive took place on a frigid 27°F (-3°C) and snowy morning in Farmington Hills, Michigan, utilizing a mixed route designed to evaluate the powertrain in various scenarios. The first, and most noticeable, drawback was the brake performance. While the car stopped effectively, the transition between regenerative and friction braking felt abrupt and unrefined. The initial brake pedal travel engaged regenerative braking, but applying more pressure resulted in a jerky engagement of the friction brakes – akin to an inexperienced driver. A colleague confirmed experiencing the same issue, suggesting it wasn’t an isolated incident. While wet road conditions likely contributed, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid handles this blending much more seamlessly.
Beyond the braking, the driving experience was generally positive. Acceleration was smooth and linear, thanks to the absence of a traditional transmission. The engine operation was remarkably quiet and unobtrusive, often running in the background without being readily noticeable.
We observed the engine running only twice during the drive: once during full-throttle acceleration and again when likely operating at higher RPMs to recharge the battery. Even during these instances, the engine remained one of the smoothest gasoline-powered powertrains we’ve tested.
Full-EV Mode and Responsiveness
The E-Power system offers a full-EV mode activated with the press of a button. However, even in this mode, the engine will engage under hard acceleration. One area for improvement is the system’s responsiveness. Electric motors provide near-instant torque, while traditional gasoline engines require a downshift and engine spin-up. The E-Power Qashqai felt more akin to a gasoline car than a pure EV, even in sport mode. Nissan has a unique opportunity to showcase the benefits of electrification to new customers, and a more immediate throttle response would better highlight the sporty potential of E-Power.
The Qashqai accelerated to highway speeds without difficulty, and overtaking maneuvers felt consistent. It’s not a sports car, but it possesses sufficient power for everyday driving.
Fuel Economy and Real-World Results
During our test loop, the onboard computer displayed an impressive 47.7 mpg (4.93 L/100km) in mixed driving conditions. Crucially, these figures were based on measurements using standard US gallons, not British imperial gallons. In warmer weather, exceeding 50 mpg (4.7 L/100 km) in many driving scenarios seems highly achievable.
However, translating these results directly to the upcoming Rogue E-Power requires some consideration. While the powertrain will be identical, the Rogue is larger and heavier. Adding all-wheel drive will further increase weight and introduce drivetrain losses, potentially making a 50 mpg Rogue a challenging target.
The Bottom Line: A Compelling Hybrid Option?
If Nissan prices the Rogue E-Power competitively and the vehicle delivers on the fuel economy improvements we observed during testing, it could be a very attractive option for buyers seeking a hybrid SUV. This is particularly true for customers who haven’t been impressed with Nissan’s previous hybrid offerings. However, addressing the brake calibration issues is crucial.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Powertrain: Nissan’s E-Power system offers a unique approach to hybridization, prioritizing efficiency and smooth operation.
- Impressive Fuel Economy: The Qashqai E-Power demonstrated excellent fuel economy, potentially exceeding 50 mpg in optimal conditions.
- Brake Calibration Needs Improvement: The transition between regenerative and friction braking felt abrupt and unrefined.
- Responsiveness Could Be Enhanced: The throttle response felt more akin to a gasoline car than a pure EV.
The Nissan E-Power system represents a significant step forward for the automaker in the electrified vehicle space. With a few refinements, particularly to the braking system, the Rogue E-Power has the potential to be a game-changer for Nissan and a compelling choice for consumers seeking a fuel-efficient and enjoyable driving experience. GearTech will continue to follow the development of this promising technology.