When Nissan first debuted the e-Power system in the Philippines, it was considered a game changer. With buyers still wary about range anxiety, the Nissan e-Power system bridged the gap between an EV and a self-charging hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). Since it doesn’t need to be plugged, thanks to an engine that serves as a generator, vehicles like the Kicks e-Power were able to deliver an EV-like experience without the dreaded range anxiety associated with typical EVs.

Unfortunately for Nissan, other brands have already caught on, and automakers like BYD have introduced more affordable plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) that offer more range and tech. With the Kicks e-Power needing an upgrade soon, Nissan has introduced the third-generation e-Power system, and it will first be powering the all-new Qashqai.

Revealed recently over in Europe, the third-generation e-Power system has been re-engineered from the ground up to deliver better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and better refinement. At the heart of the latest e-Power is a new 5-in-1 modular powertrain unit, which integrates the electric motor, generator, inverter, reducer, and increaser into a compact and lightweight package. 

It also comes with better sound insulation and better engine calibration that reduces both noise and vibration under load. As for the electric motor, Nissan says the Qashqai now makes up to 151 kW or 205 PS. Battery capacity, on the other hand, remains the same at 2.1 kWh.

In the Qashqai, the 1.5L three-cylinder turbocharged engine, which serves as the generator, features Nissan’s proprietary “STARC” combustion concept. This allows the generator to achieve a thermal efficiency of 42% by stabilizing combustion. This translates to quieter operation and better operability at low speeds. Last but not least, it gets a larger turbo that allows for a 200rpm reduction in engine speeds during highway driving.

But what about the variable compression technology, which was first revolutionary, but resulted in engine problems in certain Nissan models? The automaker has announced that, due to new technologies, the variable compression technology has been rendered redundant by the new engine changes.

All in all, Nissan claims the third-generation e-Power delivers better average fuel consumption at 4.5L per 100 km (or 22.2 km/L), which equates to a potential range of up to 1,200 km. Carbon emissions have been lowered from 116g per km to just 102g per km, marking a 12% reduction from the current system.

As mentioned earlier, the new e-Power system is now quieter, which translates to reduced cabin noise by up to 5.6dB compared to the previous generation. Finally, Sport Mode delivers an extra 10kW (13.5 PS) for a more responsive driving experience.

The all-new Nissan Qashqai will be the first vehicle to be powered by Nissan’s latest e-Power system, which will be available in Europe starting September 2025. It has a potential range of up to 1,000 km on a full tank, which makes it comparable to PHEVs.

Other markets, such as North America and Japan, will get the new e-Power system in fiscal year 2026, while other markets will follow. With that, it looks like we can expect the next-generation e-Power system to arrive in Southeast Asia by 2026.