How Nissan will take on Toyota in 2022: e-Power hybrid locked in for Australia with Qashqai, X-Trail and Pathfinder likely contenders

Nissan Australia has locked in the e-Power hybrid powertrain for a 2022 launch, first rolling out with the new-generation Qashqai small SUV before likely proliferating across to the X-Trail and Pathfinder.

Differentiating itself from series-parallel hybrid systems like Toyota uses in its RAV4, Corolla, Camry, Prius and Kluger where both electric and petrol power can be used to propel the vehicle, Nissan’s technology uses a small petrol engine, in this case a 1.5-litre four-cylinder, to charge its lithium-ion battery.

With the electric motor tasked with driving the wheels, Nissan’s e-Power vehicles share the same acceleration and take-off characteristics as a pure electric vehicle (EV), but can be refuelled at a petrol station and does not need to be plugged in or recharged over an extended period of time.

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Nissan’s e-Power vehicles will also sport the brand’s one-pedal ‘e-Pedal’ feature as seen on the Leaf and Leaf e+, which allows for one-foot acceleration and braking.

Nissan Australia boss Adam Paterson said e-Power offers drivers the benefits of an electric drivetrain without the shortcomings of long recharge times.

“Nissan prides itself on delivering Intelligent Mobility solutions in every vehicle, and nowhere is that more obvious than with this Nissan-exclusive solution,” he said.

“While a traditional hybrid adds battery power to an internal-combustion engine, e-Power delivers an EV-like driving experience, including exhilarating acceleration and near-silent operation, all while drastically reducing your fuel use and emissions.

“We are looking forward to our customers experiencing this future-facing technology for themselves.”

Nissan Australia first flagged its e-Power technology for a Down Under introduction way back in late 2017, with the first model mooted to be the Note hatchback.

However, concrete plans to return to the passenger car segment never materialised, and the e-Power technology has since expanded to include the not-for-Australia Kicks small SUV and Japan-only Serena people mover.

All three models “aren’t currently under consideration for Australia”, according to Nissan Australia.

This leaves the new Qashqai as the e-Power flagbearer in Australia, which is set to punch out 140kW/330Nm in its hybrid guise when it touches down some time next year.

Later in the year, Nissan Australia is also expected to roll-out its new-generation X-Trail with e-Power that will take the fight directly to the best-selling Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, as well as the non-hybrid Mazda CX-5 in the mid-size SUV segment.

Finally, the seven-seat Pathfinder, that is expected to launch in late 2022 with a 212kW/351Nm 3.5-litre petrol V6, is also expected to adopt a form of electrification in its new-generation guise, which could be an uprated e-Power drivetrain.