Nissan to introduce e-Power hybrids in Europe by 2022

In addition to releasing the IMQ Concept car that will preview the next generation of Qashqai SUV, Nissan has chosen the 2019 Geneva motor show to reveal that the brand’s e-Power hybrid models will be launched in Europe by 2022.

Building on the European success of the Leaf electric car, e-Power will be among a suite of new technologies due to be launched in Euro-spec Nissan products within the next three years. 

Already featuring on some Japanese-spec Nissans, such as the Serena MPV and Note hatchback, e-Power hybrid technology uses a petrol-powered engine with a power generator, an inverter, a battery and an electric motor. 

Used to charge the high-output battery, the petrol engine always runs at an optimal speed, according to the company. 

Nissan says this leads to superior fuel efficiency and lower emissions than a traditional internal combustion engine, yet performance is said to be strong thanks to the electric motors in e-Power drivetrains. 

The IMQ concept car hints at the next Qashqai.

In the current Japanese-spec Note hatchback, a 40kW electric motor drives the front wheels and is assisted by a 1.5kWh battery pack and a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. This drivetrain gives the Note e-Power a combined fuel consumption rating of 2.7L/100km in Japan. 

In the IMQ Concept car that’s debuting at the Geneva show, a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine is used in tandem with electric motors and an all-wheel drive system to produce 250kW of power and 700Nm of torque - significantly more than almost all current Nissan products. 

Nissan is yet to announce plans for e-Power sales locally, though with the introduction of more Toyota hybrid models such as the RAV4, hybrid products are almost an inevitability for Nissan Australia. 

The company said that by 2022, a third of its local sales volume will be at least partly electrified, seemingly confirming that products such as the Note e-Power and possibly hybrid SUVs such as the Qashqai and X-Trail will be sold in Australia.

Would you consider an e-Power hybrid Nissan if sold locally? Let us know in the comments below.