Nissan Unveils Third Generation e-POWER Technology in Europe
June 26, 2025 | Yokohama, Japan – Nissan has officially launched the third generation of its pioneering e-POWER technology in Europe, marking a significant advancement in hybrid powertrain systems aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and delivering a quieter, more refined driving experience. The new system will debut on the popular Nissan Qashqai crossover starting September 2025, setting a new benchmark in the European C-Crossover segment.
e-POWER: Revolutionizing Hybrid Driving
Since its global debut nearly a decade ago and introduction in Europe four years back, Nissan’s e-POWER technology has offered drivers an electric-drive experience without the need for external charging. Unlike traditional hybrid systems, e-POWER uses a petrol engine exclusively to generate electricity that powers an electric motor responsible for driving the wheels. This design eliminates the need for a conventional gearbox and ensures instant response, smooth acceleration, and the quietness typical of electric vehicles (EVs).
The third generation e-POWER system has been comprehensively re-engineered to further improve fuel consumption, lower CO₂ emissions, and enhance refinement. It combines the real-world range and convenience of a combustion engine with the responsive and silent driving feeling of an EV, providing an effortless transition towards zero emissions.
Key Improvements and Specifications
When integrated into the Nissan Qashqai for the European market, the new e-POWER technology achieves remarkable improvements:
- Fuel Efficiency: Fuel consumption reduced to 4.5L per 100 km (WLTP), the best-in-segment figure, enabling a driving range of up to 1,200 km on a full tank.
- CO₂ Emissions: Reduced by 12%, from 116g/km to 102g/km, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint.
- Noise Reduction: Cabin noise lowered by up to 5.6 decibels compared to previous models, offering EV-like quietness.
- Power Boost: Sport Mode delivers an additional 10kW, enhancing driving performance and engagement.
At the core of this advancement is a newly developed 5-in-1 modular powertrain unit that integrates the electric motor, generator, inverter, reducer, and increaser into a compact, lightweight assembly. This innovation contributes to reduced noise and vibration, while increasing total power output by 11kW to a maximum of 151kW.
The engine itself is a newly designed 1.5-liter turbocharged, three-cylinder unit dedicated exclusively to the e-POWER system. It features Nissan’s proprietary STARC combustion technology, optimizing thermal efficiency to 42% by stabilizing in-cylinder combustion. This allows the engine to operate quietly and efficiently at lower speeds, further enhanced by a larger turbocharger that reduces engine RPM during highway driving. Additionally, the switch to 0W16 lubricating oil cuts internal friction, while extended maintenance intervals now allow services every 20,000 km, up from 15,000 km.
Real-World Performance Gains
Testing under real-world driving conditions with evaluation protocols from Germany’s ADAC has validated the enhancements, showing up to a 16% better fuel economy overall and a 14% improvement on highway fuel consumption compared to the previous generation.
Eiichi Akashi, Chief Technology Officer and Executive Officer at Nissan Motor Corporation, commented on the launch:
"This new, third generation e-POWER system redefines Nissan’s hybrid technology, providing smooth and responsive driving in all conditions. We have embedded nearly a decade of learnings to ensure the system is more efficient, refined, and competitive. The launch with Qashqai is just the beginning—we look forward to delivering this advanced powertrain to customers in North America, Japan, and beyond in the coming years."
Bridging the Gap to Fully Electric Mobility
The new e-POWER technology offers an attractive alternative for drivers hesitant to fully switch to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) due to concerns over charging infrastructure, range anxiety, or driving habits. By delivering the sensation of an EV’s smoothness and instant response without the need to plug in, e-POWER provides a convenient and familiar experience powered by a petrol engine used solely as a range extender.
Because the petrol engine never directly drives the wheels, the driving experience remains uninterrupted by gear shifts or power lag, with no engine noise during low-speed driving. Refuelling happens conventionally at any petrol station, eliminating charging wait times and infrastructure dependency.
Production and Availability
The latest Nissan Qashqai equipped with the third generation e-POWER is manufactured at Nissan’s advanced facility in Sunderland, United Kingdom. It will be available across European markets from September 2025, followed by rollout in Africa and Oceania. The technology is set to debut in North America with the next-generation Rogue in fiscal year 2026 and will serve as the powertrain for the fourth-generation Nissan Elgrand large minivan scheduled for release in Japan within the same fiscal year.
With this launch, Nissan continues to push the boundaries of electrification, helping consumers transition smoothly toward a more sustainable and electrified future while delivering exceptional driving performance and convenience.
For more information:
Download the full press release and technical specifications at Nissan’s newsroom.
Related Links:
Nissan e-POWER Technology Details
Note: Best-in-class references pertain to the European C-Crossover segment as of June 2025.
