The e-power system is one of the main ingredients in Nissan’s recipe for transition. In fact, the Japanese company has also launched this power unit on the European market, made up of an electric motor which does not, however, need a plug, because the necessary energy is produced by a 1.5 petrol internal combustion engine. The substantial difference with a classic full-hybrid is that the car moves exclusively thanks to the thrust of the electron unit, and that the thermal one has the sole task of producing energy and is in no way connected to the axles. The petrol engine is therefore activated only when necessary for long periods of ‘absence’ especially in city circuits, to the full advantage of the environment: consumption is reduced as are emissions compared to a traditional internal combustion engine.
ANSA Motori tested the two cars on which the e-power system is installed: X-Trail and Qashqai. Although different in terms of architecture, the two SUVs have a solid point in common in the construction platform – the CMF-C – and in the power unit, therefore it is worth comparing them.
The e-POWER system on board the new X-Trail is supported by the presence of all-wheel drive e-4orce, the technology designed by Nissan precisely to be combined with electrified engines. The two electric motors, one for each axle, are managed by a system that regulates the driving force and the braking action on the individual wheels. Total power is 213 HP, with a 204 HP engine on the front axle and a 136 HP engine on the rear axle (the two engines never deliver their respective maximum powers at the same time). 0-100 km/h is achieved in 7 seconds, while the driving force reacts to changes in grip 10,000 times faster than a traditional mechanical 4WD system.
In Qashqai’s e-Power system, the electric motor delivers an output of 190hp. Again, the electrical energy required for traction is produced by the 158 bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine.
Both cars also feature the e-Pedal, the technology that allows you to drive using only the accelerator: by lifting your foot, a particularly intense regeneration system is activated which brakes the car.
For both crossovers – beyond the individual specificities – a specific characteristic of ‘pure’ electric motors has been highlighted: they are particularly economical on urban routes, where the speed is reduced and there is a lot of braking, and instead they are rather thirsty if used on highways. Thus, if both cars can easily cover a distance of 20 km per liter of fuel while moving around the city, in the second case the distance can also be halved. And if in the city a lot depends, even more than on cars with internal combustion engines, on driving style, at a constant and high speed (obviously within the limits of the code) there is little you can do, even relying on ProPilot and eco mode.
There are many differences between the two cars, however, from a stylistic point of view. X-Trail, larger, with up to seven seats on board, is in its fourth generation. A decisive step forward as regards the lines, more streamlined, which follow the stylistic features of the new Nissan course. Sculpted features on the front, large grille, light clusters that follow the lines of the bonnet characterize this 4.68m long by 1.84m wide and 1.72m high SUV devoted above all to long journeys in complete comfort. On board, in the Tekna version tested, nothing is really missing: large spaces and a latest-generation 12.3-inch infotainment system frame a passenger compartment with attention to every detail. The car is very easy to drive, and the help of the ProPilot – never intrusive, capable of adapting to any traffic situation – makes every move even easier.
For Qashqai this is a confirmation: having arrived on the market in 2021, the new generation of the lucky SUV that ‘invented’ the segment is now enriched by the new engine, which appears decidedly well-sized.
Price list of 56,000 for the X-Trail Tekna being tested, 47,000 for the Qashqai Tekna+.
Source: Ansa
I am an author at Global happenings and I mostly cover automobile news. In my time working in the automotive industry, I have developed a keen interest in the latest developments and trends. My writing skills have also allowed me to share my knowledge with others through articles and blog posts.
