Nissan Qashqai e-POWER 1000km Challenge: complete. More than 1000km on one tank

The winning team of the challenge Veronica (@verownika) & Alba (@albihm) representing Spain, scored points according to their fuel consumption for the full trip, as well as their score in various challenges along the route. They will be Nissan's guest at one of next season's Formula E races.

The competitors tackled this endurance test behind the wheel of a fleet of Qashqai e-POWER Black Edition, the new addition to the range of Nissan's pioneering crossover.

This special version is characterised by styling changes with distinctive black cues, offering the third-generation crossover more road presence and a striking personality. Created by the team of designers at Nissan Design Europe in London, the Qashqai e-POWER Black Edition reinforces the Qashqai's visual appeal and emotional pull for customers who are attracted by the rational benefits of the advanced e-POWER drivetrain.

The Sardinia driving challenge brought together participants from seven different European countries and they followed a route of 1000 km, taking in the dramatic mountain and coastal landscapes of the Mediterranean island. They began their quest from Olbia airport, with a full 55-litre tank. The Qashqai e-POWER has a WLTP combined fuel consumption of 5.2l/100km, giving a theoretical range of 1057km.

On the way, members of the R&D team based at Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Cranfield, UK, were on-hand to offer eco-driving tips, explaining the benefits of the e-Pedal Step system, as well as the selectable "B-mode", which increases the level of brake generation mode, and the eco-driving mode.

All of the teams achieved the challenge, with an average fuel consumption for the event across all teams of 4.9l/100km, an outstanding endorsement of the Qashqai e-POWER's range and efficiency.

e-POWER: innovative & unique

At the heart of the Qashqai's appeal is its unique and innovative e-POWER system.

What sets this powertrain apart is that the wheels are only driven by the electric motor, so its response is instant and linear. This is what gives this EV-feeling and represents a significant alternative to traditional hybrids where drivers must accept its inherent shortcomings in the driving experience. In contrast, the Qashqai's e-POWER system was conceived to deliver the responsive, smooth and quiet driving experience reminiscent of a pure EV, but without the need to plug in order to recharge.

Responsive, efficient, and quiet drive

The advantage of the e-POWER system is that the engine runs within its optimal range and best compression ratio, leading to optimum fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions compared with a traditional internal combustion motor, as well as a refined drive. And the additional advantage is the minimal impact e-POWER will have on urban air quality.

Thanks to the pure electric motor drive, there's no delay in the delivery of torque as can be the case in a traditional hybrid, where there can be a sudden rise in engine speed as it responds to the accelerator demand for immediate acceleration. The instant response of the e-POWER system delivers a unique and exciting driving experience in all driving conditions.

Drive mode features

Similar to the LEAF, the Qashqai e-POWER benefits from an 'one pedal' driving experience called e-Pedal step. Designed to take the repetitive strain out of stop-start urban driving, where the driver is frequently moving their foot between the accelerator and brake, e-Pedal step allows drivers to accelerate and brake using just the accelerator.

As well as e-Pedal step to give drivers different options to optimise their efficiency when they're at the wheel, there is also an "EV Mode" button, which puts the car into pure electric mode, which is ideal for driving in urban environments or when leaving or arriving at home in silence at anti-social hours.

Additionally, when activated "brake regeneration" mode increases the level of energy that is harvested and replenished into the battery when the car is coasting or braking.

A gateway technology to full EV driving, without the need to recharge

Nissan's research has shown that European crossover consumers spend more than 70% of their time driving in urban and suburban environments. The research also shows that consumers feel obliged to compromise on driving pleasure in order to be eco-minded in their choice of vehicle.

e-POWER responds to that trend, as it offers optimum fuel efficiency without compromising driving pleasure thanks to the combination of the advanced battery and electric motor technology with its innovative variable compression ratio internal combustion engine.

As such e-POWER is an ideal technology for those facing a daily urban or suburban drive, would like to transition to a full EV in the future but cannot recharge easily or are not ready to make the move to full electric.