Nissan’s Sunderland plant has begun production of its most advanced Qashqai to date with an upgraded e-Power system.
This advanced system powers the wheels solely with an electric motor, while a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine acts solely as a generator to charge the battery allowing smoother acceleration, lower cabin noise, and better fuel efficiency at 62mpg (WLTP), giving a potential range of 745 miles.
Adam Pennick, vice president for manufacturing in the UK, hailed the team’s expertise: “Our world-class manufacturing and engineering team has been building Qashqai with pride since 2006. That’s why we have the perfect blend of experience and technical skill to produce this fantastic new e-Power drivetrain,” he said.
“It was a special moment watching the first new battery fitted on the line – we’re confident customers worldwide will love this no-compromise electrified experience.”
Originally introduced in Europe in 2021, e-Power was designed to deliver electric drive without the need for plug-in charging. The latest iteration pushes the concept further, enhancing efficiency and performance.
The plant is also gearing up for its next chapter as part of Nissan’s EV36Zero vision – a £1 billion initiative to turn Sunderland into a flagship hub for EV production, renewable energy, and battery manufacturing. The next-generation 100% electric Nissan Leaf will be the first model launched under this programme, followed by an all-electric Juke in 2026.
“Building fantastic cars that our customers love is what we do best,” added Pennick. “To see these cutting-edge vehicles driving silently off our lines shows we are pushing forward with our EV36Zero vision for EV manufacturing.”