50 mpg in a Nissan crossover? Testing the new E-Power hybrid system.

I noticed that the engine was running only twice. One was at wide-open throttle, and the other was when the engine was operating at high RPM to help charge the battery. That latter example was also when I noticed the most harshness from the engine, even though it remains one of the best gasoline-assisted powertrains I’ve driven.

The e-Power system will operate in full-EV mode at the press of a button, but the engine will remain running even at full throttle.

What work do you need?

Since an electric motor powers the wheels, I’d like the system to be more responsive when you put your foot down. Electric motors respond almost instantly. In a gas car, there is usually a delay in downshifts and engine spin-up. This e-Power Qashqai behaves more like a gas car than an EV, even in sport settings. I think this powertrain is a great opportunity to show new customers what electrification can do, and a little more acceleration would go a long way to illustrate that e-Power can be sporty if the driver wants it to be.

The Qashqai had no problems reaching highway speeds, and acceleration at higher speeds – for example, in overtake situations – remained consistent. Again, this is no sports car or rocket ship, but it can easily get out of its own way.

During my loop, the computer indicated 47.7 mpg (4.93 l/100 km) in mixed driving. Being left-hand drive cars means they were not British imperial galleons. That’s a pretty great fuel efficiency number. In warm conditions, it should easily exceed 50 mpg (4.7 L/100 km) in many driving scenarios.

Could this be directly translated into the upcoming Rogue E-Power? To some extent. While the powertrain will be the same, the Rogue will be slightly larger and heavier. Specifying all-wheel drive would further add weight and damage the drivetrain. So the 50 mpg Rogue might be a stretch.

If Nissan keeps the Rogue e-Power priced well, and the car delivers the economy boost I’ve seen here, it could be a very attractive product to Nissan’s showrooms for buyers who haven’t previously had a great hybrid offering from the company.

Until Nissan figures out the brake calibration.