Nissan e-Power’s 3rd gen system teased – uses 15% less petrol

Nissan is mounting a strong comeback from its financial setbacks, and leading the charge is a comprehensive revamp of its electrified powertrain strategy. At the centre of this resurgence is the introduction of the third-generation e-Power hybrid system — a major technological leap that promises to deliver a smoother, quieter, and more efficient driving experience.

Set to debut in the updated Nissan Qashqai later this year, the new Nissan e Power system will also power the next-generation X-Trail (badged as the Rogue in the US) when it arrives in 2026. Ahead of its European market introduction, Nissan offered selected international media including Autocar an early taste of the overhauled setup, showcasing key innovations beneath the skin.

The most significant change lies in the engine. At the heart of the third-gen e-Power is a reengineered 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder unit, based on the architecture of the older VC-Turbo engine. While it no longer serves to drive the wheels directly, it plays a crucial role as a generator. It is now tuned to run at a lower and more consistent rev range to maximise thermal efficiency.

The result? A notable improvement in fuel economy, particularly at cruising speeds. Nissan claims up to a 15% reduction in fuel consumption at highway speeds and an overall efficiency gain of 9% compared to the outgoing second-generation system. Just as importantly, refinement takes a marked step forward, with a claimed noise reduction of up to 5.6 dB — a substantial drop that should translate to a more serene cabin experience.

Complementing the upgraded engine is a completely redesigned electric motor assembly. Drawing directly from Nissan’s learnings in EV development, the new unit combines five components — the motor, generator, inverter, increaser, and reverter into a single, compact module. This integration not only reduces weight and complexity but also improves responsiveness and packaging efficiency.

While output remains largely unchanged at 204 PS and 330 Nm, which is on par with the current X-Trail e-Power and a modest 14 PS gain over the existing Qashqai, the real headline is not raw power. Instead, it’s the system’s newfound composure and efficiency that position it as a more compelling alternative in the hybrid segment.

Nissan’s third-gen e-Power system will premiere in the refreshed Qashqai later this year, but Nissan has confirmed that the fully redesigned fifth-generation X-Trail will be the first all-new model to feature the technology when it launches in 2026. Plans for a fully electric Qashqai have been shelved for now, as the carmaker recalibrates its EV rollout in response to waning global demand.

For Malaysian customers, the wait for the third-gen Nissan e-Power system will be longer still. The market is only now receiving the second-generation system, first seen in the Nissan Kicks and soon to be rolled out in the fourth-gen X-Trail and the C28 Serena MPV. With no official timeline yet for the latest hybrid tech’s local debut, Malaysians may not see the third-gen e-Power system on showroom floors until well after its global rollout.

Still, the message from Yokohama is clear: Nissan remains committed to electrification — not through a rushed EV push, but by refining the hybrid experience for the real world. With improved refinement, fuel economy, and responsiveness, the latest Nissan e-Power system represents a meaningful evolution of hybrid technology that could be pivotal to Nissan’s revival.