The Nissan Qashqai e-POWER has taken centre stage in the automotive world, earning the title of best-in-class at the 2024 News UK Motor Awards, hosted by The Sun, The Sunday Times, and driving.co.uk. This recognition highlights the unique impact of Nissan’s innovative e-POWER powertrain, which combines the efficiency of an electric vehicle (EV) experience with the convenience of a traditional fuel engine.
In a standout year for the British-built Qashqai, this award reflects both its advanced engineering and its popularity among UK drivers. Since launching in September 2022, Nissan has sold over 140,000 units of the Qashqai e-POWER, with customers drawn to its smooth "electric drive" feel without the need for plug-in charging. The car’s marketing campaign has also garnered attention, including an eye-catching installation featuring a replica Qashqai perched on the chimney of London’s Truman Brewery.
Rob Gill, Motors Editor for The Sun, praised the Qashqai’s revolutionary powertrain, saying, “Qashqai is the car that started it all, and now the clever e-POWER system moves the game on even further. It has all the advantages of an electric car without the hassle of plugging in.” Highlighting the car’s impressive fuel efficiency, he added, “We averaged 46mpg over 700 miles—mighty impressive for a family SUV.”
At the heart of the Qashqai e-POWER is its unique approach to hybrid technology. Unlike traditional hybrids, the Qashqai’s wheels are powered solely by an electric motor. A turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine works quietly in the background to generate electricity, sending it directly to the electric motor or a small battery pack depending on driving needs. This design eliminates any disconnect between engine noise and vehicle speed, creating a seamless driving experience. For drivers not quite ready to go fully electric, e-POWER provides an advanced, plug-free solution that blends fuel efficiency with the EV experience.
Diana Torres, Managing Director at Nissan GB, expressed excitement about the award, saying, “We’re thrilled that the Qashqai, powered by Nissan’s unique e-POWER technology, has been recognised as the best in its class. Nissan is proud to have created the crossover segment with the original Qashqai in 2007, and with e-POWER, we continue to push boundaries in automotive innovation.”
With a design, engineering, and assembly process rooted in Britain, the Qashqai e-POWER has reaffirmed Nissan’s commitment to leading the crossover market with technology-driven, efficient vehicles. This latest accolade only reinforces the model’s lasting impact and appeal for UK drivers.
As Nissan continues to push the envelope with innovative technologies, the Qashqai e-POWER stands as a symbol of a new era in electrified driving, delivering the convenience and ease of hybrid technology in a class of its own.