Production Begins on Most Advanced Nissan Qashqai Yet – Featuring Next-Gen e-POWER

Western & Barnetts Nissan celebrates latest electrified milestone from Sunderland Plant

The Nissan Sunderland Plant has officially begun production of the next-generation Qashqai, now equipped with the most advanced version of Nissan’s innovative e-POWER drivetrain. This marks a major step forward in Nissan’s electrification journey—bringing improved efficiency, reduced emissions, and an even more refined drive to the UK’s best-selling crossover.

The Qashqai, which first rolled off the line in Sunderland in 2006, has now reached a milestone of 4.5 million units built—averaging one car every two and a half minutes for nearly two decades. Now, with the arrival of the new e-POWER variant, the Qashqai continues to lead the way in electrified motoring.

Adam Pennick, Vice President for Manufacturing in the UK, said:
“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, skill and technical expertise to manufacture Qashqai with this fantastic new e-POWER drivetrain.
It was an exciting moment to watch the first new e-POWER battery being fitted on the production line at the plant. We’re confident that our customers worldwide will love this new, no-compromise electrified powertrain.”

Electrification Without Compromise

Unlike traditional hybrids, e-POWER delivers a full electric drive experience, with the wheels powered solely by an electric motor. A 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine works in the background to generate electricity, giving the car smooth and instant acceleration without the need to plug in.

This latest version of the system includes comprehensive updates that make the Qashqai e-POWER the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the C-Crossover segment, with:

• Fuel economy of up to 62mpg WLTP
• CO₂ emissions lowered to 102g/km, a 12% reduction
• Noise levels reduced by up to 5.6dB, for a quieter cabin experience
• +11kW boost in Sport Mode, delivering more responsive performance

These enhancements mean Qashqai e-POWER drivers can now enjoy a potential range of 745 miles, combining electric feel with real-world practicality.

Building the Future at Sunderland

The production launch of the updated Qashqai comes at a pivotal time for the Nissan Sunderland Plant, as it also ramps up preparations for the arrival of the next-generation all-electric LEAF, the first model under the EV36Zero project—a £1 billion investment into sustainable automotive manufacturing.

In 2026, this will be followed by a 100% electric Nissan Juke, reinforcing Sunderland’s position at the heart of Nissan’s global EV strategy.

Adam Pennick added:
“Building fantastic cars that our customers love is what we do best. To see these cutting-edge vehicles driving silently off our lines shows we are pushing forward with our EV36Zero vision for EV manufacturing.”

At Western & Barnetts Nissan, we’re proud to support and celebrate this landmark in British automotive innovation. The all-new Qashqai with e-POWER is available to order now—offering the best of both worlds: electric driving, without plugging in.

Visit us today to experience the future of driving.