Nissan says that it is set to shake up the EV market in Ireland. It told us recently at a review of their activities that it is charging towards an electrified future and building upon a decade of EV expertise.
It claims that the make-up of their sustainable future plans includes committment to ensuring that 75 per cent of our sales mix will be fully electric by 2023. Here is how they plan to the current phase with model changes.
All-new Qashqai e-POWER – A game changer
Nissan Ireland recently launched of the all-new Qashqai e-Power, which it says allows drivers to enjoy all the benefits of EV driving without ever having to plug in the car to recharge it.
Nissan claims that the unplugged, electric driving experience that the new Nissan Qashqai e-Power delivers is set to be a game-changer for motorists who are seeking to achieve a more fuel efficient and sustainable way of driving without buying a 100 per cent electric vehicle.
The e-Power system is comprised of a high-output battery that is complemented by a variable compression ratio 1.5 litre three-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine generating 156hp, a power generator, inverter and a 140kW electric motor of similar size and output as found in Nissan’s electric vehicles.
The unique element of Nissan’s e-Power system is that the petrol engine is solely used to charge a battery that powers an electric motor to drive the wheels. The electric motor is the sole source of power. This leads to superior fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions compared with a traditional internal combustion engine.
It also provides for a very responsive driving experience that is incredibly similar to driving a fully electric vehicle, without having to think about range or recharging the car. There is no delay in the delivery of torque, as can be the case in a traditional hybrid, and the pure electric motor delivers instant acceleration for a quieter, more responsive drive.
Nissan’s research has established that drivers in the crossover segment spend more than 70 per cent of their time driving in urban and suburban environments. The arrival of the Nissan Qashqai e-Power enables these drivers to be eco-minded, to be sustainable and to optimise fuel efficiency without ever having to compromise on driving pleasure.
The Nissan Qashqai e-POWER has been developed to be the ideal solution for those facing a daily urban or suburban drive who would like to transition to a full EV in the future, but who are put off doing so right now because they cannot recharge easily wherever the live or work or because they are not yet ready to make the move to full electric.
Similar to the LEAF, the new Qashqai e-POWER benefits from an entirely new ‘one pedal’ driving experience called e-Pedal Step. Designed to take the repetitive strain out of stop-start urban driving, where the driver is frequently moving their foot between the accelerator and brake, e-Pedal Step allows drivers to accelerate and brake using just the accelerator.
The new Qashqai e-POWER gives drivers a commanding sense of their environment and improved visibility. The longer wheelbase has created more room for users and overall luggage capacity has increased by over 50 litres. A powered hands-free tailgate makes accessing the boot effortless when your hands are anything but free. Parents will also appreciate that the rear doors open to 90 degrees, allowing easier access to babies and toddlers in child-seats.
The new model also offers an advanced infotainment system with a broad portfolio of connected devices including effortless integration of smartphone, in-car Wi-Fi for up to seven devices and NissanConnect Services, a dedicated app with which to interact with and monitor the vehicle.
An innovative new 10.8-inch Head-Up Display (HUD) provides the biggest-in-segment image size. Key navigation, driver assistance and road information are projected onto the windscreen within the driver’s line of vision. Home-to-Car features are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa devices.
The Qashqai e-POWER is available from SV specification level and pricing starts at €42,500.
Customers can register their interest in ordering the car at their local Nissan dealer and can also find out more by visiting www.nissan.ie
All new Nissan Ariya 100% electric crossover
The all new Nissan Ariya 100% electric crossover with the starting price of €48,995 combines the pioneering EV, crossover and performance expertise that has made the Nissan LEAF and Nissan Qashqai market leaders and its arrival in local dealerships is set to revolutionise the EV market in Ireland.
Building on Nissan’s strength as EV pioneers it features outstanding Japanese inspired crossover design which is set to take the powerful performance and capabilities of zero-emissions vehicles to a new level.
It has two battery options are available, a 63 kWh battery that delivers a range of 402 kilometres and an 87 kWh battery that promises a range of 529 kilometres, making the no compromise Ariya perfect for daily commutes or longer road trips.
New Nissan Juke Hybrid
Nissan’s rapid shift towards electrification continues to gather momentum when the launch of the new Juke Hybrid, with an entry price of €34,100.
Nissan claimed that arrival was the next chapter in their ongoing charge towards an electrified future, following hot on the heels of the launch of the all new Nissan Ariya 100 per cent electric crossover and all new Nissan Qashqai mild hybrid.
It says that new Juke Hybrid has rewritten the rules in its segment to deliver an EV like drive experience. It starts in 100 per cent electric mode and can reach speeds of up to 55kph in pure EV mode thanks to an advanced multi-modal hybrid powertrain which prioritises fuel efficiency, responsiveness and a harmonious drive.
While the system will automatically maximise EV usage, the Juke Hybrid is also equipped with a dedicated EV mode switch which can be used when drivers do not want to leave the engine running, such as in traffic jams.
The Juke Hybrid powertrain consists of a new generation, state-of-the-art combustion engine specifically developed for working in a hybrid powertrain application. It produces 69 kW (94hp) and 148Nm of torque. The main electric motor produces 36kW (49hp) and 205Nm of torque. The net result is a powertrain providing 25 per cent more power than the current petrol engine option, with a fuel consumption reduction up to 40 per cent in urban cycle, and up to 20 per cent over the combined cycle.
All-new Nissan X-Trail with e-Power
The next instalment of Nissan’s electrified product offensive comes in the form of the all-new, fourth generation X-Trail. Almost seven million units of X-Trail have been sold globally, making it one of the world’s most popular family adventure vehicles.
The new X-Trail is available in both five- and seven seater configurations, offering a convenient option for days out with extended family or friends. In the base SV specification, the entry price for the 5-door version is €45,995, and Nissan says that only seven-seat electrified SUV in its segment starts at €54,995.
Beneath the muscular and modern design, the new Alliance CMF-C platform showcases advanced engineering, innovation and advanced technology, Nissan claims that the new X-Trail will again raise the bar in the crossover segment.
The new X-Trail will be the second model in Nissan’s European range to be equipped with the brand’s innovative e‑Power drive system. Exclusive to Nissan, the e-Power system is a unique approach to electrification, offering the EV-drive feeling without the need to recharge. See more details above in the all-new Qashqai e-POWER review.
Customers with a taste for adventure will savour the enhanced dynamic performance and advanced electrification technologies that the new generation of X-Trail offers. It adds that precise control is delivered thanks to innovative twin-motor e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system
The move towards EV driving is well and truly underway in Ireland and Nissan is set to be prominent in that big change.
