Hybrid concepts: Nissan electrifies Juke and Qashqai

The Japanese carmaker Nissan is switching to hybrid drive concepts – initially with the Juke and the larger Qashqai. But according to the manufacturer, it should not stay with the two hybrids.

Nissan is electrifying two of its most important models and is launching a hybrid Juke and Qashqai this summer. However, the Japanese use very different technologies:

When Juke they take a hybrid from the sister model Renault Captur. It combines a 70 kW/95 hp petrol engine with a 37 kW/50 hp electric motor and a buffer battery of almost two kWh.

It is true that the Juke cannot charge at the socket and only travels around five kilometers purely electrically at a time.

But Nissan tests have shown that it can drive up to 80 percent in city traffic with electricity alone.

Loading by braking

The battery is then charged in hybrid phases or when braking, so that it can then be driven purely electrically again, according to the Japanese. And although 25 percent more powerful than the pure combustion engine, it is said to be around 20 percent more economical in the standard cycle (5.1 liters and 117 g/km CO2 emissions).

In the larger Qashqai and its new E-Power drive, on the other hand, the wheels are driven exclusively electrically with a 140 kW/190 hp motor. It draws its energy from a battery of around two kWh, which is fed by an on-board generator.

Charging with generator

This 115 kW/156 hp three-cylinder should always run in the optimum speed range and is therefore much more economical, according to the developers. They refer to a consumption of 5.3 liters (119 g/km CO2.)

However, Nissan does not want to leave it at these two hybrids, for which no prices have yet been given.

In 2022, the X-Trail will also be offered in the class above the Qashqai with electric power drive and then, with two electric motors, will also offer all-wheel drive with this hybrid technology for the first time.