Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

Nissan is undergoing a bit of a revolution with its EV range, following the launch of the all-important new Leaf and the return of the Micra, based on the excellent Renault 5. 

Nissan’s hugely popular Qashqai is going to go pure-electric in the near future, too – though it’ll be sold alongside the hybrid model for a while. 

In addition, Nissan’s is set to announce an entry-level EV based on the upcoming Renault Twingo, while even the Juke will add to the firm’s electric model range and could get its technology and platform from Nissan’s sister brand and strategic partner, Renault.  

Renault’s CMF-EV architecture that underpins the all-electric Scenic family SUV did seem like a possible option for the Qashqai EV. However, Renault Group’s Ampere company will soon launch the more sophisticated AmpR Medium platform for C-segment cars (which the Qashqai falls into) and we’ve already seen it used in a fashion on the Renault Embleme concept.

Speaking to Auto Express, Xavier Tesson, Product Planner for Nissan Europe spoke about using Renault’s AmpR Medium platform in future models. 

“We are open to partnerships – especially in that new world of electric vehicles where the investments are just massive,” he said. “So, here we’ve demonstrated with (Micra) it can be a win-win for both Renault and Nissan. We’re always looking at working with Renault and its platforms to go with what is the best industrial strategy. We’re looking at AmpR platforms –  it’s a technical solution on what is the best way and most efficient way to bring a Nissan to market.” 

While AmpR Medium is able to cater to combustion engine cars (the Emblème concept is a range-extender) the next-generation Qashqai will move to electric power. The current car has electrified tech, with Nissan’s e-Power hybrid systems, but the brand has committed to launching only EVs in Europe from this point on. By definition, it means the fourth-generation model will drop combustion engines entirely.

That’s not to say the hybrid Qashqai option will be immediately killed off. Tesson also spoke of Nissan’s all-electric strategy: “We are transitioning to full-electric but we will have an overlap first. There will be an overlap in the [Qashqai’s] segment and dimension - potentially usage as well.” On electric SUV and hybrid SUV buyers, Tesson added, “they are not the same customers, that double offer is necessary until we see a real transition.”

It’s too early to say what kind of technical details the Qashqai EV will provide - though with the similarly-sized Renault Scenic EV on its older CMF-EV platform able to reach 379 miles on a charge, we’d expect cars like the Qashqai on AmpR Medium to break the 400-mile barrier. 

While the electric Nissan Qashqai isn’t on the market yet, you can get a great deal on the current model, which is available from around £30,000 via the Auto Express Buy A Car service. If you’d prefer something powered by a battery, you can also find a wide range of electric SUVs like the Skoda Elroq from around £31,000 or the Renault 4 from around £27,000.

As for looks, Nissan has already issued a preview of the Qashqai with the dramatic Hyper Urban concept revealed ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show way back in October 2023. The company even admitted since then the next Qashqai will be “inspired” by the Hyper Urban.

Our exclusive images take the concept’s profile, but also show how the dramatic surfacing could be toned down and adapted for production versions. Hyper Urban has only been shown in digital form so far, but we’d expect the new Qashqai to measure around 4.5 metres long, allowing room above for new Leaf (and, potentially, cater to a future seven-seat flagship) while featuring a more practical overall shape than the outgoing car.

The Qashqai is one of a trio of models previously confirmed by Nissan for Sunderland, in a package of investment worth up to £2billion. The next Leaf will join the car there, along with the all-electric Juke.

Click here for our list of the best electric SUVs on sale right now...