Nissan Qashqai e-POWER breaks Guinness Record: 1,980 km on one tank, no more charging

The Nissan Qashqai e-POWER has set a new Guinness World Record in Colombia after covering 1,980 km on a single tank of fuel, the longest distance recorded by a non-plug-in extended-range electric vehicle.

e-POWER vs regular hybrids

So, what makes Nissan's e-POWER different from a regular hybrid?

The biggest difference is that the wheels are driven entirely by an electric motor. The petrol engine only generates electricity and does not drive the wheels directly.

In practice, that gives the Qashqai an EV-like feel, with instant torque and quiet running, while you can still refuel at a petrol station instead of having to find a charger.

The 1,980 km journey was not completed in a controlled test environment. Instead, the Qashqai e-POWER travelled through Colombia's congested city roads, winding mountain routes and hot, humid coastal areas.

Achieving this result in such varied conditions put the vehicle's energy recovery system to the test, while showing the efficiency of e-POWER's generator-based powertrain in different driving environments.

A practical choice for Malaysian drivers?

Malaysia's EV charging network is growing, but for drivers who often travel long distances or head back to their hometowns, hybrids still make plenty of sense.

If the Qashqai e-POWER comes to Malaysia in the future, it will go up against popular hybrid SUVs such as the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and Honda HR-V e:HEV.

What makes e-POWER stand out:

Unlike many conventional hybrids that switch between engine and electric motor drive, e-POWER uses the electric motor to drive the wheels at all times, giving it a more EV-like feel behind the wheel.

It also does not require drivers to change their usual habits. Those who live in apartments without home chargers, or who worry about charging availability during long-distance trips, can still enjoy an electrified driving experience while refuelling at petrol stations as usual.

While normal driving conditions are unlikely to deliver the same 1,980 km range achieved in the record run, e-POWER's strong fuel economy and longer driving range than a typical petrol vehicle could make it a practical choice for many Malaysian commuters.

Conclusion

The 1,980 km record shows that electrification does not always have to mean going fully electric. For drivers who want the smooth and responsive feel of an EV but still prefer the convenience of petrol refuelling, e-POWER offers a different approach.

For Malaysian drivers, this type of hybrid technology could be worth considering, especially for those who frequently travel long distances and are not ready to switch to a fully electric vehicle.

The new Qashqai e-POWER has yet to be confirmed for the Malaysian market. At the moment, Nissan Malaysia's electrified SUV offering is centred around the Kicks e-POWER, which is available in three variants:

1.2L VL: RM 113,800
1.2L VLT Single-Tone: RM 121,800
1.2L VLT Two-Tone: RM 125,800