Nissan isn’t in any hurry to abandon internal combustion engines with its best-selling car...

Nissan clearly has no intention of rushing things with its most popular model in Europe. While an electric version of the Qashqai was considered, the Japanese automaker plans to keep offering both the gasoline and e-Power versions “as long as there is demand”...

At Nissan, the transition to 100% electric vehicles won’t happen at the same pace for all models. Indeed, the Japanese brand continues to launch electric models, including the new Leaf, the electric Juke, and the recently introduced small Pixo. But for the Qashqai, there’s no rush.

Asked by Autocar, Jordi Villa, Nissan’s head of Europe, confirmed that the manufacturer intends to continue producing its SUV with current engines “as long as there is demand.” And, of course, as long as regulations permit it. The e-Power version will therefore remain in the lineup for some time longer.

The conventional Qashqai will continue to be available

It’s worth noting that this Qashqai e-Power is a bit unique. Its gasoline engine does not transmit power directly to the wheels; instead, it generates electricity needed to power the electric motor that drives the vehicle. This approach allows for driving experiences “similar to those of an electric car” without the need for charging.

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Here’s the new Nissan Juke electric version: it won’t please everyone!

This SUV is primarily an extremely important model for Nissan. It remains the brand’s best-selling car in Europe. The current generation, launched in 2021 and significantly revised in 2024, is produced at Nissan’s Sunderland plant alongside the Juke and Leaf. Is Nissan afraid of disrupting this momentum?

What about the electric Qashqai?

A few months ago, there were talks about launching an electric Qashqai... However, recent reports suggest it has been dropped as part of Nissan’s broader cost-cutting efforts. But the project isn’t officially abandoned. Jordi Villa wants to clarify that he has never announced the cancellation of an electric Qashqai.

We will likely have to wait until the end of the decade to see clearer insights. Nissan states it continues to evaluate which vehicles should become fully electric and which can retain electrified options like e-Power.

An electric Qashqai would also make sense within the model lineup. In terms of size and pricing, the current SUV falls between the Leaf and the Ariya. But Nissan clearly prefers not to pressure its customers. As long as the hybrid Qashqai continues to sell well, the manufacturer plans to keep it in the catalog.