Nissan Qashqai e-POWER: 1,230-Mile Guinness Record Drive

Qashqai e-POWER logs 1,230 miles on a single tank

Nissan has just demonstrated a surprising advantage of its e-POWER range-extender hybrid: a Qashqai drove 1,230 miles (1,980 km) from Bogota to Colombia's Caribbean coast on a single tank of fuel, a feat now certified by Guinness World Records. The record is listed as the longest journey completed by a non-plug-in extended-range electric vehicle SUV without external charging or refueling.

How e-POWER makes long trips possible

Unlike conventional hybrids, Nissan's e-POWER architecture separates the gasoline engine from the wheels. The internal combustion engine operates as a generator, producing electricity that feeds an electric motor which actually turns the wheels. The system also includes regenerative braking and a compact battery pack to store energy.

That setup delivers a driving experience closer to an EV — instant torque, smooth acceleration — while eliminating the need to plug in. In effect, e-POWER behaves like a range-extender system, and the Colombian record run highlights its fuel-efficiency and real-world endurance.

The record run: route and conditions

The drive took place in mid-July and traversed a variety of road types and traffic environments, from high-altitude city streets in Bogota to coastal highways and secondary roads toward the Caribbean. Guinness World Records judges attended each leg of the journey to validate the attempt, although Nissan has not published detailed telemetry such as exact stop counts or total time elapsed.

Despite the mixed conditions, the Qashqai maintained the efficiency needed to reach 1,230 miles without refueling or external charging, underscoring the practical advantages of an extended-range electric vehicle SUV in long-haul scenarios.

Specifications and real-world economy

• Powertrain: third-generation e-POWER system
• ICE as generator: 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine
• Notable economy: Nissan cites a 16% improvement in real-world fuel consumption over the previous setup
• Reported efficiency on the recent Qashqai: around 52 mpg (4.5 liters/100 km)

The updated e-POWER package, first introduced in 2016 and recently evolved into its third generation, boosts thermal efficiency and optimizes the balance between engine operation and battery use. That combination is why the Qashqai can outpace many conventional ICE vehicles in terms of distance-per-tank, while still avoiding the need for public charging infrastructure.

Market context and where e-POWER will appear next

Nissan currently sells e-POWER variants in multiple markets worldwide, though the technology has not been broadly available in the United States—until now. The US will see e-POWER for the first time on the upcoming Nissan Rogue later this year, bringing the range-extender hybrid concept to a mainstream compact SUV audience.

For consumers, e-POWER represents a middle path between battery-electric vehicles and traditional internal combustion models: EV-like driving dynamics, high fuel economy, and the convenience of fast refueling at conventional pumps. For fleet operators and long-distance drivers, the Colombian record is proof of concept for long-range, low-fuel-use operation without charging infrastructure.

Why this matters to car buyers and the industry

This record run is more than a publicity stunt. It highlights how hybrid architectures can deliver competitive range and efficiency while avoiding the logistic constraints of EV charging networks. As automakers diversify their electrification strategies, solutions like e-POWER will matter in regions where charging infrastructure lags or where consumers prioritize refueling speed and range confidence.

Quote: 'The Colombian journey proves the real-world benefits of an extended-range hybrid in long-distance travel,' an industry insider commented.

Key takeaways:

• Nissan Qashqai e-POWER achieved a 1,230-mile single-tank run certified by Guinness.
• e-POWER uses a gasoline engine as a generator, with electric motors driving the wheels.
• Third-generation e-POWER gains efficiency with a 1.5-liter turbo engine and improved fuel economy.
• e-POWER will expand to the US market on the new Nissan Rogue.

Whether you follow EVs, hybrids, or efficient SUVs, Nissan's record drive is a reminder that varied electrification strategies can deliver practical benefits beyond headline range figures.