Nissan Kicks e-POWER now open for booking

Malaysians will soon be able to own a fully electric vehicle that offers all the benefits of an EV like smooth, quiet running and the typically strong acceleration from standstill – without the need to recharge the battery yourself.

Propelled only by electric power
It’s the new Nissan Kicks with e-POWER technology and while the drivetrain does include a petrol engine and resembles the drivetrains in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), a crucial difference is that the e-POWER drivetrain has only the electric motor powering the wheels at all times. The engine does not provide propulsion and for recharging the battery and, when necessary, generate extra power to support higher speeds.

This difference is what makes the e-POWER system unique has made it increasingly popular since it was introduced in Japan in 2016. It has evolved since then and while there are many shared components, there are different configurations and tuning to suit different models.

In the case of the Kicks, an SUV, the electric motor driving the front wheels generates up to 95 kW (129 ps) and 280 Nm of torque, powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 2.06 kWh.

Unlike battery packs in pure EVs, the size of the one in the Kicks is small which allows it to be quickly recharged while the vehicle is in motion or even when braking. As such, electrical energy is always available and only in rare circumstances would the battery actually go completely empty.

Engine designed for e-POWER
The petrol engine has a 1.2-litre displacement and an output of 82 ps/103 Nm. With 3 cylinders, it has a compact size and light weight and is optimised for the purpose of running the generator and inverter that feeds electricity to the battery or motor. This engine cannot be used as a propulsion unit as it is not designed for such a purpose.

HEVs and PHEVs – which have larger battery packs – generally extend the cruising range further than a vehicle with just a petrol engine. This is because the motor does some of the propelling, during which time no petrol is used. However, in the case of PHEVs, there is still the need to recharge in order to enjoy the full benefits.

In the case of the Kicks, the 41-litre tank of fuel will last a lot longer, even with normal driving. Of course, the range will vary depending on driving style, road conditions, etc – just like for a car with a petrol engine. If the driver wants to as far as possible, there is an ECO model which prioritises fuel economy.

Motoring experts confirm fuel economy
Owners in over 65 countries using Nissan models equipped with the e-POWER system already know how economical it can be. As it is totally new to the Malaysian market. Edaran Tan Chong Motor asked motoring journalists to test the Kicks and see just how far the experts could do.

12 sen per kilometre
After a drive from Petaling Jaya, Selangor to Melaka – around 230 kms – the amount of fuel used was 13.99 litres (which only took 32 seconds to fill, by the way) which cost RM28.68 (RON95). Calculating the cost against the distance travelled, it works out to be 12 sen per km which is pretty economical.

Potential of 900 kms range
That’s with normal driving at speed limits but there is potential to be even more economical and Nissan mentions up to 900 kms with a full tank. Again, it all depends on how you drive; if you want to enjoy the strong acceleration all the time, then the range will be affected.

ETCM will launch the Kicks e-POWER very soon, most likely at the KL International Mobility Show from December 5 – 11, 2024. Three versions are available and the top version will not be more than RM130,000. With many EVs in the market, different variants will have different battery sizes and performance levels but for the Kicks e-POWER, all three versions have identical specifications.

If you want to be among the first to own this SUV, authorised Nissan dealers can now take your booking. To locate a dealer in Malaysia, click here.

1.5 million Nissan e-POWER vehicles sold worldwide