Nissan’s official distributor in Malaysia, Edaran Tan Chong Motor, is previewing the Nissan Kicks e-Power at Malaysia Autoshow 2024 to showcase its e-Power technology. Wrapped in camouflage, the Nissan Kicks e-Power showcased at the event is of the outgoing generation Nissan Kicks instead of the all-new second-generation model which made its debut in the US earlier this year.
The brand mentioned that its first e-Power model for Malaysia will be making its launch in the second half (H2) of this year, but did not specify which model it will be. There are rumours that suggest the model could be the all-new C28 Serena e-Power.
The e-Power technology consists of a petrol engine that is used as a generator to charge the lithium-ion battery which then powers the electric motor. The electric motor is the sole power source that drives the wheels.
For the most part, Nissan’s e-Power system operates similarly to Honda’s i-MMD system found in its e:HEV models. However, the engine does not power the wheels directly with Nissan’s e-Power as there is no lock-up clutch to make that possible.
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Nissan says the e-Power system responds similarly to an electric vehicle (EV), as it combines instant torque, a quiet yet relaxing drive, and top-level fuel efficiency of up to 21.7 km/l. Like an electric car, Nissan’s e-Power technology also uses regenerative braking to help keep the battery topped up.
The Nissan Kicks’ e-Power system specifically sports a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor. This results in a system output of 129 hp (metric) and 260 Nm. Supplying power to the electric motor is a 1.57 kWh battery.
How does the Nissan e-Power system operate, you ask? Well first and foremost, the system contains multiple components, including a lithium-ion battery, an electric motor, an inverter, a generator, and a combustion engine.
Unlike conventional self-charging hybrid systems such as Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, where the wheels are primarily and directly driven by the engine, the e-Power’s control system regulates engine operation independently based on factors such as vehicle speed, road conditions, degree of acceleration, and battery charge levels. Nissan says this as a result will deliver a driving experience that is quiet and refined, with less frequent engine operation compared to conventional hybrids.
At low to medium speeds, such as in urban areas, the vehicle is mainly driven by the electric motor, which is powered by a lithium-ion battery for an EV-like performance. When driven at high speeds, the engine runs at optimal RPM to generate sufficient electricity to power the motor. When strong acceleration is required, the motor combines the electricity generated by the engine and the electricity from the lithium-ion battery to power the vehicle.
The e-Power technology also offers single-pedal driving where brake pedal operation can be reduced by nearly 70% through regenerative braking. This can help slow the vehicle while replenishing the battery.
You can check out the Nissan Kicks e-Power at Malaysia Autoshow 2024, held from today, May 22 to 26, at MAEPS Serdang. Nissan’s booth is specifically situated at Booth A11 of Hall A.
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