The Nissan Kicks e-Power isn’t much of a stranger here in Malaysia, with the compact crossover model having been displayed at the 2024 Malaysia Autoshow. Since then, though, Nissan distributor Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has remained apprehensive on confirming whether the Kicks will actually be launched in Malaysia. But it seems we now have a clearer picture, courtesy of the company’s latest teaser.
ETCM announced via a press release that an “all-new e-Power model” will indeed be making its official debut here in Malaysia in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024). Of course, that still isn’t confirmation that the Nissan Kicks e-Power will be launched here, although it would make the most sense given the fact that the model is currently going around on tour at Nissan showrooms nationwide.
First introduced in 2016, the e-Power hybrid powertrain is somewhat unique in its segment due to its series hybrid configuration. Unlike most other hybrid setups in the market, 100% of the propulsion on the e-Power system is provided by the electric motor. Meanwhile, the engine – working at its most efficient and optimum speeds – serve solely to charge the lithium-ion battery pack, thus eliminating the need to plug in and charge the car.
With this configuration, Nissan says that its e-Power hybrid system can act as a “gateway to fully electric vehicles” as customers will be accustomed to the various benefits and quirks of EVs, including the instant torque from the electric motor. On the Nissan Kicks e-Power, the powertrain consists of a small 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated three-cylinder engine to charge a 1.57 kWh battery, while the front wheels are powered by a single electric motor that makes 131 hp (96 kW) and 260 Nm.
With a claimed fuel consumption figure of just 2.2 L/100km, Nissan says that the Kicks e-Power can travel up to 900 km on just a single tank of fuel!
While the series system might sound simple in principle, chief engineer Naoki Nakada (who was previously the head of powertrain for the R35 Nissan GT-R and the Leaf EV) said it was actually quite the opposite to develop. “You have to get the balance right between electricity use and power generation, ensure the perfect timing for when the petrol engine operates and match the battery capacity to the type of car. A lot of development work went into perfecting the customer experience,” explains Nakada.
“We want to offer e-Power to as many people as possible, as soon as possible. With e-Power, we are giving them the full electric driving experience, which can in turn help accelerate toward a carbon-neutral, electrified mobility world,” Nakada added.
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Aside from the Kicks, the sixth-generation C28 Nissan Serena, fourth-generation T33 X-Trail, and the third-generation E31 Note are also offered with the unique e-Power series hybrid powertrain. Of the three, the Serena seems most likely, given that the model has found decent success here in Malaysia.
On the C28 Nissan Serena, the e-Power powertrain is made up of a 1.4-litre inline-three engine as a generator alongside an electric motor, the latter making 163 hp and 315 Nm to drive the wheels.
So which will come first? On one hand, the Nissan Kicks e-Power has literally been teased for Malaysia since 2022, and on the other, you have the all-new Nissan Serena, whose promotional video for its Indonesian launch was filmed here in Kuala Lumpur… Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
