Nissan Kicks e-Power to make PH debut next month  

Now it can be told: Nissan Philippines’ maiden offering for its e-Power hybrid powertrain technology is the Kicks subcompact crossover, which will be launched in August. 

Filipino customers will finally be introduced to the Kicks e-Power in August

The automaker confirmed this during a recent track day event at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga, where the Kicks e-Power was put through its paces. It was also here that the model was fully unveiled to members of the motoring media, after it was previewed as a thinly disguised unit at the 2022 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) held last April. 

A key feature that the upcoming model brings is its e-Power series hybrid technology. Similar to conventional hybrids, this comprises a gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. However, only the motor directly powers the wheels, with the combustion engine serving exclusively to recharge the onboard battery.  

Testing the new model's mettle at the Clark International Speedway 

Another highlight is the one-pedal operation mode called the e-Pedal Step, which automatically slows the vehicle down simply by taking the foot off the accelerator pedal. Note that the brake pedal still needs to be pressed when bringing the Kicks to a full stop. In either instance, regenerative braking engages to charge the battery by converting heat into electricity.  

Further details have not been revealed as of this writing prior to the local launch, but the Kicks is sold in overseas markets with two separate powertrains. In the U.S., the Kicks comes with a 1.6-liter 16-valve gasoline engine producing 122 horsepower and 154 Nm of torque, mated to an Xtronic continuously variable transmission. 

Drivers can set the Kicks e-Power to use the e-Pedal Step one-pedal operation mode

For ASEAN countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore, the Kicks is sold only in e-Power guise, with a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder HR12 gasoline power unit charging a lithium-ion battery. This powers an EM57 electric motor that delivers 127 horsepower and 103 Nm of torque. All versions of the Kicks are available in front-wheel-drive only, except in Japan. 

Nissan’s e-Power is being positioned as a viable alternative for Filipino customers who still having second thoughts about switching to electric vehicles, despite the passage of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) into law this year. Some of the reasons for the slow adoption of EVs in our market are the prohibitive costs, lack of charging infrastructure, and range anxiety. 

The Kicks is also sold with a conventional powertrain in other markets such as the U.S. and China 

The Kicks e-Power is expected to be offered in three variants. Estimated prices at launch are from Php 1.2 million to Php 1.5 million.   

See what else that the industry’s top car brands have in store at Philkotse.com.