Nissan Kicks e-Power Handed to PDRM for Evaluation
Nissan Kicks e-Power: Hybrid SUV Handed to PDRM for Evaluation
The Nissan Kicks e-Power is a compact hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV) manufactured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and distributed in Malaysia by Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn. Bhd. (ETCM). It uses Nissan’s e-Power series-hybrid system, where a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine acts solely as a generator to charge a battery that powers an electric motor driving the front wheels. This eliminates the need for external charging while delivering an electric-vehicle-like driving experience. The vehicle was handed over to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) in early 2025 for a fleet evaluation to assess its suitability for patrol and administrative duties under Malaysian tropical conditions and urban traffic patterns.
The Nissan Kicks e-Power is a self-charging hybrid SUV that does not require plug-in charging, making it a practical option for Malaysian police fleets operating in areas with limited charging infrastructure.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Compact hybrid SUV (B-segment) |
| Powertrain | 1.2L HR12DE 3-cylinder petrol engine (generator) + EM57 electric motor |
| Combined System Power | 95 kW (129 PS) – electric motor output |
| Fuel Consumption (claimed) | 3.8 L/100 km (NEDC) – approximately 26.3 km/L |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion, 1.57 kWh capacity |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,290 mm x 1,760 mm x 1,610 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,620 mm |
| Price in Malaysia (estimated) | RM 120,000 – RM 130,000 (based on CBU import; official pricing not yet announced) |
| Warranty | 5 years / 150,000 km (standard Nissan Malaysia warranty; hybrid components may have separate coverage) |
| Power Standards | 240V / 50Hz (no external charging required; uses standard petrol refuelling) |
| Local Certification | Sirim-approved for road use; complies with Malaysian Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) |
The Nissan Kicks e-Power delivers a claimed fuel consumption of 3.8 L/100 km, which could significantly reduce operating costs for the PDRM fleet compared to conventional petrol patrol vehicles.
Why Is the PDRM Evaluating the Nissan Kicks e-Power?
The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) received the Nissan Kicks e-Power for a three-month evaluation to test its performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency in real-world police operations. The evaluation covers urban patrols, highway pursuit simulations, and administrative use across different Malaysian states, including high-temperature and high-humidity conditions typical of the tropics.
According to the source article on Carsifu.my, the handover took place at the PDRM headquarters in Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur. A Nissan Malaysia spokesperson stated:
"We are proud to support the PDRM in their efforts to explore sustainable mobility solutions. The Nissan Kicks e-Power offers a unique combination of electric driving feel with the convenience of a petrol engine, which we believe can benefit police operations in urban and suburban areas."
The PDRM evaluation of the Nissan Kicks e-Power is part of a broader government initiative to reduce carbon emissions and fuel costs in public sector fleets by 2030.
How Does the e-Power System Work in Malaysian Conditions?
Nissan’s e-Power system uses a 1.2-litre petrol engine that runs at optimal RPM to charge a lithium-ion battery, which then supplies electricity to an electric motor that drives the wheels. The engine never directly powers the wheels, so the driving experience is similar to a pure electric vehicle (EV) with instant torque and smooth acceleration. In Malaysian stop-and-go traffic, the system can operate in EV mode for short distances, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Under tropical heat (ambient temperatures often exceeding 35°C), the e-Power system’s thermal management maintains battery and motor efficiency. The air-conditioning compressor is electrically driven, so cooling performance does not degrade when the engine is off. The vehicle also features regenerative braking to recover energy during deceleration, which is particularly effective in congested urban areas like Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru.
In a 2024 internal test by Nissan Malaysia, the Kicks e-Power achieved an average fuel consumption of 4.2 L/100 km during mixed urban-highway driving in Klang Valley, outperforming conventional petrol SUVs by approximately 40%.
Who Is This For in Malaysia?
The Nissan Kicks e-Power is targeted at Malaysian urban dwellers who want the benefits of an electric vehicle (low running costs, quiet cabin, instant torque) without the need for plug-in charging infrastructure. It suits compact apartment residents in condominiums where installing a home charger is difficult, as well as fleet operators like the PDRM who require low total cost of ownership and reduced emissions. The vehicle’s compact dimensions (4.29 m length) make it easy to manoeuvre in tight parking spaces and narrow streets common in older Malaysian townships.
Compared to the Honda HR-V RS e:HEV (hybrid) and the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, the Nissan Kicks e-Power offers a unique series-hybrid architecture that prioritises electric driving feel. However, it lacks all-wheel drive and has a smaller boot (approx. 350 litres) than some rivals. For Malaysian users who do not need AWD and value fuel efficiency in city driving, the Kicks e-Power presents a compelling option.
For Malaysian police fleets, the Nissan Kicks e-Power could reduce annual fuel costs by an estimated RM 8,000 per vehicle compared to a typical 2.0L petrol patrol SUV, based on 30,000 km annual mileage and current fuel prices.
Common Questions
Does the Nissan Kicks e-Power need to be plugged in to charge?
No. The Nissan Kicks e-Power is a self-charging hybrid. The petrol engine charges the battery, so you never need to plug it into an external power source. This makes it ideal for Malaysian users who lack home charging access.
What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan Kicks e-Power in real Malaysian driving?
Nissan claims 3.8 L/100 km under NEDC. In local tests by Nissan Malaysia, the vehicle achieved 4.2 L/100 km in mixed Klang Valley driving. Actual figures may vary depending on traffic, air-conditioning use, and driving style.
Is the Nissan Kicks e-Power suitable for highway patrol use by PDRM?
The evaluation will determine this. The e-Power system provides instant torque (280 Nm) for quick acceleration, but top speed is limited to around 170 km/h. For highway pursuit, the PDRM may prefer higher-performance vehicles, but for general patrol and administrative duties, the Kicks e-Power offers low running costs and reduced noise.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on the source material published by Carsifu.my on 12 March 2025, titled “Nissan Kicks e-Power Handed Over to PDRM for Evaluation.” Additional technical specifications were cross-referenced with Nissan Malaysia’s official product page and the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) database. All currency references are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM). Fuel consumption figures are based on manufacturer claims and local test data. This article was last updated on 13 March 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the source article and Nissan Malaysia’s press release.