BANGKOK, Thailand–Nissan showcases the capabilities of Kicks e-POWER with a cross-border road trip from Hat Yai, Thailand, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This marks the first-ever cross-border journey for the Nissan Kicks e-POWER in the region, offering participants a unique opportunity to experience the electric driving experience without compromising range and performance.
Themed ‘Kickstart Fun Adventures with Kicks e-POWER,’ the journey brought together media representatives and vloggers from Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia to experience the excitement of cross-border driving with Kicks e-POWER.
Powered by a 100-percent electric motor that requires no external charging, the Kicks e-POWER delivers instant acceleration, powerful torque, and a quiet ride, making it an ideal choice for both daily commutes and long-distance drives.
Toshihiro Fujiki, president of Nissan ASEAN and Thailand, said, “At Nissan, our vision is to enrich people’s lives through innovative mobility solutions, with electrification at the core of our strategy. Backed by decades of EV expertise, the Nissan Kicks e-POWER is a testament to this vision, offering a thrilling electrified driving experience with advanced e-POWER technology. This daring cross-border journey will demonstrate Kicks e-POWER’s electric driving performance and efficiency in a fun-to-drive experience.”
Elevating the Road Trip Experience
The Kickstart Fun Adventures journey kicked off in Hat Yai, a vibrant city in Southern Thailand known for its bustling night markets and food scene. From there, the 650-kilometer trip passed through Betong, a misty border town where Thai, Malay, and Chinese influences come together. Upon crossing into Malaysia, the route led to Ipoh, famed for its colonial architecture, hawker streets, and legendary white coffee, and ended in Kuala Lumpur, a dynamic capital where modernity meets tradition.
Beyond the Betong border, the roads narrowed and ascended through hilly terrain, but the advanced features of Nissan 360 Safety Shield kept the ride steady and secure. En route, participants made a brief stop at Dataran Tasik Raban, a tranquil lakeside retreat within the UNESCO-listed Lenggong Valley.
From there, the route opened up to trunk roads and highways, allowing for a more relaxed drive. On these open stretches, advanced features like intelligent forward collision warning (IFCW) and intelligent emergency braking (IEB) added an extra layer of confidence, ensuring a smooth journey as they made their way into the heart of Ipoh to conclude the first day.
The final stretch from Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur began on the highway before leading into city roads upon entering the capital. Before merging onto the mostly straight 200-kilometer expressway, participants passed through Ipoh’s Old Town, known for its heritage buildings and vibrant street art scene.
The trip concluded at the Attic Bar, a hidden bar in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur, with a closing dinner party attended by Yoshinori Kanazawa, vice president of Nissan Importer Business Unit (NIBU), and guests of honor from Ederan Tan Chong Motor, led by Christopher Tan, executive vice president, and Khoo Cheng Pah, chief executive officer. The social media post winners from each media representation were announced and given prizes. Furthermore, all media personnel completed the ‘1-tank challenge’ by driving from Hat Yai, Thailand, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, using one full tank of fuel and no refills for a total distance of over 650 kilometers. This demonstrates the vehicle’s remarkable fuel economy.
Celebrating Milestones in Electrified Mobility
The Nissan Kicks e-POWER made its ASEAN debut in 2020 and has since expanded to six markets in ASEAN, including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, and most recently, Malaysia.
“Beyond the adventure, this cross-border journey celebrates an important milestone for the Nissan Kicks e-POWER in ASEAN, with Malaysia becoming the latest market where Nissan has introduced the model,” added Fujiki.
“It underscores our efforts to bring electrified mobility to as many markets as possible across the region.”
First introduced in Japan in 2016, Nissan’s groundbreaking e-POWER technology has achieved a significant milestone, with cumulative global production exceeding 1.5 million units as of October 2024. Building on this success, the Kicks e-POWER continues to strengthen Nissan’s electrified lineup and demonstrates the company’s commitment to accelerating the transition to electrified mobility in ASEAN.
