Nissan Philippines will be boosting its electric-car lineup in the Philippines with the launch of the all-new Kicks e-Power compact SUV. The Kicks e-Power is fully electrically driven, and it carries a secret weapon to combat range anxiety: an onboard gasoline engine for charging the batteries. The Kicks e-Power thus does not have to be externally charged—just feed it gasoline, in very sparing amounts.
If you visited the Manila International Auto Show in April 2022, you may have noticed the Kicks e-Power beside the main entrance. The compact SUV sported camouflage paint and resided in its own lightbox, looking like a full-scale Tomica model. In the third quarter this year, we expect that the Kicks will be rolling on Philippine roads along with a new version of the Livina MPV.
Many motorists are interested in electric vehicles, but one of the main obstacles is the specialized charging regimen required by electric cars. By putting a gasoline engine on board the Kicks e-Power to charge the batteries, no external charging is needed. Range is extended by the fuel tank, which can of course be pumped full at any gasoline station. When the battery needs to recharge, the onboard 1.2-liter DOHC 12-valve three-cylinder engine kicks in.
The Kicks e-Power goes one step further than the usual gasoline-electric hybrids. Instead of the gasoline engine starting up to directly drive the wheels, the one on board this car is there just to top up the battery. The lithium-ion battery then drives the car directly via Nissan’s EM57 electric motor. Power is 129ps, and torque curve is flatter than at 260 Nm. Nissan promises that the driving experience is similar to an electric vehicle’s, implying instantaneous acceleration from any speed, and nearly silent running. Nissan quotes fuel efficiency of 21.7 km/liter, and 107 g of CO2 per km.
As a bonus, electric drive allows Nissan to equip the Kicks e-Power with its One-Pedal Operation. Releasing the accelerator pedal results in a braking effect, so in most cases, you won’t have to move your foot to and from the brake pedal. This is especially useful at low speeds, such as in stop-and-go city traffic. We have tried this in Nissan’s test course and it is indeed a pleasant way to drive. It is also apparently a welcome feature for sporty driving on winding roads—that one we just have to experience.
Expected to be on board Kicks e-Power is Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility safety suite, which includes forward collision warning and emergency braking, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. The very useful 360-degree around-view monitor should also be standard.
As for its looks, the Nissan takes on the family appearance with V-motion grille, floating roof design, and LED headlamps. Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats will reduce fatigue and improve alertness for the driver and front passenger.
But wait…there’s more!
Nissan Philippines will also be launching the second-generation Livina MPV. If the Livina seems very familiar, that’s because this one is based on the Mitsubishi xPander, as a product of the Nissan-Mitsubishi Motors alliance. Of course, Nissan has imprinted its own styling cues on the Livina. So in come the V-motion grille, multi-LED headlamps, and arrow-shaped LED taillamps. The Livina also gets its own unique 16-inch alloy wheels.
The Livina will have a flexible 7-seat interior with second and third-row seats that can split-fold. Multiple storage compartments including a large center console, under seat tray, and under-floor storage in the luggage compartment will help to keep things tidy. Power will come from a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with expected 104ps and 141 Nm. Transmission will be a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.
Kicks e-Power and Livina will be the first to be launched by Nissan Philippines under its new president Juan Manuel Hoyos. Other exciting models will be sure to follow, hopefully including the Note hatchback, X-Trail SUV, and the hot new Z sports car.
