It looks like Nissan Philippines will be upping their electrification game with the direct confirmation that e-Power, the brand’s sort-of-hybrid system, is heading into the country. The announcement was made no less than by Atsushi Najima, president of Nissan Philippines.
“We are more inspired in strengthening our electrification strategy in the country through bringing the next-generation e-Power technology, a self-charging electric powered motor,” said Najima on his social media account.
e-Power differs from traditional hybrids or purely electric vehicles in that the system uses the gasoline engine solely as a power generator. This is then connected to an inverter, a battery, and an electric motor which drives the wheels.
Najima’s statement ties in nicely with Nissan’s global plan to make e-Power available to more markets—something the carmaker has announced way back in 2019.
The strongest candidate to receive e-Power is the Nissan Kicks, a sub-compact SUV that was launched in 2016. In 2020, assembly started in Thailand and was subsequently leaked in an ASEAN NCAP document stating that it was heading to the Philippines.
The Kicks’ re-design takes into account Nissan’s “Emotional Geometry” design language with a larger V-motion grille, swept-back boomerang headlights, and front fog lamps that have been pushed to the corners. These complement the Kick’s signature floating roof and “wrap-around visor” that visually connects the windshield to the side glass. Exterior features include standard LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, and LED rear combination lights.
Under the hood, the e-Power engine features Nissan’s EM57 electric motor, generator, and inverter that generates power from a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine. Overall, the Kicks e-Power has 129 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque from near zero rpm—giving it a driving experience similar to a full-fledged EV.
Sources say the Kicks e-Power could be previewed as early as the Manila International Auto Show in April. Insiders indicate that Nissan Philippines is targeting a price of around P 1.4-million for the sub-compact SUV.
If the information on the Kicks e-Power is true, then then Najima has just given Nissan Philippines the product it needs to continue its strong momentum. It’s also a nice parting present before his next stint in Nissan India as Chief Financial Officer.
Naunahan pa yung HRV. Hybrid is the name of the game now.
ReplyDeleteLikely candidate for this hybridization is Sylphy and Kicks
ReplyDeleteIt was leaked through ASEAN NCAP that the Kicks e-Power would be coming to the Philippines. I honestly thought it would have came sooner since in that document, the specs appeared to be finalized already. Finally, after so many months after that leak and the original launch in Thailand, Nissan PH is bringing it in.
ReplyDeleteHope all EVs will become successful in our country.
ReplyDeleteHope the EV law will be passed soon.
fix the crappy JATCO CVT first
ReplyDeleteits purely electric motor with a reduction gear. no cvt's in sight
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