As automotive technology begins its transition to an all-electric future, the compromises with the current powertrain technologies become clearer and more distinct. Self-charging hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are acclaimed for their proven technology and dependability. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) promise even longer driving distances between charging stops. Still, these vehicles require gasoline.
Enter battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that run purely on electric power. This is the endgame of most car companies (at least until the next truly clean powertrain technology — hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles — become commercially available). BEVs have a caveat, though (at least in the Philippines and if you want to use your BEV for long 300-plus-kilometer drives). And that’s the lack of charging stations. Most BEVs can travel 300 kilometers or more on a full charge, which means they can do day-to-day driving in Metro Manila for a week without charging easily. Long out-of-town drives need to be better planned, though, to make sure you have time (and access to an electrical outlet) to charge before you drive back to Manila.
Which brings us to a unique solution to the hybrid-full EV conundrum — the All-New Nissan Kicks e-POWER. Like a hybrid, it has an electric motor/battery combination as well as an internal combustion engine. But like a pure EV, its drive wheels are propelled purely by its electric motor. So what’s the gasoline engine for? It’s serves as a generator (and not as an engine that powers the drive wheels)! The All-New Nissan Kicks e-POWER runs on battery power, but when the battery charge is low, the engine starts to charge the battery (but never to drive the wheels). Which means that you’ll never have to worry about looking for a charging station when the battery is low. As long as you have access to a gasoline station, the Kicks will never die on you.
Let’s go straight to the numbers. This subcompact crossover can deliver up to 280Nm of instant torque and 22 km/l fuel economy in combined city and highway driving conditions (based on UNR 101 testing, but actual consumption may vary depending on different driving conditions and habits), giving you as much as 900 kilometers of driving range on one full tank (which has a 41-liter capacity).
From the same powertrain engineer that developed the legendary Nissan GT-R and the world’s first mass market EV, the all-electric Nissan LEAF, Naoki Nakada combines the best of both worlds — the speed and power of a sports car and the torque-on-demand nature of an EV.
With the wheels being solely driven by an electric motor, you’ll get the same powerful, instant torque and smooth acceleration that electric vehicle owners love to brag about. In addition, the e-Pedal Step is ready for you when you’re in the mood for a more convenient and enjoyable drive. It lets you accelerate and decelerate with just the accelerator pedal.
I liken Nissan’s e-Pedal Step to golf carts, which have a very intuitive deceleration when you release the go-pedal. It may seem very different from how a normal car would be slowed down, but one drive with the e-Pedal Step will make deceleration absolutely second nature.
The All-New Nissan Kicks e-POWER has an introductory price of PHP 1,209,000. And to sweeten the deal, this electrified SUV comes with a five-year warranty (on both the e-POWER and battery) and only requires twice-a-year preventive maintenance service — fewer visits mean lesser cost of ownership.
Visit nissan.ph/kicks to get a quote, find a dealer, and test drive this game-changing crossover today.