Nissan Kicks e-power set to launch on May 15, 2020, in Thailand

The 2020 Nissan Kicks e-power was originally supposed to be launched on March 19, 2020, in Thailand. This would have brought the vehicle much closer to the country as vehicles that are usually launched in Thailand make their way to the Philippines about a year later. However, the launch date of the highly anticipated vehicle had to be moved due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new launch date is now set for May 15, 2020, and will serve as the world premiere of the hybrid model.

Nissan Thailand has already released teasers for the vehicle on its website along with a countdown timer for the global reveal. The teasers include a short 15-second video that briefly flashes the highlights of the vehicle such as its new front clip, its e-power badging, and a quick shot of its new 17-inch wheels. The new front of the vehicle now comes with sharper headlights and a much wider V-motion grille similar to that seen in the next-generation X-trail. It will also be receiving a new set of LED taillights coming in with a much sharper design than before. Not much else is known about the new e-power kicks as features and other specifications have yet to be released.

The Japanese brand’s e-power works similarly to how a normal hybrid system works but with one key difference. The internal combustion engine of the vehicle is not connected to the wheels. Normally a hybrid system has an option in which a fossil fuel motor can drive the vehicle solo and recharge the batteries at the same time. With the new Kicks e-power, the reported 1.3-liter motor will only act as a generator or range extender for the crossover. This lets the user experience all the benefits of using an electric vehicle such as near-instantaneous torque, without the fear of range anxiety. The system can also recharge itself through regenerative braking similar to that of a normal hybrid. The gasoline engine will also turn on when more power is needed assisting the electric motors.

There is no official word yet if Nissan Philippines will be bringing in the e-power into the country. The Japanese brand did say back in 2019 that it was bringing in new and exciting models into the country as the LEAF is scheduled to launch this year and the addition of the Kicks e-power could be a great addition to the local lineup.