MAS 2024: ETCM Showcases Nissan e-Power Hybrid Tech

ETCM top management with the Nissan Kicks e-Power demonstrator at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 (MAS 2024).

Whilst much attention generated by the mighty Tan Chong Group at this week’s Malaysia Autoshow 2024 (MAS 2024) stems from its WTCA arm and the launch of the GAC AION Y Plus, its legacy Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) arm isn’t sitting idle either.

In fact, as alluded prior, said Nissan brand vanguards announced their presence at the show with a special display. We got a close gander which during Press Day yesterday, and what were presented was a showcase of the Nissan brand’s e-Power hybrid tech dressed in a Kicks crossover SUV.

Whilst the specific Kicks model used for this showcase is a tad bit aged, the e-Power hybrid tech it displays remain very relevant. In fact, this very powertrain setup could be featured in the next new Nissan new model that ETCM will launch, whenever that may be.

Specifically in the Kicks demonstrator on show at MAS 2024, the package sees a 1.2-litre 3-cyl petrol engine rated at 79 PS and 103 NM serving solely as a generator to recharge a rather compact 1.57 kWh battery mounted under the front seats.

In turn, said battery juices a front-mounted e-motor that drive the front wheels with 95 kW (129 PS) and 260 NM. Unlike other similar hybrid setups fielded by rivals – i.e. Toyota and Honda – Nissan’s hybrid tech sees the petrol mill mentioned not tasked with driving the wheels at all.

Instead, all drive stems form the e-motor mentioned, and nothing else. This starkly differs from Honda’s system for instance, which sees the combustion (ICE) mill clutching in directly to provide propulsion under certain circumstances – i.e. hard throttle input, or high-speed cruising.

Though an older version of the Kicks was used, the e-Power hybrid tech it uses is very relevant still.

Presently, the Nissan e-Power hybrid setup as seen in the Kicks demonstrator mentioned is present in current and new Nissan models such as the latest-gen Serena MPV. In all likelihood, this tech showcase by ETCM could be a indicator of said popular people-mover’s impeding local debut.

First revealed in Japan back in Nov 2022, the sixth-generation Serena MPV model finally ditched its predecessor’s mild-hybrid (MHEV) or ‘Smart-Hybrid’ setup in favour of proper electrification using the e-Power tech detailed.

Said sixth-gen model is widely tipped for launch in Malaysia since last year, but for reasons unbeknownst to us, it still hasn’t. Let’s hope that this recent effort by ETCM at MAS 2024 is a sign of progress that we will finally see the new Serena soon.