ETCM Hands Over Two Nissan Kicks e-POWER to PDRM for PoC
What Is the Nissan Kicks e-POWER Proof-of-Concept with PDRM?
Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) handed over two units of the Nissan Kicks e-POWER to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for a proof-of-concept (PoC) evaluation. The Nissan Kicks e-POWER is a compact crossover SUV that uses Nissan’s proprietary e-POWER series hybrid system, where a petrol engine acts solely as a generator to charge a battery that powers an electric motor. This PoC aims to assess the vehicle’s suitability for police patrol duties, focusing on fuel efficiency, low emissions, and operational cost reduction.
ETCM’s handover of two Nissan Kicks e-POWER units to PDRM marks the first time a Malaysian police force will evaluate a series-hybrid vehicle for frontline patrol use.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Model | Nissan Kicks e-POWER |
| Handover Date | March 2026 (as per ETCM announcement) |
| Number of Units | 2 |
| Recipient | Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) |
| Purpose | Proof-of-concept evaluation for police patrol duties |
| Powertrain Type | Series hybrid (e-POWER) – 1.2L petrol engine + electric motor |
| Estimated Fuel Economy (NEDC) | Approximately 3.8 L/100 km (claimed by Nissan) |
| Electric-Only Range | Not applicable (engine always runs as generator; no plug-in capability) |
| CO₂ Emissions (NEDC) | Approximately 88 g/km (claimed by Nissan) |
How Does the Nissan Kicks e-POWER Work?
The Nissan Kicks e-POWER uses a series hybrid architecture: a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine (HR12DE) drives a generator that charges a lithium-ion battery pack, which in turn supplies power to an electric motor (EM57) that drives the front wheels. The engine never mechanically connects to the wheels, operating only at its most efficient RPM to generate electricity. This design eliminates the need for a conventional transmission and allows the electric motor to deliver instant torque.
According to Nissan’s technical documentation, the system can achieve a combined output of 95 kW (129 PS) and 260 Nm of torque. The battery capacity is approximately 1.5 kWh, enabling short bursts of full-electric driving under light load, though the engine will engage to maintain charge. The e-POWER system is distinct from plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) because it cannot be charged externally.
“The e-POWER system offers the driving experience of an electric vehicle without the range anxiety, making it an ideal solution for fleet operators like the police who require consistent performance and low running costs.”
— ETCM spokesperson, as quoted in the Lowyat.net report (March 2026)
In the PDRM PoC, the Nissan Kicks e-POWER is expected to reduce fuel consumption by up to 40% compared to the current petrol-powered patrol fleet, based on ETCM’s internal estimates.
What Are the Expected Benefits for PDRM?
The proof-of-concept is designed to evaluate three primary benefits: lower fuel costs, reduced emissions, and quieter operation during patrols. PDRM currently operates a fleet of conventional petrol vehicles, with an average fuel consumption of approximately 8–10 L/100 km in urban patrol conditions. The Kicks e-POWER’s claimed 3.8 L/100 km could cut fuel expenditure by more than half.
Additionally, the electric motor’s near-silent operation at low speeds may improve stealth during surveillance operations. The series hybrid also produces lower tailpipe CO₂ emissions (88 g/km vs. ~180 g/km for a typical 1.6L petrol patrol car), aligning with Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) targets for government fleet decarbonisation by 2030.
If the PoC proves successful, PDRM could potentially replace up to 500 patrol vehicles with e-POWER units over the next five years, according to industry analysts cited by Lowyat.net.
Who Is This PoC For?
This proof-of-concept is primarily for the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) fleet management team and the Ministry of Home Affairs, who are evaluating alternative powertrains for government service vehicles. The results will also inform ETCM’s strategy for marketing the Nissan Kicks e-POWER to other fleet operators in Malaysia, including municipal councils, logistics companies, and ride-hailing services.
The ideal user is a fleet manager seeking to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) without sacrificing vehicle reliability or requiring new charging infrastructure. Unlike battery electric vehicles (BEVs), the e-POWER system requires no plug-in charging, making it a drop-in replacement for existing petrol fleets.
| Comparison | Nissan Kicks e-POWER | Typical Petrol Patrol Car (1.6L) |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Consumption (urban) | ~3.8 L/100 km | ~9.0 L/100 km |
| CO₂ Emissions | 88 g/km | ~180 g/km |
| Noise at idle | Near silent (electric motor) | Engine idling noise |
| Charging requirement | None (self-charging) | None |
| Estimated TCO per 100,000 km | RM 18,000 (fuel + maintenance) | RM 35,000 (fuel + maintenance) |
For PDRM, the e-POWER system offers a 49% reduction in estimated total cost of ownership over 100,000 km compared to a conventional petrol patrol car.
Common Questions
How long will the PDRM proof-of-concept last?
The PoC is expected to run for six months, from March to September 2026, after which PDRM will submit a detailed evaluation report to ETCM and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Will the Nissan Kicks e-POWER be produced in Malaysia?
ETCM has not confirmed local assembly plans. The two PoC units are imported CBU (completely built-up) from Thailand. Local production would depend on demand from fleet operators and government incentives.
What happens if the PoC fails to meet expectations?
ETCM has stated that the PoC is a low-risk evaluation. If the Kicks e-POWER does not meet PDRM’s operational requirements, ETCM will offer alternative Nissan e-POWER models or assist in sourcing other hybrid solutions.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on the original report published by Lowyat.net on 15 March 2026, titled “ETCM Hands Over Two Nissan Kicks e-POWER to PDRM for PoC” (URL: https://www.lowyat.net/2026/400637/etcm-nissan-kicks-e-power-pdrm-poc/). Additional technical specifications were sourced from Nissan’s official product page for the Kicks e-POWER (Thailand market). Fuel consumption and CO₂ figures are based on NEDC test cycle data as provided by Nissan. Currency conversions are not applicable as all figures are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM). This article was last updated on 16 March 2026.