Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has handed over two Nissan Kicks e-Power units to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for a two-month real-world evaluation programme.
The Proof of Concept (PoC) programme will see the electrified SUVs used in actual patrol operations, allowing PDRM to assess their performance, practicality, efficiency and suitability for frontline duties.
Rather than evaluating the Kicks e-Power under controlled conditions, the vehicles will be exposed to real-world operational requirements and duty cycles. The exercise is intended to provide PDRM with practical data on how the technology performs in demanding day-to-day use.
Commissioner of Police Redzuan bin Abd Hamid, Director of the Logistics and Technology Department at PDRM Headquarters in Bukit Aman, said the evaluation will help the police determine whether newer mobility technologies can improve operational effectiveness.
He added that testing the vehicles under actual working conditions will provide insights into their performance and adaptability for frontline operations.
For Nissan, the programme also provides an opportunity to demonstrate the potential of e-Power technology beyond conventional private passenger use.
“Nissan e-Power was developed to make electrified driving accessible by delivering an EV-like driving experience without the need to charge and the fear of range anxiety,” said Christopher Tan, Executive Vice President of ETCM.
The Nissan Kicks e-Power uses an electric motor to drive the wheels, delivering instant torque and smooth acceleration. Unlike a conventional hybrid, its petrol engine does not mechanically drive the wheels. Instead, it acts as a generator to produce electricity for the battery and electric motor.
This means the Kicks can deliver an EV-like driving experience while retaining the ability to refuel at conventional petrol stations, removing the need for external charging infrastructure.
The two-month PDRM evaluation will therefore offer a useful real-world test of whether this combination of electric drive and petrol-powered energy generation can meet the demands of frontline fleet operations.
For ETCM, the programme could also provide insights into potential future fleet applications for Nissan’s electrified technology in Malaysia.
