It is always a pleasure when one gets all enthusiastic about something new, and to have your optimism validated by experts in the field.
The ‘something new’ in this case is Nissan’s e-POWER and the ‘experts in the field’ is the Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC). The enthusiasm was the RJC awarding the Nissan Kicks SUV the 2021 “Technology of the Year” award for its e-POWER drive. The Kicks, launched in Japan just over a year ago, was also named one of the “6 Best Cars of the Year”.
The e-POWER system is a variant of a hybrid drive, but with the wheels driven exclusively by the electric motor and the small internal combustion engine optimised for, and running exclusively, as a power source to charge the battery. The ICE engine, because it is simpler and lighter than a conventional engine and gives incredibly low fuel consumption. Because it is a hybrid, e-POWER gives you the energy recovery during braking or downhill that makes this kind of drive so effective, bust because of its unique electric drive setup, it gives you the power and acceleration which makes an EV so attractive. But the ICE power source negates the need for an expensive recharging network and long recharging sessions on extended trips. It is truly a compromise that delivers more than any of its component parts.
The RJC chose the e-POWER system for its powerful, responsive ride as well as its lack of noise. The latter was achieved because the ICE engine ran infrequently, and when it did, at low speeds even compared to previous e-POWER systems. Other factors that contributed to the Kicks’ success were its acceleration, design and exhilarating performance.
The RJC is a non-profit organization established in 1990 and consists of Japan-based automotive critics and journalists. Every year they choose an automotive person of the year, the technology of the year, the car of the year (Japanese made), and since 2001, Import car of the year.
The Nissan Kicks is not available in South Africa, nor is its wonderful e-POWER drive. We will keep you posted on this blog if and when it eventually does.