PDRM Begins Real-World Trial of Nissan KICKS e-POWER – Could It Become Malaysia’s Next Police Patrol Vehicle?
The future of police mobility in Malaysia may soon be taking a significant step towards electrification. Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has officially handed over two units of the Nissan KICKS e-POWER to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for a two-month Proof of Concept (PoC) evaluation programme, allowing the crossover SUV to prove its capabilities under actual frontline operating conditions.
Unlike a standard vehicle showcase or demonstration, this programme places the Nissan KICKS e-POWER directly into everyday police patrol duties. The objective is to assess how well Nissan’s unique electrified technology performs in terms of operational efficiency, practicality, reliability, and overall suitability for law enforcement applications.
Putting e-POWER to the Test
The evaluation programme is conducted without any purchasing obligation, giving PDRM the opportunity to independently assess whether the Nissan KICKS e-POWER can meet the demanding requirements of frontline policing.
Throughout the two-month assessment period, officers will evaluate several key areas, including driving performance, fuel efficiency, comfort during extended patrols, manoeuvrability in urban environments, and overall operational practicality.
According to Commissioner of Police Redzuan Abd Hamid, Director of the Logistics and Technology Department at Bukit Aman, testing new technology in real-world conditions is essential before considering future fleet solutions. The findings from the programme will help PDRM determine whether electrified vehicles can play a greater role in supporting daily police operations.
What Makes Nissan e-POWER Different?
Unlike conventional hybrid vehicles, the Nissan KICKS e-POWER is always driven by its electric motor. This means drivers enjoy instant torque, smooth acceleration and a refined driving experience similar to a fully electric vehicle.
Instead of powering the wheels directly, the 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine functions solely as a generator to produce electricity for the battery. This innovative setup eliminates the need for external charging infrastructure while retaining the convenience of refuelling at any petrol station.
For fleet operators such as PDRM, this approach offers the potential benefits of electrified driving without concerns over charging availability or vehicle downtime.
Performance That Could Suit Frontline Operations
The Nissan KICKS e-POWER produces 129 PS and 280 Nm of torque through its electric motor, delivering responsive acceleration that could prove beneficial during emergency response and urban patrol duties.
With a claimed fuel economy of 21.7 km/L and an estimated driving range of up to 900 km on a full 41-litre fuel tank, the crossover also promises reduced fuel consumption while maintaining long operational hours between refuelling stops.
These characteristics make the vehicle particularly interesting for organisations seeking to reduce operating costs without compromising daily usability.
A Growing Interest in Electrified Government Fleets
As Malaysia gradually embraces vehicle electrification, government agencies are also exploring cleaner and more efficient mobility solutions.
The Nissan KICKS e-POWER evaluation represents more than just a product trial, it reflects the increasing interest in electrified fleet technology that combines efficiency, practicality and ease of operation without requiring significant charging infrastructure investments.
Should the evaluation prove successful, programmes like this could pave the way for wider adoption of electrified vehicles across government departments and public service fleets in the future.
Final Thoughts
The two-month Proof of Concept programme will provide valuable real-world insights into how Nissan’s e-POWER technology performs under the demanding conditions faced by Malaysia’s police force every day.
