Automotive

Nissan’s New Kicks e-POWER skips the plug but still drives like an EV

It’s leaning harder into its e-POWER tech than ever!

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Nissan Philippines has officially launched the next generation of the Kicks, and it comes with a design refresh, more driver-assistance features, and the same e-POWER setup that’s defined the nameplate since 2022.

The Kicks first landed in the Philippines four years ago, and this new version builds on that foundation rather than tossing it out.

Nissan’s kept the e-POWER system that made the original Kicks stand out in the subcompact SUV segment, then layered in updates across the interior, exterior, and safety suite.

Still e-POWER, still 100% electric motor-driven

The core of the Kicks hasn’t changed.

It still runs on Nissan’s e-POWER system, which pairs a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor. The engine’s only job is generating electricity to charge the battery.

The motor is what actually drives the wheels, so you get a fully electric driving feel without needing to plug in anywhere. Nissan says the setup puts out 136 PS and 280 Nm of torque.

Inside, Nissan’s focused on making longer drives less tiring. The Zero Gravity seats aim to reduce fatigue, and there’s anti-heat leather upholstery for anyone who’s dealt with scorching seats in Metro Manila traffic.

Rear passengers get an optimized seatback angle and a rear armrest, while the driver’s seat is 6-way power-adjustable.

For tech, you’re looking at a 12.3-inch Display Audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus NissanConnect Services bundled in for three years.

Sharper exterior

The exterior picks up Nissan’s V-Motion grille with a new lighting signature and triple-arrow daytime running lights up front. At the back, the hexagon-shaped rear lamps carry over as part of Nissan’s design language. Nissan also says the headlights now throw wider and longer illumination for better visibility at night.

You’ll have four color options: Aquamarine Metallic, Gun Metallic, Pearl White, and Moon Pearl Gray. The top LE Plus variant gets an exclusive black roof and a new Moonstone interior, while the VE and VL stick with black interiors.

ProPILOT leads the safety features

The bigger addition here is Nissan ProPILOT, which handles steering, acceleration, and braking assistance together.

It includes Intelligent Lane Keep Assist to help center the vehicle in its lane and Intelligent Cruise Control to maintain speed and following distance.

There’s also Traffic Jam Assist, which can bring the car to a stop and resume driving on its own in stop-and-go traffic.

Beyond ProPILOT, Nissan’s packed in 12 more safety and driver-assistance features, including:

  • Leading car departure notification
  • Intelligent forward collision warning
  • Intelligent forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection
  • Blind spot warning with blind spot intervention
  • Lane departure warning with lane departure prevention
  • Rear automatic emergency braking
  • Tire pressure monitoring system
  • Rear cross traffic alert
  • Intelligent around view monitor with moving object detection
  • High beam assist
  • Driver attention alert

Price, availability in the Philippines

The All-New Nissan Kicks e-POWER comes in three variants: VE, VL, and LE Plus.

Nissan’s running launch promos on all three until September 30, 2026, and customers who buy in during that window also get a complimentary one-year Nissan Protect+ package, which covers prepaid maintenance, genuine Nissan oil and parts, and servicing for the first year.

The Kicks joins the X-Trail e-POWER as part of Nissan Philippines’ growing electrified lineup, and it’s clear the brand is treating e-POWER as its main pitch for drivers who want an EV-like experience without changing how they refuel.

Automotive

Psst! You can test drive BYD and DENZA EVs for free this week, but not for long

Four days of EV displays, test drives, and a first look at the DENZA Z9 GT.

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BYD Cars Philippines and DENZA Philippines are opening Super Experience Week to the public starting October 8, 2026.

The event runs until October 11 and gives visitors a hands-on look at the brands’ latest EVs and plug-in hybrids, along with test drives and a few previews. Admission is free.

BYD brings its plug-in hybrids and safety program

BYD’s showcase at the BGC Amphitheater will feature the Sealion 6 DM-i and the Tang DM-i. The brand’s full lineup will be on display at the BGC Garden, where visitors can also take the cars out for test drives.

BYD is also running its “Drive Electric, EV Safety Program” at the event. It’s aimed at helping new and prospective owners learn more about EV use as the community in the Philippines continues to grow. BYD says visitors can also get exclusive offers on all of its models, but only during Super Experience Week.

DENZA shows its premium lineup and a first look at the Z9 GT

DENZA is the centerpiece of the event. The brand is displaying its D9, B5, and B8, positioned as premium smart mobility with an emphasis on design, in-car tech, electrified performance, and comfort.

The main draw is an exclusive preview of the DENZA Z9 GT. The Philippine launch is targeted for the first quarter of 2027, and reservations are already open for customers who want to register their interest before it arrives.

The weekend moves to 5th Avenue

On October 10 and 11, the event expands to 5th Avenue, which will host a dedicated performance and advanced mobility showcase. A special exhibition will feature YANGWANG models, BYD’s ultra-luxury new energy vehicles.

The DENZA B5, DENZA B8, and BYD Shark 6 DMO will also be on show in a street exhibition throughout the weekend.

Test drives across both the BYD and DENZA lineups will be available for the duration of the event, so visitors can check out the tech, performance, and comfort of each model firsthand.

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Automotive

Electric luxury reimagined: XPENG launches next-gen EV lineup

XPENG’s PH lineup spans the X9 MPV and the L03, with prices starting at PhP 1,548,000

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XPENG has officially entered the Philippine EV market. Over 3,000 guests attended the brand’s grand local debut. During the launch event, the automaker introduced a six-variant lineup.

The lineup features the flagship X9 MPV and the sleek L03 SUV Coupé. Prices start at an accessible PhP 1,548,000.

Brand ambassador Anne Curtis joined the celebration on stage, while XPENG showcased its X2 Flying Car and IRON Humanoid Robot. These futuristic displays highlighted the company’s “Physical AI” vision.

XPENG X9: First-class travel for seven

The XPENG X9 serves as the brand’s flagship seven-seater MPV.

It turns luxury mobility into a private lounge experience. Buyers can choose between two Long Range variants. The base X9 Long Range costs PhP 3,858,000. It features zero-gravity second-row seats with a central aisle. This layout ensures quick access to the third row. The Premium Seat Package costs PhP 4,058,000.

It upgrades the middle row to individual captain’s chairs. These chairs feature four-way powered headrests and 16-point massage.

Both variants share identical mechanical hardware. A front-wheel-drive motor produces 235 kW and 450 Nm of torque. A massive 110 kWh battery provides up to 615 km of range.

A compatible DC fast charger boosts power from 10 to 80 percent in 12 minutes. Active rear-wheel steering delivers a tight 5.4-meter turning radius. Dual-chamber air suspension ensures maximum ride comfort.

A powered third row folds completely flat beneath the floor. Color options include Midnight Black, Arctic White, Matte Gray, and Silver Frost. Inside, buyers can select Meteorite Black or Coffee.

XPENG L03: Sleek versatility meets electric freedom

The L03 SUV Coupé blends striking aesthetics with daily utility. XPENG offers four distinct variants. Three models use pure battery-electric powertrains. One model features a range-extended electric setup (REEV).

The L03 EV Standard Range costs PhP 1,548,000. Its 58.3 kWh battery delivers up to 445 km of range. The L03 EV Long Range costs PhP 1,698,000 and offers up to 520 km.

The top-tier Long Range Ultra costs PhP 2,058,000 with 480 km of range. This Ultra trim adds front-seat massage, upgraded audio, and intelligent driving tech.

The L03 REEV costs PhP 1,598,000. It uses an onboard gas engine as an electric generator. Its 37.2 kWh battery delivers 215 km of pure electric driving. Total WLTP combined range reaches up to 1,017 km.

All L03 models feature rear-wheel drive. Fast charging takes roughly 20 minutes to reach 80 percent. Every model includes a 15.6-inch touchscreen and 539 liters of cargo space.

Available colors include Arctic White, Midnight Black, Rock Gray, Silver Frost, and Phantom Purple.

Ownership packages, reservation details

XPENG pairs each model with generous ownership perks. X9 buyers receive five years of free preventive maintenance. The package includes five years of roadside assistance.

XPENG adds a five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. An eight-year warranty covers the battery and motor. X9 buyers also receive a complimentary 7kW wall charger.

L03 buyers receive two years of free preventive maintenance. The L03 includes identical roadside, bumper-to-bumper, and battery warranties. L03 EV buyers get a 7kW wall charger. The REEV variant comes with a 3.5 kW portable charger.

Reservations cost PhP 25,000 for the X9 and PhP 10,000 for the L03. Buyers can reserve through @xpengphilippines on social media.

XPENG showrooms in Greenhills, Makati, North EDSA, and Cebu are accepting reservations now. Local customer deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter.

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Automotive

BYD says that way better EV batteries are coming next year

Solid-state batteries will debut with higher-end models in 2027.

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With gas prices reaching the edges of believability, electric and hybrid vehicles are turning into worthy upgrades. That said, the more casual consumer still has a lot of questions about going electric, primarily about the durability of the battery and range anxiety. Well, a major battery technology upgrade is coming in the next few years, and BYD has just committed to it for next year.

Via the Spanish outlet Carwow, BYD EVP Stella Li confirmed that the company will launch its first vehicle with a solid-state battery in 2027. Now, if you’re a regular consumer, a solid-state battery probably doesn’t make much sense to you. But here’s the basics: it’s smaller, safer, and can last longer on a single charge.

If you’re fine with technical explanations, a solid-state battery uses more solid components, as opposed to the liquid solution used by the current standard of lithium-ion batteries. Because it’s more solid, it has better energy density. Higher energy density means a smaller size is needed to achieve the same battery capacity as modern batteries. In turn, this means that a vehicle can pack more batteries inside, allowing for better capacity. Oh, and let’s not forget that these batteries are generally safer and less prone to incidents.

In the same interview, BYD says that the first model will arrive next year. Unfortunately, because of the battery’s cost to produce, the component will likely debut with the company’s higher-end models. Still, it’s an exciting sight to behold. The electric and hybrid market is already quite the temptation for users, so an even better battery will further push the segment to better heights.

SEE ALSO: BYD adds the facelifted Seal 5 DM-i to its hybrid sedan lineup

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