ALTHOUGH it was not overwhelming in numbers versus combustion engine cars, the showing plug-in, hybrid, battery electric vehicles at the 8th Philippine International Motor Show is definitely an indication of where the local automobile industry is heading.
Just six years ago, a local electric vehicle show will feature backyard builders and relatively small players producing battery-powered cars and trikes mostly for commercial purposes. There will be a spattering of EVs from the big car makers, to stamp some green into their brand.
The lapsing into law of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) stimulated the entry and interest in automotive EVs.
The EV show starts with BMW’s fancy reveal of the aluminum-body ultra-luxurious, P6.9M iX EV.
Two electric motors give the all-wheel drive SUV the equivalent of 516 hp (610 hp in another variant) and the large battery pack can deliver about 560 kilometers (roughtly 300 miles) per charge. A peep into the iX’s spacious interior reveals truly fine materials and futuristic design with a massive digital dashboard covering almost the width of the cockpit. It also has a dozen or so ultrasonic sensors, five radar sensors, and five cameras for active driving safety (could also be preparatory for autonomous driving). The car’s 5-star NCAP rating is supplanted with Anti-Lock Braking System, Dynamic Stability Control, Hill Descent Control, and an active Parking Assistant.
Chery Automobile Philippines, highlighted the Tiggo 8 PRO Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) even if it introduced its updated Tiggo 8 internal combustion engine SUVs line-up. Chery was one of the first of the Chinese car brands to introduce an electric vehicle–in 2010 it tested the market with the A1 and QQ EVs–then in 2018 brought in the Arizzo e5 EV sedan, which was one of the most affordable lithium-ion powered, home-charging EVs until now. The Tiggo PHEV however, gives its electrified vehicle line up more appeal.
“The Tiggo PHEV is just one of many Chery products that are available. Even for the smaller SUV categories, Chery is ready with different EV platforms,” Erroll Dueñas, Chery Auto Philippines president said as he also thanked the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) for welcoming Chery into the organization.
“Our electric vehicle Tiggo, as well as the other Tiggo SUVs are all manifestations of our innovation and drive to disrupt long-established customer beliefs that advanced automotive technology can only be enjoyed by a few,” he added.
Like Chery, Hyundai joined the CAMPI and the 8th PIMS as a newbie. For the new Hyundai Motors Philippines (HMPH) at least. The company previewed the IONIQ 5, the latest iteration to the EV which has enjoyed popularity in its home country.
“Our vision is ‘Progress for Humanity’ because we are dedicated to understanding what people want in life. For us it’s not about going from A to B, it’s about creating time for the moments that truly matter. This is what we hope for our Filipino customers to experience when they own a Hyundai,” Dongwook Lee, HMPH president, who led HMPH’s opening day program.
The IONIQ 5 is the first Hyundai model developed from the company’s BEV-dedicated Electric Global Modular Platform, known as E-GMP. The system includes battery management ecosystem that offers customers enhanced time efficiency by allowing for faster charging capabilities and increased driving range. It also features the world’s first mass-produced integrated drive axle (IDA), which combines wheel bearings with the drive shaft to transmit power to the wheels, reducing axle weight and enhancing handling stability.
With no transmission tunnel, a flat floor is created, with the model’s batteries stored underneath
E-GMP allows the car to run with two motors offering an extra amount of power and torque as well as the option of 4WD. HMPH said that the IONIQ5 will be available starting January 2023.
“We are excited to hit the ground running and give Filipinos access to our award-winning smart technologies, advanced safety and driver-assist systems and of course our new ‘sensuous sportiness’ design philosophy in our range of passenger cars,” Lee added.
Kia showcased the EV6–a long-range, battery electric crossover SUV with distinctive styling is pivotal to the brand’s shift into the electric vehicle market and a commitment to its sustainability goals. It is Kia’s first car based on the company’s dedicated new platform for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
“Today, we begin our deliberate participation in the electric vehicle market as we move into the inflection point,” Kia Philippines President Manny Aligada said as he also revealed the complete ecosystem the Ayala Group intentds to implement with other companies like Ayala Land reinforces its commitment towards sustainable and responsible property development. In the coming weeks, over 20 EV charging stations will be rolled out across seven cities in Luzon to complete the initial phase of this EV ecosystem.
Mazda Philippines gave notice of its Mazda3 M Hybrid, CX-30 M Hybrid which are already available as optional powertrains in the market. Both use the Skyactiv G technology that maximizes every energy normally wasted during braking. The brand focused on the release of its the new CX-8 AWD Exclusive.
Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corporation (MMPC) showed the latest version of its Outlander PHEV and the Dendo Drive Station ecosystem that utilizes the vehicle-to-home (V2H) system. This allows the system to charge Outlander PHEV when needed and also sends stored electricity back the station when needed.
Unlike full hybrids that use engine power to create momentum to overcome friction and gravity, PHEVs move on electric power alone for a certain distance and speed. The regular gas engine when power runs out.
Nissan’s launch of the all-new Livina at the 8th PIMS seemed to have been overshadowed by the interest in the all-new Nissan Kicks e-POWER. The “un-hybrid” EV uses a 1.5-L gas engine to charge the vehicle’s battery exclusively. The concept seemed to be a hit with the motorshow crowd as people queued at the test drive booth for the Kicks.
The Nissan LEAF’s sustainability was also given the spotlight. An outdoor display was set up to feature the vehicle being charged via solar panels, in order to provide power to the entire Nissan booth through its V2L or vehicle-to-load capabilities. Visitors witnessed how the Nissan LEAF’s EV technology is ready to power and serve communities in areas like ecotourism, energy management, environment, and disaster relief.
Toyota Motor Philippines claims 95 percent of the EV market because of its wide selection of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV). Aside from the hybrid-only Prius, it has its mainstream line-up of the Corolla Altis, Corolla Cross, Camry, and RAV4 offering hybrid options. These cars were available for display and test drive at the 8th PIMS.
“The HEVs’ combination of the conventional engine and a self-charging electric motor is still the best, most practical, and affordable choice for Filipinos at this time,” TMP Senior Vice President and Overall Head of Marketing, Jose Maria Atienza said during Toyota’s opening program at PIMS. “You can expect us to further expand our electrified footprint in the coming years,” he added.
