ELECTRIC is the future of mobility. This is the underlying message of the 10th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS) held last week. The country’s biggest annual EV conference and car exhibition returns to a physical staging with the theme “United in Driving Electromobility in Support of the EVIDA.” It was made available also on hybrid format and reached thousands of viewers on social media from here and abroad.
“The event aims to showcase the EV industry’s solidarity in fulfilling the policy objectives of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) or Republic Act No. 11697 which aims to incentivize the rapid adoption of electric vehicles and charging stations in the country,” Edmund Araga, president of Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) said.
Last year, the EVIDA lapsed into law setting into motion a whole new mobility industry grappled in the past by lack of incentives in import duties, taxation and importation laws. The law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRRs) are currently being finalized. As this is going on, it has already opened the path for many industries and entrepreneurs now importing small footprint EVs, and charging station equipment which benefits from incentives under EVIDA. Fuel stations like Shell are also looking into adding charging stations into their ecosystems anticipating the benefits it can provide the market through the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI).
CREVI is the much-anticipated national development plan for the EV industry to accelerate the development, commercialization, and utilization of EVs. The CREVI roadmap was presented by the Department of Energy (DOE) during the event.
Partnering with the EVAP are the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) and the Department of Energy (DOE) along with car makers BYD, Chery, Hyundai, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Pilipinas Auto and Weltmiester. Other non-EV industry stakeholders such as Pheonix Petroleum and Pilipinas Shell were present to signify their commitment to roll out more EV charging ports in their refueling stations. Policymakers, regulators, academe, consultants, transport companies, power utilities, and end-users also attended the event to engage in policy dialogue as well as long-term collaboration to drive adoption of electric vehicles and deployment of the EV charging infrastructure.
The EV Owners Society (EVOS) held a motorcade in the morning of October 20, 2022 showcasing the latest means of electric mobility around the Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex.
BYD displayed the five-door Dolphin EV hatchback, which can run 300 kilometers on a single-charge. It is propelled by an AC permanent magnet synchronous motor running off the proprietary 44.9kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) BYD Blade Battery. The motor produces 70kW and 180Nm of torque. The Dolphin can be charged from 30 percent to 80 percent in just 30 minutes through DC fast charging.
Chery brought back the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV which was first shown at the 2022 Manila International Auto Show. With a range of 95 kilometers on a fully charged battery this hybrid is one of the most affordable EVs in the market currently.
Dong Feng had a booth that had on display the Rich 6 which is a pick-up, the Captain T a light duty truck and the EC36 mini-van. All these vehicles all are EVs. The company brought the vehicles for display at the event to measure public interest but the Rich 6 pick-up, which is said to use the Nissan Navara as a platform, is already being used by a local power distributor in a limited “evaluation” capacity.
Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) recently became the newest member of the EVAP. It had on display the IONIQ 5, a midsize SUV which was globally launched in 2021. The IONIQ line is the brand’s first fully-electric range of sustainable and futuristic models. Following in 2023 will be the IONIQ 6, a mid-size sedan that is based on the concept EV “Prophecy” and in 2024, the IONIQ 7, a large SUV.
The IONIQ is built on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-MGP) which uses an 800-V ultra-fast charging and increased driving range of up to 481 km. The battery pack’s position under the floor within the wheelbase ensures ideal weight distribution between the front and rear and a lower center of gravity for improved handling.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) showcased the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV which is the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric SUV. Since its introduction, it has sold over 260,000 units across Europe, North America, Japan and Australia. With its all-electric operation for everyday use and mainly motor-powered hybrid operation for longer journey, the Outlander PHEV aims to promote greener energy alternative and self-sustainability for better care of our environment. It is the result of Mitsubishi’s long-time development of electrification technology, 4WD expertise, and Super All-Wheel Control or S-AWC technology. This vehicle offers energy efficiency and a smooth driving experience by utilizing a twin-motor 4WD system and a unique PHEV architecture.
Nissan Philippines Inc., who co-presented the 10th PEVS where it launched the New Nissan LEAF at the event and presented the next phase of its electrification strategy with the Nissan Ambition 2030.
The new Nissan LEAF brings a refreshed, modern exterior and interior design with the full suite of Nissan Intelligent Mobility features that provide advanced safety and convenience in every drive. It carries the new Nissan badge with a redesigned bigger grill, blacked-out headlamps and a new 16″ alloy wheel design. On the rear, the new Nissan LEAF also has a redesigned spoiler and under diffuser.
The LEAF continues to be an icon of Nissan Intelligent Mobility with its complete suite of safety and convenience features including the e-Pedal, an innovative technology that uses a one-pedal action for more convenient driving and braking, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning with Intelligent Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning with Intelligent Lane Intervention, and the Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, among others.
Nissan has a second electric vehicle, a non-hybrid self-generating vehicle called the “Kicks.” The Nissan LEAF is exclusively distributed by Gateway Motors group in the Philippines and is available now with a retail price of P2.790M.
“We believe that generating demand on electric vehicles and encouraging investments in charging stations can help reduce the country’s economic vulnerability due to our heavy dependence on oil imports, especially during these very challenging times,” Araga said.
The 10th PEVS also recognized personalities and institutions advocating and promoting the adoption of electromobility in the Philippine transportation sector through the conferment of the E-mobility Awards.
