Electrified cars and solutions
There’s never been a better time to consider making the switch to electrified vehicles. Just this year alone, several new fully-electric and electrified models were introduced, with more in the pipeline next year.
One of the venues where these vehicles were showcased was the recent 10th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (EV Summit) held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
BYD
Already in the Philippine market and offering hybrids for quite some time, BYD has decided to convert its entire vehicle lineup to fully-electric offerings. On display at the EV Summit where two out of its five-car electric lineup: the BYD Dolphin and BYD Tang. The Dolphin is its most accessible model, positioned as an affordable fully-electric hatchback priced at P1.798M.
On the other end is the Tang crossover, serving as the larger family-friend offering, priced at P3.988M.
Chery
For those not quite ready to hunt for charging stations, Chery offers an appealing compromise, their plug-in hybrid SUV in the form of the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV. PHEV stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, and as the name suggests, you can plug it into a wall socket to charge the built-in batteries. This lets you drive the first few kilometers of your commute in fully electric mode. Once the battery runs out, the internal combustion engine (ICE) powers on automatically to charge the battery and keep you moving. This seven-seater SUV is now on sale at P2.4M.
Dongfeng
Fully electric pickups like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and Hummer EV may take a while to arrive, but those looking for a fully-electric pickup can already buy the Dongfeng Rich 6 EV.
This electric pickup is based on the current Nissan Navara but boasts of a fully electric powertrain. Meralco has in fact ordered a number of these for its service fleet and is expecting delivery very soon.
Hongqi
Easily drawing the most attention was the Hongqi E-HS9. While it’s not on sale yet, this intimidating luxury SUV was brought in by the same guys behind the Weltmeister W5. If there is enough demand for the vehicle, it just might be officially offered soon. The E-HS9 is packed with luxurious amenities like three rows of seating, a leather and Alcantara interior and a choice of batteries capable of returning 400-500 km per charge.
Hyundai
Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 crossover makes it second motor show appearance, this time hooked up to a charging station letting guests power their phones and devices right out of the vehicle’s battery. The Ioniq 5 can reportedly drive for almost 500 kilometers with each charge. It’s set to go on sale in 2023.
Jaguar
Jaguar’s i-Pace is another vehicle that offers a more luxurious take on the fully-electric vehicle. This fastback SUV offers ample space for 5 passengers, up to 400-HP and a range of 470-Km from a full charge. It’s currently on sale at P7.59M.
Mitsubishi
Another PHEV you can buy right now is Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV. Mitsubishi showcased how this vehicle can also be hooked up to your home (with the right equipment), to power vital appliances in the event of a power outage, through its Dendo Drive Home exhibit. Like the Chery Tiggo 8, the Outlander is also a hybrid, which means you can keep on driving even after the battery has been depleted. You can buy this SUV for P2.998M.
Nissan
One of the first fully-electric vehicles offered in the country, the Nissan LEAF, revealed its new look for 2023. Nissan unwrapped the 2023 model sporting new headlights, more curved bodywork, and tail lamps reminiscent of the 370 Z sports car. With the right accessories, it too can use its batteries to power small appliances or charge phones in the event of a power outage. Despite being a 2023 model, it still sells for the same price at P2.798M
Weltmeister
Another interesting fully-electric vehicle on sale is the Weltmeister W5. Just launched earlier this year, the W5 boasts of emission-free mobility with modern SUV looks. It retails for just P2.548M and boasts of a range of 400-km with a full charge. It has features like a color-changing emblem, generous use of LCD displays inside, and plush leather seats.
Charging Solutions
Perhaps the best part about the EV Summit were also the solution providers present, particularly fast-charger providers. Those present offer convenient ways to connect and charge your vehicles, with a team of experts who can assess and meet your charging needs after a home inspection.
Solarius
Solarius hopes to be your charging network of choice in the future. Like the charging networks already available abroad, Solarius offers a contact-less payment system, you’ll be able to activate a charger and pay for charging on-site. All it takes is a simple app on your phone.
Wallbox
Wallbox, on the other hand, offers a variety of solutions whether for home, office, or retail charging. There’s a wide variety of models to choose from and compatible with many of the current charging standards.
Though designed more for stakeholders than the general public, the sheer number of consumer-level electrified vehicles on display at the recent EV Summit showed just how much more interest there is now for electrified vehicles.