With the 8th edition of the Philippine International Motor Show or PIMS–organized by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI)–adopting the theme, “Mobility + Humanity: Innovating for the Common Good” Nissan Philippines will be showcasing its Blue Switch program that is now being implemented throughout the Asean region.
Bannering this initiative is Nissan LEAF’s ability to be utilized in various situations where electricity may not readily be available such as in off-grid campings, which could help advance ecotourism in the country, or during the aftermath of a disastrous calamity, as it could prove very useful in disaster relief and rescue operations.
Nissan LEAF is the world’s first mass-produced 100 percent EV. Powered by a lithium-ion battery and an electric motor, the Nissan LEAF is more than just a car as it also has vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology that enables bi-directional charging to use energy from the LEAF battery to power homes and equipment, or simply give back energy to the power grid.
In May, during the Land Transportation Office Motor Show held at the LTO Central in East Avenue, Quezon City, Nissan Philippines showcased the Nissan LEAF’s V2L (vehicle-to-load) technology, where several home appliances such as coffee maker, electric fan, chest freezer, and charging station are powered solely by the car’s battery through a Power Mover unit—underscoring the electric vehicle’s role in efficient energy management.
Such demonstration, which will also be showcased at the 2022 PIMS to be held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City from Sept. 15 to 18 is, according to Dax Avenido, Nissan Philippines General Manager for Communications, seeks to further educate the market as the government and more private organizations are now starting to show their support for electrified mobility.
Proven concept
Nissan’s vision of utilizing Nissan LEAF in disaster relief was proven during the December 2021 onslaught of Typhoon Odette in the Philippines. Nissan LEAF was utilized to assist distressed communities in Cebu and Tacloban by providing power from its high-capacity battery to charge over 1,000 mobile phones.
Together with the LEAF, Nissan Philippines will be bringing in the Kicks, the Japanese automaker’s latest crossover equipped with e-POWER technology. Additionally, the new Nissan Livina will be making its much awaited Philippine debut at the show, sparking excitement for fans of seven-seater MPVs.
Long-term vision
In November 2021, Nissan announced Nissan Ambition 2030, the Japanese automaker’s long-term vision to deliver superior value to its customers worldwide by empowering journeys and society through electrified vehicles (EVs) and technological innovations.
As a pioneer in EVs, Nissan Philippines president Juan Manuel Hoyos believes the company is now more than ever, committed to promoting new ways to use EVs to contribute to a cleaner world and a sustainable society and looks forward to building strategic partnerships here in the Philippines. Hoyos added that the Blue Switch program is set to promote the use of EVs to help communities, from disaster relief efforts to providing energy management solutions.
Early this year, Nissan Philippines announced its partnership with local renewable energy firm First Gen Corp. to further its Blue Switch initiative. This collaboration not only promotes the use of EV technologies to address social concern but also serve as an example Nissan’s future initiatives in the Philippines.
First Gen acquired a Nissan LEAF as part of its efforts to launch the GreenWheels Project, an integrated EV pilot program whose novel charging station gets its supply of electricity from a clean energy source.
Under the GreenWheels Project, First Gen developed a fast EV charging station, which can accommodate multiple EVs, inside the First Gen Clean Energy Complex in Batangas City. The Nissan LEAF will serve as the project’s test vehicle.
Fast and solar powered
What sets the GreenWheels Project apart is its charging station that is not only fast but is also powered by solar energy. This clean and extremely fast charging station can give an EV unit’s battery an 80-percent charge in as fast as 40 minutes, or a mere fraction of the 18 hours needed by a regular home charger.
The project allows for a truly sustainable and resilient society by completely removing reliance on fossil fuels to power charging stations.
Nissan Philippines seeks to further its support to the GreenWheels project and open itself for more ways to collaborate with First Gen once the pilot-testing proves to be a viable model for reducing CO2 emissions.
