Country’s EV adoption set to accelerate, targeting millions of units and 65,000 charging stations within 5 years
The 11th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City has just concluded. For over three days, the affair was an electric vehicle spectacle to remember as we explored the latest technologies and solutions to decarbonize our economy. For the organizers, it was their “biggest to date” yet in terms of participating EV makers, supply partners, aftermarket support, exhibits, seminars and EV launches.
“It is truly inspiring to see many people gathered here today united by our shared commitment to advancing EV adoption in order to develop a transportation landscape that is one in the environment ecologically and economically,” the main organizers, Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), led by its president Edmund Araga said during the opening ceremonies of the three-day annual summit.
“We are now all set to plug in and accelerate.”
According to him, there are a number of milestones that have highlighted what the organization has achieved for the past year.
Together with the Department of Energy (DOE), one of its commitments to electrification is to further boost the number of electric vehicles in the country.
With DOE’s CREVI or the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry, which refers to the national development plan for the EV Industry to accelerate the development, commercialization, and utilization of local EVs, EVAP is adamant in its support to push this advocacy.
“Under CREVI, DOE is doubling its efforts of EV use nationwide. From at least five percent of all vehicles in the country should be EVs, the target is pushed to 10 percent,” Araga continued.
By 2040, he further emphasized, EV roll out should be increased to 50 percent.
“Our partners from DOE aim for a roll out of 2.45 million EVs and up to 65,000 charging stations nationwide from this year to 2028.”
Based on data from EVAP, there are about 15,300 EV units being used in the country, as of October 2022. Of these, 354 are electric motorcycles and 88 are electric buses. As of November 2022, there are 900 EV charging units in various stations nationwide. It is projected that EV stock will reach more than 6.6 million units by the year 2030.
Furthermore, the EV numbers locally have grown significantly this year after the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) or the Republic Act No. 11697 was enacted last year.
In fact, according to studies, public interest for EVs has increased exponentially. For the first quarter of 2023 alone, the number of EVs plying our roads have already surpassed the total number of EVs sold for the past three years.
“There’s a rising number of e-motors, e-cars and e-buses, as well as e-trikes e-jeeps that support public mobility,” said Araga.
EV launches at summit
Speaking of supporting public mobility, a number of carmakers have actually unveiled various new electric vehicles in the local market to cater the numerous demands of consumers.
Chery’s New Energy Vehicles
One of the highlights of the summit was Chery Auto Philippines’ preview of its various new energy vehicles.
First is the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV. This features a dual motor setup producing 170 horsepower and 315 N-m of torque. Paired with a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (156 horsepower, 230 Nm), the combined outputs help it achieve a class-leading 326 horsepower and 545 N-m of torque.
The Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV has a 3-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) system, sporting a 19.27-kWh lithium-ion battery that can provide an all-electric range of 80 kilometers.
Meantime, the newest full electric vehicles for Chery are the EQ1 and EQ7.
The EQ1, an urban three-door runabout powered by an ultra-compact 40 horsepower, 120 N-m of torque permanent magnet synchronous motor, can run up to 100 km/h, while its 38-kWh battery helps it do up to 280 kilometers on a single charge.
The EQ7, on the other hand, is built on Chery’s newest LFS smart architecture that uses high-strength aluminum and magnesium alloy in its construction. The rear-motor, rear-wheel drive compact SUV delivers up to 210 horsepower and 285 N-m. 0 to 100 km/h is about eight seconds, while topping at 180 km/h. The generous lithium iron phosphate 67.12 kWh battery, rated up to IPX9K (the highest water-proof protection), is protected by a “dual armor”.
“Chery’s global advocacy to promote green mobility through technological innovation in the Philippines will be realized as we officially introduce these new energy vehicles in the very near future,” Chery Auto PH managing director Froilan Dytianquin said.
“We are indeed excited as Chery’s vehicle lineup becomes vast with various options for Filipino buyers at the same time making them ready for full electric mobility”.
Dongfeng all electric commercial vehicle lineup
Diamond Auto Group EV Corp. unveiled Dongfeng’s 100 percent electric commercial vehicle lineup, highlighted by its full EV pickup, the Dongfeng Rich6. So far, this is the only full electric pickup in the country and can go up to a range of about 450 kilometers.
Together with the pick up on display were Dongfeng’s full electric vans and light-duty trucks.
BYD’s compact SUV wonder
The BYD Atto3 is a five-seater B-segment crossover SUV. It is officially the first product under the brand’s new distributorship under AC Motors. BYD Philippines only brings a lone long-range variant for the local market. Its 60.48-kWh BYD Blade Battery gives it a maximum cruising range of 420 kilometers (WLTP combined). With a 400volt system, the Atto 3 can be charged from 30 to 80 percent in just 29 minutes (150-kW DC charger).
Under the Atto3’s hood is the front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor producing 204 horsepower and 310 N-m of torque, giving the vehicle a 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 160 km/h.
Lotus electric-hyper SUV
Meantime, Autohub Group, the distributor for Lotus cars unveiled the Lotus Eletre, the brand’s electric-hyper SUV.
This pure electric hyper SUV generates a colossal 905 hp (675 kW) with its twin electric motors that can provide high torque power through all of its four wheels, giving unparalleled acceleration and control in all conditions.
Other displays
Other than the new vehicles introduced during the show, a number of carmakers had their products displayed during the three-day summit.
Hongqi had its electric EHS9 luxury SUV and the E-QM5 sedan.
Hyundai displayed its electric World Champions, Ioniq 5 and Ioiq 6.
MG boasted its newest electric MG4 and the Marvel.
Mitsubishi had its Outlander PHEV.
Other electric displays were the Jaguar I-Pace, Jetour Ice Cream, Mercedes Benz EQA 250 and EQB 250 EV, as well as the Nissan Leaf and Kicks E-power.
