AMONG all the spectacles during the recently concluded 8th PIMS, the displays of full-electric and hybrid vehicles are one for the books. Never in the history of Philippine motor shows has such an extensive roster of green machines showcased the advent of sustainable mobility.
Pioneer of a New Age
As the lone European presenter, BMW showcased its luxury electric SAV, the BMW iX. The German automaker claims that the iX was conceived from a vision and created for electric mobility. With its efficient BMW eDrive technology and electric all-wheel drive, the electric SAV can achieve exceptional range and impressive acceleration.
The BMW iX revolutionizes the premium SAV segment with a range of over 600 km. The two powerful electric motors combined with electric all-wheel drive generate a staggering over 500 hp and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under five seconds. The charging capacity is up to 200 kW. It can charge 120 km of range in just ten minutes or 10-80 percent of the battery in under 40 minutes. At home, charging using a BMW Wallbox takes up to 11 kW in less than eleven hours.
South Korea’s take on EV
Two of the considered show-stopper brands during PIMS were Hyundai and Kia. While these two brands are under one company umbrella, each of their models, despite sharing one platform, pulled-off an entirely unique-looking EVs—the IONIQ 5 and the EV6.
The first to be previewed was the Kia EV6. This EV brings long-range, zero-emissions power, 800V ultra-fast charging, and distinctive styling to the crossover SUV market. Judging from the trims, we reckon the EV6 previewed was a GT Line variant fitted with a 77.4 kWh Battery generating 320 hp and 605 N-m of maximum torque. According to Kia Philippines, the EV6 will be available in the first quarter of next year with a price tag of less than P4 million.
Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH), Hyundai’s new official distributor of passenger cars in the country, previewed their very own IONIQ 5. This EV is the first vehicle built on Hyundai’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). With a 350 kW DC charger, the IONIQ 5 can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in 18 minutes. The long-range 72.6 kWh battery in the all-wheel drive version, IONIQ 5, is propelled by two electric motors (front and rear axles), providing 300 hp and 605 N-m of instant torque. On paper, acceleration from zero to 100 km/h is achieved at 5.2 seconds.
Nissan’s green duo
Launched last August, the All-New Kicks e-POWER brought a new perspective on experiencing the best of both worlds in driving. Its powerful full-electric motor changed how we looked at the gasoline engine’s role in propelling a vehicle, acting solely as a battery charger. This subcompact SUV generates a substantial 134 hp and 280 N-m of maximum torque while achieving as much as 22 km/L fuel consumption (UNR101 fuel efficiency testing). The total distance is a potential range of up to 900 kilometers from a single full tank (41liters) of fuel.
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 to provide power to the entire Nissan booth through its V2L or vehicle-to-load capabilities. The Leaf’s all-electric powertrain generates 110kW (148 hp) and a staggering 320 N-m maximum torque. This EV can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 140 km/h.
Mazda’s M Hybrid Technology
Mazda Philippines showcased its e-Skyactiv-G Mild Hybrid (M Hybrid) Technology in two models —the Mazda3 and CX30. Utilizing a Multi-Solution approach that offers appropriate powertrains in consideration of each country or region’s energy policies and the energy mix is the strategy Mazda sees in achieving its goals.
The new Mazda M Hybrid system utilizes regenerative braking technology to recover energy usually lost during braking to power the vehicle’s onboard electronics. A motor then assists with engine acceleration from a standstill. By mating a DC/DC converter, an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), and a Regenerative Friction Brake Coordination system with a new 24-volt M Hybrid Lithium-Ion battery, fuel economy improves while reducing emission.
Suzuki’s SHVS
On the part of Suzuki Philippines, the company previewed its take on sustainable mobility, the Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS), featuring the Ertiga mild hybrid variant. According to Suzuki, engineered, keeping sustainability in mind, Smart Hybrid is a progressive step toward a greener future. At the same time, it has a significant role in the car’s driving performance and the fuel efficiency it delivers.
The Smart Hybrid system has an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and a dual battery setup, including lithium-ion and Lead-Acid batteries. During braking and deceleration, the kinetic energy produced is converted into electrical energy and stored in this dual battery setup. The fuel-efficiency benefit is down to the Idle Stop Start function available.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)
Introduced last year, Mitsubishi Philippines showcased the Outlander PHEV with redesigned components and an extended EV driving range. The new model can now drive solely in EV mode with minimal engine operation, even in aggressive driving mode. The larger capacity drive battery of 20 kWh increased the all-electric drive range to 87 kilometers.
Motivation comes from a 4B12 2.4-liter engine generating 98 hp and 195 N-m maximum torque. The electric motors, on the other hand, generate 115 hp (85 kW) and 255 N-m of maximum torque (front) and 136 hp (100 kW), and 195 N-m of maximum torque (rear).
Meanwhile, Chery Philippines exhibited its Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV as the country’s brand representation of green mobility. Motivation comes from a Euro V 1.5-liter TCI turbocharged engine generating a combined ICE and electric motor output of 320 hp and 545 N-m of maximum torque.
At the heart of this new hybrid system is Chery’s use of “three engines.” The first is a turbocharged gasoline engine that delivers 156 horsepower and 230 N-m of torque. It is then paired to two electric motors—one with an output of 74 hp and 160 N-m of torque and another with 95 hp and 155 N-m of torque. A 19.27-kWh lithium-ion battery offers an all-electric cruising range of up to 90 kilometers on a full charge.
Leading the way to greener mobility
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has the most availability, conventionality, and industry-proven among the exhibitors. To date, TMP offers multiple variants of HEVs with Corolla Altis, Corolla Cross, Camry, and RAV4 showcased during the recently concluded 8th PIMS.
Globally, Toyota and Lexus have sold 20 million electrified cars to date, with an equivalent contribution to a global carbon emissions reduction of more than 160 million metric tons. TMP’s pursuit of carbon neutrality is to achieve carbon neutrality through having a net result of zero emissions.
TMP is proactive in promoting green mobility in the Philippines. In 2009, it introduced the electrification movement in the Philippines with its first hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), the Prius. Locally, more than 90 percent of users of electrified vehicles (xEVs) drive a Toyota or Lexus electrified vehicle.
Image credits: Randy Peregrino