Full-electric vehicles go on all-out charge at the 8th PIMS

Story and photos by Randy S. Peregrino

After a long hiatus, the Philippine International Motor Show is back on its 8th edition, delivering a sold-out industry exhibition. Themed “Mobility + Humanity: Innovating for the common good,” this year’s edition saw a never-seen-before sizeable number of displayed all-electric and various types of hybrid vehicles. Among the exhibitor brands of full-electric models were BMW, Hyundai, Nissan, and Kia.

The All-New BMW iX

As the lone European presenter, BMW showcased its luxury electric SAV, the BMW iX, along with other models. 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.

Its design symbolizes a new form of driving pleasure. The result is its iconic monolithic shape, strong character details, and intelligent Shy-Tech features. Inside is a symbiosis of high-tech and relaxation, creating a space full of quality of life—elegant minimalism and state-of-the-art. 

The BMW iX revolutionizes the premium SAV segment with a range of over 600 km. This top performance is made possible by its unique weight-optimized body concept, a combination of intelligent lightweight construction, and innovative materials such as lightweight aluminum, steel, and carbon.

In addition to two electric motors, the fifth generation BMW eDrive technology includes the high-voltage storage system, power electronics, and charging technology of the BMW iX. The two powerful electric motors combined with electric all-wheel drive generate a staggering sports car level of over 500 hp, achieving noiseless acceleration from 0 to 100 kph in under five seconds.

The BMW iX achieves a charging capacity of up to 200 kW. It can charge 120 km of range in just 10 minutes or from 10 to 80% of the battery in under 40 minutes. At home, charging the BMW iX using a BMW Wallbox takes up to 11 kW in less than 11 hours, bringing it back to 100% battery power overnight. The BMW iX retails at P6.29 million.

Korea’s EVs

Two of the showstopper brands during PIMS were Hyundai and Kia. While these two brands are under one corporate umbrella, each of their models, despite sharing one platform, rolled out entirely unique-looking EVs—the Ioniq 5 and the EV6.

The first to be previewed was the Kia EV6. Along with its supporting charging ecosystem, the EV was the centerpiece of the Kia display, representing the brand’s pivotal shift into the EV market and its commitment to sustainability.

“Today, we begin our deliberate participation in the EV market as we move into the inflection point,” said Kia Philippines President Manny Aligada. “Sustainability is our move to protect the greatest source of inspiration, nature,” he added. Aligada also shared that Ayala Land reinforces its commitment to sustainable and responsible property development. In keeping with the company’s thrust and long-term commitment, it supports using alternative energy sources. Further, it aligns with the global and local directive to shift to more EVs. And in the coming weeks, over 20 EV charging stations will be rolled out across seven cities in Luzon.

The Kia EV6 brings long-range, zero-emissions power, 800V ultra-fast charging, and distinctive styling to the crossover SUV market. The EV6 is Kia’s first car based on the company’s dedicated new platform for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

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 Nm of maximum torque. The Dual Motor e-AWD has up to 440-km estimated range. It also has an ultra-fast DC charging capability and an onboard power generator. Highlighted inside is a dual 12.3-inch Panoramic Connectivity Display. Further, it has an augmented-reality heads-up display, Kia Connect w/ Navigation, and a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio, among others. According to Kia Philippines, the EV6 will be available in the first quarter of 2023 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 its own Ioniq 5. This EV was triple-crowned in the 2022 World Car Awards as World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle of the Year, and World Car Design of the Year, changing the world’s view on EVs. According to HMPH, this exciting model will be available in January 2023.

“We are committed to expanding our role beyond the transportation sector. As the third largest car manufacturer globally, we wish to become a mobility solution provider who will take the lead in creating a sustainable future for generations to come through Goal of the Century, our call towards a climate-positive tomorrow,” said HMPH president Dongwook Lee.

Ioniq 5 is the first vehicle built on Hyundai’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). This dedicated BEV platform enables faster charging, increased driving range, more interior space, and better handling. The battery pack’s position within the wheelbase ensures ideal weight distribution between the front and rear and a low center of gravity for improved handling performance.

Moreso, Hyundai Motor Company’s social responsibility continues with the EV model, with sustainability as the center of its brand vision. The Ioniq 5 utilizes eco-friendly materials and nature-inspired colors. The dashboard, switches, steering wheel, and door panels are coated with bio paint, including oil extractions from plants such as rape flowers and corn. The seat, headlining, and carpet fabric include bio components extracted from sugarcane and corn, while the leather used in the Ioniq 5’s interior is dyed using flaxseed oil. Up to 32 plastic bottles are shredded into plastic chips. These chips are melted and spun into threads that make an inviting woven upholstery fabric. The fabric from recycled PET bottles is used on the seats and door armrests.  

With a 350 kW DC charger, the Ioniq 5 can charge from 10 to 80% 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 Nm of instant torque. On paper, acceleration from 0 to 100 kph is achieved at 5.2 seconds. The two-wheel drive variant is propelled by a 160-kW electric motor integrated into the rear axle, providing 214 hp and 350 Nm of instant torque. Acceleration-wise, 0 to 100 kph is achieved at 7.4 seconds.

Nissan’s green duo

Nissan Philippine’s direction on sustainable mobility in the country started strong. First, with the introduction of the all-electric Leaf last year, followed by bringing in the Kicks with e-Power this year. These two green machines led the brand’s exhibition at the PIMS recently.

With a global sale of over 500,000 units since its introduction, including numerous awards, the Leaf needs no introduction in the BEV category. The zero-emission Leaf is the embodiment of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the Japanese automaker’s approach to changing the way cars are driven, powered, and integrated into society. The Leaf exemplifies this philosophy in three key aspects: Intelligent Power, Intelligent Driving, and Intelligent Integration.

Motivation comes from a revolutionary, all-electric powertrain generating a maximum output of 110kW (148 hp) and a staggering 320 Nm of maximum torque, available instantaneously. The Leaf can sprint from 0 to 100 kph in just 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 140 kph.

As an embodiment of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the Leaf represents innovations in power delivery. Its 40-kWh lithium-ion battery is capable of up to 311 km of drive range on a full charge, based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) standards.

Charging the Leaf is easy and convenient. Owners are provided with multiple charging options. For one, 15 to 18 hours is all it takes to fully charge using a typical home dedicated wall outlet with the supplied universal charging cable. Interestingly, Nissan Philippines claims the cost is approximately around P370 per full charge. Another option is through quick charging stations found in select Nissan dealerships nationwide. Impressively, all it takes is as fast as 40 to 60 minutes for a full charge. The best part? It’s free.

With the e-Pedal, the feature allows drivers to start, accelerate, decelerate, and stop using just one pedal, simply by controlling the pressure applied to the accelerator pedal. This works because regenerative and friction brakes are applied automatically whenever the accelerator pedal is fully released, bringing the car to a complete stop. This function makes the Leaf ideal for stop-and-go city traffic since the need to shift from one pedal to another is reduced, ultimately making driving more accessible and more convenient.

Another advanced feature is the vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology. It enables bi-directional charging to use energy from the vehicle’s battery to power homes and equipment or give back energy to the power grid.

Meanwhile, the Kicks with e-Power subcompact SUV generates a substantial 134 hp and 280 Nm of maximum torque while achieving as much as 22 km/liter fuel consumption (UNR101 fuel efficiency testing). The total distance is a potential range of up to 900 km from a single full tank (41 liters) of fuel.

At the heart of this crossover is the e-Power technology. It is a 100% electric motor-driven system where an electric motor always drives the wheels. Electric power is then supplied by a lightweight, compact, and high-performance lithium-ion battery. Meanwhile, the 1.2L DOHC 12-valve, three-cylinder gasoline engine, acting as a generator, is used solely to generate electricity to charge the battery while running at an optimal speed. As a result, the e-Power system is self-charging, unique, and different from typical hybrid engines. It’s Nissan’s solution to range anxiety.

Similar to the Leaf, the Kicks e-Power also has the e-Pedal. The integration of the e-Pedal Step feature enables one-pedal operation easily. When the driver eases up on the accelerator pedal, the electric motor charges the battery using regenerative braking while the vehicle decelerates smoothly. When the car decelerates, the battery captures and stores energy via regenerative braking. The e-Pedal Step feature allows more relaxed and controllable driving. Of course, Nissan is synonymous with Intelligent Mobility, and this exciting subcompact SUV offers the brand’s suite of driver-assist functions.