The Kia EV6, Kia’s first car with a dedicated platform for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), will be available in the Philippines soon. Previewed during the 8th Philippine International Motor Show, the EV6, along with other full-electric and hybrid vehicles, proved the advent of sustainable mobility in the country.
As a manifestation of its commitment to environment-friendly motoring, the Ayala Group recently rolled out its 21 Ayala Land Charging Hubs throughout Luzon, strategically located for ease of access. These charging hubs are now available in Ayala malls, offices, estates, hotels, and industrial centers. Green cars are coming in, and infrastructure support is also ramped up. But are Filipinos ready to make the pivotal shift to sustainable mobility, particularly BEVs?
Recently, Kia Philippines executives conducted a roundtable discussion with the motoring media to discuss EV ownership, particularly the EV6 model, and debunked common discouraging myths. “Our one true message to the public aims to open their eyes to the reality and potential of EVs and that Kia Philippines is here to make EV ownership convenient, worry-free, and enjoyable,” said Kia Philippines president Manny Aligada. “When the public eventually embraces our EVs, Kia Philippines also fulfills its social responsibility and solid commitment to sustainable mobility, sustainable energy, and a sustainable planet. Soon the Philippines will also reap the benefits of the environment-friendly shift towards greener motoring.”
Kia EV6 Charging time
The Kia EV6’s battery is tested to provide more than 500 km of drive range. So, an average 50-km daily drive to work within the Metro only consumes a fraction of that capacity. Ten hours spent at home, including sleep, is more than enough time for the EV6 charge to be topped up. Even so, depending on the charger used, an EV6 can reach a full charge (say, from 10%) in 90 minutes using a 7kW AC charger, or in 50 minutes with an 11kW AC charger. Charging is even faster using DC charging stations. Using a 50kW DC fast charger will allow EV6 owners to reach 80% (from 10%) in 73 minutes while using a 350kW 800V DC charger would only take 18 minutes.
Charging stations availability
The Ayala Group recently rolled out 21 Ayala Land charging hubs throughout Luzon, strategically located in malls, offices, estates, hotels, and industrial centers. These 22-kW AC and 60-kW DC fast chargers allow EV users to fully charge their vehicles in as fast as 2 hours. It’s the company’s way of keeping its trust and long-term commitment toward carbon neutrality and alignment with the global and local directive shifting to electric vehicles.
The EV6 GT-Line offers a fully-electric, zero-emission powertrain configuration with a long-range (77.4 kWh) high-voltage battery pack. The EV6 can travel over 500 km on a single charge (based on EPA rating). Also, the 21 Ayala Land charging hubs are strategically located to ensure that EV users will always have a charging station nearby. Kia Philippines claims that even trips to Baguio City from Metro Manila (251 km) are possible and should quell any range-anxiety concerns (based on internal test runs).
Cost of maintenance
According to Kia Philippines, it is now more affordable to maintain an EV because it does not require engine oils, transmission fluids, and other lubricants that are needed by cars powered by internal combustion engines (ICE). The savings are significant, hence, more affordable. Based on the company’s presentation, over the course of five years, an EV6 will only need to replace brake pads, brake fluid, AC filters, and wiper blades—summing up to around P25,000.
In contrast, a midsize SUV running on a conventional motor will need engine oil, filters, fluids, brake pads, wiper blades, belts, and coolants. Over five years, this will amount to roughly P110,000. Plus, of course, the fuel costs. The EV6’s range is 528km (with a 77KwH battery pack). That amount of available drive range can be achieved with just P800 when charging at home versus P2,400 of fuel cost (for a midsize SUV covering a similar distance).
Kia EV6 Safety concerns
The EV6 is the recipient of accolades which include the European Car of the Year 2022 Award and a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating. Safety features include Auto Emergency Braking Technology, Blind Spot Detection Technology, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping & Following Assist Technology, Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go, Highway Driving Assist, Safe Exit Assist, and 360-degree surround view camera.
More importantly, the battery management system (mounted low to the ground and on the floor) utilizes lithium-ion batteries. These are enclosed and resistant to large water splashes. The casing system has an IP66 international rating. It is one of the most common ratings for electrical enclosures with plastic hinges and waterproof gaskets.
The EV6 is also equipped with a water-sensing system. In the unlikely event of water intrusion, it automatically shuts off the EV system if water exposure is beyond safety standards. For peace of mind, Kia Philippines has systems to diagnose whether an EV6 has been exposed to flooding. Moreover, EV6-specific equipment is available to address any of these concerns and has parts availability and world-class trained technicians. (Story and photos by Randy Peregrino)