The theme of this year’s Manila International Auto Show (MIAS 2023), “Shaping Mobility,” greatly paid tribute to electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids. Never in the history of MIAS did it showcase as many green machines. It only shows that the country is, indeed, on the right path toward sustainable mobility.
1st-ever all-electric truck
This year, Foton Philippines brought in its first-ever all-electric light-truck Tornado 3.6 EV, showing that the truck brand has taken sustainable mobility in the country to the next stage. Interestingly, Foton utilized the same ladder frame chassis for retrofitting the components. The controller and converter are up front, the two lithium battery packs are on both sides, and the electric traction motor sits in the middle, connected to a drive shaft with a differential.
Those two battery packs have an 81-kWh combined capacity. Delivery-wise, the electric motor generates a peak power of 154 hp and a maximum torque of 300 Nm. Foton claims the top speed is 90 kph. The estimated drive range at full charge is 208 km. Leaf-sprung suspensions are on both the front and rear. Overall dimensions are 5,960 mm long, 1,950 mm wide, and 2,260 mm tall with a 3,360 mm wheelbase. The all-electric Tornado 3.6 EV (cab and chassis) retails at P3.6 million (an additional P275,000 for a closed van setup). The portable charger is sold separately.
The ‘electrified lion’
French auto brand Peugeot previewed the E-2008, giving Filipinos a glimpse into the lion brand’s upcoming electrification initiative for the market. Globally, Peugeot has bold targets for electrification, aiming to have a 100% fully electric lineup in Europe by 2030. Sustainable power comes from a 100kW (136hp) electric motor generating 260 Nm maximum torque. It utilizes a high-capacity high-voltage 50kWh battery with a driving range of over 340 km. Charging-wise, 30 minutes is all it would take to achieve 80% charge from a 100kW public charger, and a 7.4 kW wall box charger would take around 7.5 hours.
Daniel Gonzalez, COO for Asean and general distributors of Stellantis, said, “Our goal is to provide more sustainable mobility options for our customers and exceed their expectations, a key element of the Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan. We aim to become an industry leader in the fight against climate change, achieve net zero carbon emissions globally by 2038, and introduce more than 75 BEVs by 2030. To achieve this, we have a substantial electrified product lineup coming soon.”
Hyundai’s vision
After successfully introducing the Ioniq 5, Hyundai Motor has recently previewed the Ioniq 6, representing the brand’s pledge to play a pivotal role in pioneering technologies and in leading society’s transition to clean mobility. The Ioniq is Hyundai’s first dedicated line of pure EVs, manifesting its global vision of “Progress for Humanity.” Both models share the same design DNA but have their unique typologies. “Sporty and sleek” for the Ioniq 6 against the “bold and space” of the Ioniq 5.
Built on the brand’s trademark Electric-Global Modular Platform, or E-GMP, the Ioniq 6 has better stability, handling, and added safety. Charging-wise, it also supports 400V and 800V boosts battery life from 10% to 80% in just under 18 minutes. The top speed is 185 kph with zero to 100 kph acceleration in 5.1 seconds. The total drive range on a full battery charge is 545 km—made possible through an upgraded battery capacity and a more aerodynamic design. The Ioniq 6 is set to be officially launched towards the middle of the year and priced at around P4 million.
BYD’s Blade Battery
Build Your Dreams (BYD) first came into the Philippines with, for the most part, ICE-powered models. Lately, the official Philippine distributor Solar Transport has started offering models of what the brand is truly known for—EVs. The premium mid-size sedan Han EV, the Mid-size SUV Tang EV, and the sub-compact hatchback Dolphin EV were displayed during the show. All these EV models utilize what the brand calls the Blade Battery (lithium iron phosphate).
The Han’s sustainable power comes from combined (front and rear electric motors) 363 kW and 680 Nm of maximum torque in all four wheels with a claimed drive range of over 600 km. Battery capacity is 76.9kWh. On the other hand, the Tang also has combined front and rear electric motors generating 360 kW and 660 Nm of maximum torque. Battery capacity is 82.8 kWh with a driving range of around 500 km. As for the smallest, the Dolphin EV’s sustainable power generates 70kW and 180 Nm of torque. Battery capacity is 44.9 kWh with a driving range of around 405 km.
The Ice Cream EV
Among all the EVs on display at MIAS 2023, the Jetour Ice Cream EV was the smallest and most affordable (P699,000). At 2980mm long, 1496mm wide, and 1637mm tall, the small EV still achieved a 1960-mm wheelbase with a safe 120 mm ground clearance. The EV’s sustainable power comes from a 20 kW electric motor generating 26 hp and 85 Nm of torque from the rear wheels. Battery capacities range from 9.6 kWh to 13.9 kWh providing drive ranges between 120 and 170 km on a full charge. Charging time to full capacity is between 6 to 8 hours. This tiny EV’s top speed is 100 kph.
Nissan e-Power
This year, Nissan focused its display on electrification with e-Power. It’s in line with the show’s theme that zeroes in on technologies that drive the future of the local automotive industry into a more sustainable path. Nissan’s e-Power is a 100% electric motor-driven system that provides a powerful and smooth drive powered by an electric motor and charges through an efficient gasoline engine. It delivers an EV-like drive that is powerful, smooth, and quiet without needing external charging.
As part of Nissan’s transition to EVs, e-Power acts as a bridge between traditional ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles and full EVs, allowing customers to experience the future of mobility. “We aim to create technologies and innovations that have an impact in the automotive sector and empower mobility. We have recently done this with our e-Power technology, which continues to break barriers in electrified mobility. We are very proud of e-Power and happy that the market fully accepts it. We are also excited to talk about our CCS (Car Connected Services) technology. We believe this is an important feature that will change how we relate with our cars,” said Nissan Philippines President Juan Miguel Hoyos.
Hybrid comeback
After staging a successful comeback, Great Wall Motor (GWM) recently launched its hybrid lineup for the Philippines market. GWM is set to take on the country’s competitive segments as the brand offers two crossover SUV hybrid models—the Haval H6 and Haval Jolion. The H6 HEV compact crossover SUV will be GWM’s flagship model in the Philippines and comes in two variants—the Supreme (top spec) and Max. Motivation comes from a hybrid system of a 1.5-liter turbocharged ICE paired with a 130-kW Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) capable of producing a combined output of 240 HP and 530 Nm maximum torque. The Haval H6 HEV DHT Supreme and DHT Max variants retail at P1.883 million and P1.788 million, respectively
On the other hand, the Jolion is the company’s newest and most intelligent premium B-SUV with a top-spec HEV DHT Supreme variant. Motivation comes from a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated ICE mated to a 115 kW DHT capable of producing a combined output of 186 hp and 375 Nm of torque. Interestingly, the non-hybrid variants are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 141 hp and 220 Nm of torque. The Jolion Hybrid variant retails at P1.588 million.
Chery’s mild hybrid
Chery Philippines also unveiled two new mild hybrid models—the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Hybrid and the Tiggo 5X Pro Hybrid. Both models are motivated by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with its traditional alternator replaced by a Belt Starter Generator, or GSG used to assist and increase power on demand. The GSG recovers kinetic energy generated during braking and is stored in a 48-volt battery. Intelligent enough, the system detects the need for economy or performance drive mode based on the driver’s driving style. As a result, there is a 14% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and savings of up to 13% in fuel consumption. Moreover, the system also delivers an additional 10 hp and 40 Nm, providing a combined 160 hp and 250 Nm of maximum torque. (Story, photos and video by Randy Peregrino)