Story and photo by Randy Peregrino
As a co-presenter of the recently concluded 10th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, Nissan Philippines (NPI) participated in the electric vehicles exhibition and continues to lead the EV adoption in the country by driving conversations on EV infrastructure and educating the market. With the theme “United in Driving Electromobility” in support of the EV Industry Development Act (Evida), NPI reinforced its Blue Switch campaign during the conference through a commitment ceremony with its partners.
Launched earlier this year, the Blue Switch campaign highlights the brand’s goal to create key partnerships with various organizations to help address social concerns. These are disaster response, climate change, responsible travel, and energy management using EV technologies. These organizations have committed to supporting the Blue Switch initiative through various efforts ranging from public education, community action, and coalition-building.
Among these organizations’ representatives present during the summit were Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Patrick Aquino, EV Association of the Philippines (EVAP) President Edmund Araga, eSakay Inc Chief Operating Officer Karl Magsuci, Gateway Group Executive Vice President Michael Goho, Pesin President and CEO Jojo Conde II, Gawad Kalinga Executive Director Luis Oquiñena, PDRF Chief Resilience Officer Guillermo Luz, and MAD Travel Co-Founder and Director Rafael Dionisio.
Also present was no less than NPI president Juan Manuel Hoyos. “We are taking our vision to shape a safer and more resilient future for the Philippines through the Blue Switch campaign. We hope to address the needs and enrich the lives of Filipinos by leveraging the unique capabilities of EVs for purposes beyond mobility.”
Meanwhile, NPI also launched the updated Nissan Leaf at the event and presented the next phase of its electrification strategy with the Nissan Ambition 2030.
The new Nissan Leaf brings a refreshed, modern exterior and interior design with the full suite of Nissan Intelligent Mobility features that provide advanced safety and convenience in every drive. The latest iteration now carries the new brand logo with a redesigned bigger grill, blacked-out headlamps, and a new 16-inch alloy wheel design. The rear end also received minor upgrades, such as a redesigned spoiler and an under diffuser.
The Leaf continues to be an icon of Nissan Intelligent Mobility with its complete suite of safety and convenience features, including the e-Pedal, an innovative technology utilizing one-pedal operation for more convenient driving and braking. There is also the Intelligent Forward Collision Warning with Intelligent Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning with Intelligent Lane Intervention, and the Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, among others. As a new feature, the updated Leaf now has the Intelligent Rear View Mirror, providing more security and confidence in driving. The updated Leaf is exclusively distributed by Gateway Motors group in the Philippines and is now available retailing at P2.790 million.
Also on display was the Kicks e-Power. NPI’s latest addition to its lineup is built on Nissan’s innovative DNA. Also, the model represents the brand’s bridge to the full EV ownership transition. While an electric motor propels it, the presence of an internal combustion engine merely charges the battery—eliminating drive range anxiety.