EV does it
Let’s face it. There’s an electric vehicle revolution that is happening around the world right now. In fact, according to reports, it is forecasted that global EV volumes could reach sales milestone feats of about 14 million units by year-end.
Clearly, the global direction is veering toward EVs and the phenomenal sales growth in this sector is one proof of it.
This movement has spilled over into our local turf with the dramatic influx of EVs the past several months, captivating the interest of our own motoring public. People may not recognize it yet but cutthroat competition, like those in other more popular segments dominated by the usual internal combustion engined vehicles, has also already been brewing. Whether they be Japanese, American, European or Chinese brands, EV models have been spawning exponentially. The Filipino car buyer gets to see newer and newer EV models being launched left and right.
Today, there is a wide range of these models to choose from compared to the scanty numbers a decade ago. That’s why, for eager buyers, it helps to step back, observe everything with a keen eye and analyze the market first before purchasing anything. Factors such as vehicle price and quality, engine and battery capacity and range should be few of the things to consider.
To make your life easier, here are a few of the options you could look into. Take note, these models were considered based on their track record, data and value they have provided the market, so far.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 GLS 2WD S
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the Korean brand’s electric compact crossover SUV designed to provide a game-changing feat for the automotive world. For the past couple of years, it did so. To start off, it is the first vehicle built on top of the Electric-Global Modular Platform. The vehicle has also built a name for itself being hailed as the prestigious World Car of the Year top winner, not to mention a number of other accolades, including Japan’s Import Car of the Year last year. Its successor to the throne, the Hyundai Ioniq 6, meanwhile, mimicked these achievements the following year.
It’s available in the standard and long range variants. For the former range variant, it’s a two-wheel drive, powered by a 58-kwh lithium ion battery that produces 169 hp and 350 Nm of instant torque, that allows it to sprint from 0-100 km in 8.5 seconds. Range capacity is 384 km on a single charge and is priced at P3,068,000.
Meanwhile, for the long range, it’s powered by a 72.6kWh battery, providing 216hp and 350N-m of torque. It can accelerate from 0-100kph in 7.4 seconds and is capable of going a distance of 451 km on a single charge. The long-range variant is tagged at P3,698,000.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Now, similar to its compact crossover sibling, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 midsize sedan is likewise a World Car of the Year winner. The Korean marque’s first-ever BEV sedan is truly top-notch with its sleek looks and fastback shape exteriors.
Its sole variant available in the country is the Long Range 2WD variant which packs a 77.4kWh battery that produces 226hp and 350 N-m of torque. It has an estimated range of up to 545 km on a single full charge.
It is priced at P3,798,000.
BYD Atto3
BYD Philippines, under the arm of AC Motors, an Ayala-based firm, recently introduced the Atto3. It’s another option to the Hyundai Ioniq5, if you’re really into the market for capable full electric compact crossovers. The Chinese brand, being one of the leaders in the electric vehicle segment globally, takes it a notch higher in terms of price, features and overall design.
The Atto3 has a battery capacity of 60.48 kWh, a power of 204 hp, 310N-m of torque and a driving range of 520 km. Locally, the model is available in two variants and is priced accordingly, the Dynamic, priced at P1,598,000 and the Premium tagged at P1,798,000.
This vehicle is perhaps one of the most affordable electric vehicles the country has to offer.
MG 4 and Marvel R
MG Philippines’ newest full electric vehicles, the MG 4 EV and MG Marvel R, likewise have just recently made their way to our local shores. The MG 4 EV had two of its variants unveiled: The base variant Standard and the top-tier, Lux.
The MG Marvel R, on the other hand, only had its Alpha rear-wheel drive variant introduced. This variant, priced at the P2,588,888, features a 137kW electric motor and a 70kWh battery pack that delivers 184hp and 255N-m of torque. It can reach up to 402 km on a single full charge.
Jetour Ice Cream
Speaking of affordable electric vehicles, the Jetour Ice Cream would probably rank high up on that pedestal. This petite and eco-friendly city car is “cuteness overload.” Under the wing of Chery International in the global market, it is patterned from the brand’s iconic subcompact model, QQ.
This three-door, four-seater electric hatchback is powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) that can generate 27 hp and 85 Nm of torque driving the rear wheels. It can go up to a maximum speed of 100 km/h. Supplying the electricity to the motor is a 13.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can provide a claimed range of 170 km.
During its local debut earlier this year, the Ice Cream was priced at P699,000.
Chery eQ1 and eQ7
During the recent Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit held last October, a number of notable electric vehicles were introduced. A few of those were from Chery Auto Philippines.
There, the Chinese carmaker was able to preview the urban three-door vehicle powered by an ultra-compact 40-horsepower and 120 N-m torque permanent magnet synchronous motor. It can reach up to 100kph, while its 38-kWh battery can do 280 kilometers on single charge.
Meanwhile, compact crossover, eQ7 measures 4675-mm long, 1660-mm tall and features a 2830-mm wheelbase. Its rear-mounted electric motor pushes 210hp and 285N-m of torque. The model’s big 67.12 kWh battery can go up to 512 km.
Although the carmaker has not revealed the prices of the two models yet, by the looks of it during the launch, these models seem to be undeniably promising.
Other notable EVs
There may be more remarkable EVs in the local market that we may recommend, like the posh Lexus LS or the Porsche Taycan, even the Kia EV6. The bottomline here is since these vehicles are fairly new in our own turf, it does not hurt if we carefully analyze the scene first before making any rush investment. Or, if you’re really having reservations about EVs, go for hybrid vehicles first. Now, that would be an entirely different topic to talk about.
