WORRY-FREE EV6 FULL-ELECTRIC VEHICLE IS HERE
THE 8th Philippine International Motor Show demonstrated that sustainable mobility is already here in the country.
One of the exhibitors was Kia Philippines which previewed its EV6 model as the brand’s first car with a dedicated platform for battery electric vehicles (BEVS) and soon to be available in the country.
Green cars are here, and the infrastructure support is also beefing up. But the perennial question is, are Filipinos ready to shift to sustainable mobility?
Recently, Kia Philippines invited us for a roundtable discussion on 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.”
Charging time
THE Kia EV6’S battery is tested to provide more than 500 kilometers of drive range. So, an average 50-kilometer daily drive to work within the Metro only consumes a fraction. Ten hours spent at home, including sleep, is more than enough time for the EV6 can be left to charge. Even so, depending on the charger used, an EV6 can reach a full charge (i.e., from 10 percent) 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 percent (from 10 percent) 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 charge their vehicles in as fast as 2 hours fully. It is 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.
Drive range
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 500km on a single charge (based on the EPA rating). More so, there are already 21 Ayala Land Charging hubs rolled out that 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 more affordable to maintain an EV because it does not require engine oils, transmission f luids, 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 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 P 2,400 of fuel cost (a midsize SUV covering a similar distance)
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 watersensing 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.