Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the country’s distributor of Hyundai vehicles, joins fellow advocates of the newly-formed EV Owners Society to recharge interest in electric mobility in the country.
The EV Owners Society, the sub-group of electric vehicle owners formed by the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (eVAP), aims to bring together private EV owners and other industry stakeholders to discuss and advance the future of the local EV market.
Society Adviser and current eVAP President Edmund Araga underscored the group’s important role in promoting sustainable mobility in the country, while Society President and Philippine Parts Maker Association (PPMA) President Ferdi Raquelsantos assured everyone that EVs are exempt from the new DTI safeguard measures on vehicle imports.
“We welcome and support this development,” HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said. “It’s been a long time coming. Globally, Hyundai has been leading the charge in commercializing new energy vehicles, while HARI is one of the first local car companies to introduce EVs to the Philippine market.”
HARI debuted the full electric variants of the IONIQ hatchback and the Kona crossover at the 2019 Manila International Auto Show.
In August 2020, Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) launched the IONIQ sub-brand for its line of customer-centric electric vehicles.
The Hyundai IONIQ Electric boasts zero emissions, smart aerodynamics, and sets the standard in electric drive technology. It has an estimated range of over 373 kilometers powered by a high-efficiency, high-power permanent magnet-type electric motor which produces 136 PS. It has all the bells and whistles including a multimedia information center, drive mode selector, electronic gear shift, six airbags, and 357-liter luggage capacity. In 2020, it won top awards, beating other emerging local EV brands, at the first virtual C! Magazine Awards, adding on to its string of global citations.
The globally-acclaimed KONA Electric, powered by a lithium-ion polymer battery which is lighter and more compact, offers a seamless travel experience. Its top variant can accelerate 0-100 km/hr in about 7.6 seconds while consuming less energy. Hyundai’s first and multi-awarded electric subcompact SUV was top-listed by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) as America’s greenest car in 2019 and cited by Car and Driver USA as 2019’s best subcompact SUV for its electric-only driving range and standout styling. It brings seamless travel experience with up to 400 kilometers on just one full charge.
“We join the EVap in seriously looking beyond our current situation,” Agudo added. “The pandemic will pass but environmental concerns are here to stay. Hyundai’s EV lineup is out to help create a better future for all by making these technologies accessible to a greater number of people.”
