Kia plugs into e-vehicle market

MANILA, Philippines — Kia Philippines is set to bring in an all-electric service utility vehicle into the Philippine market early next year, as part of its move towards sustainability.

Yesterday, Kia Philippines introduced the Kia EV6 at the 8th Philippine International Motor Show.

“Today, we begin our deliberate participation in the electric vehicle market as we move into the inflection point,”said Kia Philippines president Manny Aligada.

Kia said the new EV6 brings long-range, zero-emissions power, 800V ultra-fast charging and distinctive styling to the crossover SUV market.

EV6 is Kia’s first car based on the company’s dedicated new platform for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

Kia said sales of the EV6 would  begin in early 2023 with a price below P4 million.

It said  charging options of the EV6 in the Philippines are through the Kia In Cable Control Box (ICCB) charger that comes with the vehicle; a home wall-mounted charger that can be purchased and installed by the company’s affiliate, Greenstrum; and the growing number of malls and establishments that offer EV charging stations with Type 2/CCS2 protocol.

Aligada said the introduction of the EV6 signifies the company’s commitment to realizing its social responsibility through 3S activities – sustainable mobility, sustainable energy, sustainable planet.

“Sustainability is a future not just for Kia as the Ayala group has committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This is a guideline Kia believes in and is a focal point in our business. Sustainability is our move to protect the greatest source of inspiration, nature,”Aligada said.

He shared that Ayala Land also reinforces its commitment towards sustainable and responsible property development.

“In keeping with the company’s thrust and long-term commitment, it supports the use of alternative energy sources. Further, it aligns with the global and local directive to shift to more EVs. And in the coming weeks, over 20 EV charging stations will be rolled out across seven cities in Luzon,” Kia Philippines said.

Kia Asia Pacific head of sales Joey Hong said the Kia EV6 has already won many titles and awards such as the 5-Star National Car Assessment Program (NCAP) rating and the European Car of the Year.