The global automotive industry is aligning itself towards the development of electric vehicles (EV) as more countries pass their respective policies that ban on selling cars with an internal combustion engine (ICE). Norway is banning ICE vehicles by 2025 while Thailand and Singapore plan to do the same by 2035, and 2040 respectively.
It’s evident that EVs are the future of mobility, and car brands in the Philippines are starting to gauge whether the market is ready for the said global shift. Nissan is among the car brands in the Philippines that are slowly introducing EVs, and the upcoming local debut of the LEAF is a testament to its commitment. Nissan first announced that the LEAF will be launched in the Philippines last 2019.
Nissan LEAF electric vehicle
Nissan surpassed sales of more than 450,000 LEAFs globally in 2019, and it is considered as one of the best-selling EVs globally. It is also regarded as the world’s first mass-marketed EV. Last year, the Nissan LEAF tested on Philippine roads features a 40-kWh battery pack that delivers a maximum range of 311 km. It can also put out 148 hp and 320 Nm of torque.
Is the Philippines ready for the EV shift? Well, a study published by Frost & Sullivan titled The Future of Electrified Vehicles in Southeast Asiastates that the Philippines is among the top three countries in Southeast Asia that consider making the shift to EVs. The other two countries are Indonesia and Thailand.
Study shows 45 percent of Filipinos opt to purchase an electric vehicle
The study also showed that 45-percent of Filipinos are keen on the possibility of purchasing an EV in the next three years. This is despite the fact that the Philippines has yet to have more concrete policies and the necessary infrastructures when it comes to EV ownership.
So, are you willing to consider owning an EV? If not, what’s stopping you from having an EV into your garage? Cast your vote now in Philkotse’s Poll of the Week.
Visit Philkotse.com for more automotive news.