Recently, SM Supermalls has launched the first-ever in-mall electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the country. The company opened several EV charging stations at its select malls in Metro Manila.
At the said launch, EV models, like this Porsche Taycan were also featured
SM Supermalls has installed and opened EV charging stations in the following locations: SM Aura in Taguig City, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, SM North EDSA in Quezon City, and SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.
The EV charging station in SM Aura is located at the B1 Parking while the one in SM Mall of Asia is at the 3rd level North Parking Building. The charging station in SM North is then situated in the 3rd level North parking Tower. Lastly, the EV charging station in SM Megamall is at the B1 Parking Mega Fashion Hall.
The best part of this is that as of its launch, these stations can provide charging for free. For now though, these can only accommodate American, Korean, Japanese, and European branded car models.
This includes EVs from brands like Porsche, Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, Ford, GMC, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, etc. As such, it is still not compatible with Chinese-made EVs, as well as Chinese-made trikes and motorcycles which we know are growing in number locally.
One of SM Supermall's EV charging stations
While these new EV charging stations are all well and good, SM Supermalls has gone on to say that it isn’t stopping with those just yet. In fact, we can expect that it will open more EV charging stations in other SM Malls around the country. The company didn’t specify where exactly, but we are convinced that this is the right step if we really want to accelerate EV adoption in the Philippines.
As a side note, the bill that regulates EVs in the country was already put into law several days ago. For those who’ve read it, you’ll know that it also provides a roadmap for local EV development. The said roadmap of course also includes the establishment of more EV stations.
Furthermore, some brands like Mitsubishi, have already established their own charging stations. In the case of the said brand, it has already opened the Dendo Drive Station in Pasay City last April 18, 2022.
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