Can EVs reach Baguio from Cauayan City?

WHILE electric vehicles (EVs) have been making rounds in the United States and Europe, many Filipinos are still wondering what it would be like to own and drive one. One concern is how to cope should they run out of charge. While it is comparatively easier to find gas stations in almost all cities and towns to service fuel-powered vehicles, the locations of EV charging stations remain a source of stress to many electric car drivers.

Krystal Gayle Agbulig, SM City Cauayan public relations manager, said the apprehension is understandable given the Filipinos' skepticism of new technology «amid our centuries-old normativity.» At the same time, she encouraged them to focus on fossil fuel alternatives like EVs to «reduce our carbon emission, conserve energy and safeguard the environment.» Another factor that they should consider is the looming energy price.

As a response, EV charging stations can be found in 62 SM malls nationwide, mostly equipped with Wallbox Type 2 plugs.

Electric vehicles decrease carbon footprint. PHOTO FROM SM CITY CAUAYAN

Agbulig recently presided over the launch of SM Supermalls' newest EV charging station in Isabela country, a strategic location that enables EV owners to drive up to Baguio City from SM City Cauayan with minimum stress or anxiety. Depending on the model, she said that the average distance an EV can cover on one charge is 300 kilometers (km) to 500 km.

She added that from Tuguegarao City in Cagayan province, the shortest way to Baguio, which is around 316 kilometers, is via Kayapa (Nueva Vizcaya)-Ambuklao Road (Benguet). The distance between Cauayan City and Baguio City is 233 km by road. Upon reaching the Philippines' summer capital, the EV can refill its battery at SM Baguio within an hour.

Agbulig also said that given their «powerful torque and regenerative braking, electric cars will generally do very well in mountainous terrain» like Baguio.

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The SM EV charging stations distributed in urban centers are energy-efficient and can power their daily operations. Another bonus is that charging in any of them is free of charge. «From Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao, one can charge his electric car without the fear of