Story and photos by Randy S. Peregrino
The 8th edition of the Philippine International Motor Show showcased not only full-electric vehicles but also hybrids. Moreso, the show managed to line up various types of hybrid technologies for the spectators to learn more about. Hybrid models are, to this point, the most feasible and affordable option for attaining sustainable mobility. Among the exhibitors of various hybrid models were Chery Philippines, Mazda Philippines, Mitsubishi Philippines, and Toyota Motor Philippines.
Mazda’s M Hybrid Technology
Mazda Philippines showcased its e-Skyactiv-G Mild Hybrid (M Hybrid) Technology in two models—the Mazda3 and CX30. Utilizing a Multi-Solution approach that offers appropriate powertrains in consideration of each country or region’s energy policies and energy mix is the strategy Mazda sees in achieving its goals.
The new Mazda M Hybrid system uses regenerative braking technology to recover energy usually lost during braking to power the vehicle’s onboard electronics. A motor then assists with engine acceleration from a standstill. By mating a DC/DC converter, an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), and a Regenerative Friction Brake Coordination system with a new 24-volt M Hybrid Lithium-Ion battery, fuel economy improves while reducing emission.
Using energy stored in the onboard M-Hybrid Lithium battery through regenerative deceleration, the Mazda M-Hybrid system supplements power generation and supplies to the vehicle’s electrical systems. While the new ISG seamlessly restarts the engine in idle-stop (iStop) situations, it also smoothens upshifts during gear changes.
Using this recovered energy, along with automatic engine shut-off at decelerating speeds below 20kph, lessens demand on the engine and increases vehicle mileage per tank of fuel. The e-Skyactiv-G M Hybrid technology is about smoother drive, phenomenal fuel savings, and lower emissions minus plugging in or charging.
Suzuki’s own SHVS
On the part of Suzuki Philippines, the company previewed its take on sustainable mobility, the Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS), featuring the Ertiga mild hybrid variant. According to Suzuki, engineered, keeping sustainability in mind, Smart Hybrid is a progressive step toward a greener future. At the same time, it has a significant role in the car’s driving performance and the fuel efficiency it delivers.
Suzuki’s proprietary Smart Hybrid is an advanced automotive technology initially launched in 2015 in Ciaz, making it the first mild hybrid car in India by Maruti Suzuki. Since then, the Smart Hybrid technology has made its way into six car models within the Maruti Suzuki lineup—Baleno, Ciaz, Ertiga, S-Cross, Vitara Brezza, and XL6.
The Smart Hybrid system has an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and a dual battery setup, including lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. During braking and deceleration, the kinetic energy produced is converted into electrical energy and stored in this dual battery setup. The fuel-efficiency benefit is down to the Idle Stop Start function available. When the car is idling, the engine gets turned off as soon as you release the clutch. And, as soon as you depress it again, the engine restarts.
ISG has a motor function as well. When the car starts moving from a standstill and is picking up speed, ISG uses the Torque Assist function to supplement the engine power during this initial phase of acceleration. As a result, there is better pickup while reducing the load on the engine.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)
Introduced last year, Mitsubishi Philippines showcased the Outlander PHEV with redesigned components and an extended EV driving range. Around 40% of the output (front and rear motors and drive battery) was bumped up. The new model can now drive solely in EV mode with minimal engine operation, even in aggressive driving mode. The larger capacity drive battery of 20 kWh increases the all-electric drive range to 87 km.
Motivation comes from a 4B12 2.4-liter engine generating 98 hp and 195 Nm maximum torque. The electric motors, on the other hand, generate 115 hp (85 kW) and 255 Nm of maximum torque (front) and 136 hp (100 kW), and 195 Nm of maximum torque (rear).
Another new improvement is a one-pedal operation mode. This feature allows both acceleration and deceleration via just the accelerator pedal. The accelerator pedal alone can produce enough brake bite. Moreover, using the EV Priority switch, the Outlander PHEV can run on electricity independently.
Meanwhile, Chery Philippines exhibited its Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV as the country’s brand representation of green mobility. Motivation comes from a Euro V 1.5-liter TCI turbocharged engine generating a combined ICE and electric motor output of 320 hp and 545 Nm of maximum torque. The powerplant is paired to a DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission) Hybrid Special Transmission.
At the heart of this new hybrid system is Chery’s use of “three engines.” The first is a turbocharged gasoline engine that already delivers 156 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque by itself. It is then paired to two electric motors—one with an output of 74 hp and 160 Nm of torque and another with 95 hp and 155 Nm of torque.
A 19.27-kWh lithium-ion battery offers an all-electric cruising range of up to 90 km on a full charge. Chery claims that keeping the battery topped up costs just P173 and can be done using a standard ungrounded 220-volt household outlet (charging time is approximately five hours). Combined with a full tank of gas (45 liters), the maximum cruising range reaches past 3,400 km or roughly 78 km/liter. A 10-year warranty backs up the battery. The Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV retails at P2.4 million.
TMP leads way
Among the exhibitors, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has the most available, conventional, and industry-proven hybrids. Leading the local market with an array of hybrid models, TMP presented its commitment to contributing to the achievement of carbon neutrality and allowed spectators to view and experience its hybrid technology.
TMP claims its hybrid lineup has empowered Filipinos to switch toward more sustainable driving. As one of Toyota’s multiple paths to vehicle electrification that lead to the ultimate goal of carbon neutrality, its hybrid technology provides a practical solution that is readily available and within Filipinos’ reach. To date, TMP offers multiple variants of HEVs with Corolla Altis, Corolla Cross, Camry, and RAV4 showcased during the recently concluded 8th PIMS.
“The HEVs’ combination of the conventional engine and a self-charging electric motor is still the best, most practical, and affordable choice for Filipinos at this time,” said TMP senior vice president and overall head of marketing Jose Maria Atienza during Toyota’s opening program at PIMS. “You can expect us to further expand our electrified footprint in the coming years,” he added.
Globally, Toyota and Lexus have sold 20 million electrified cars to date, with an equivalent contribution to a global carbon emissions reduction of more than 160 million metric tons.
TMP’s pursuit of carbon neutrality is to achieve carbon neutrality through having a net result of zero emissions. “Toyota answers the call to make vehicles kinder to the environment and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. But we understand that there is no single solution to carbon neutrality. We choose the multi-path approach, exploring various EV technologies like HEVs, PHEVs, BEVs, FCEVs and even use of synthetic and alternative fuels like hydrogen to realize this goal,” said Atienza.
TMP is proactive in promoting green mobility in the Philippines. In 2009, it introduced the electrification movement in the Philippines with its first HEV, the Prius. Locally, more than 90% of users of EVs drive a Toyota or Lexus.