#ICYMI: Here are some of the first EV charging stations in PH!

Our team spotted a charging station at the SM Podium in Ortigas, Pasig yesterday.

One of the charging stations from SM Supermalls

A more sustainable and eco-friendly option for drivers 

If some of you are wondering why there's one, SM Supermalls started installing e-Vehicle charging stations in NCR malls. Last April, the company introduced the first-ever in-mall free charging stations in the Philippines at selected branches.

Allegedly, the charging stations are equipped with two Wallbox Pulsar Plus 7.4KW AC chargers per mall. These chargers support e-Vehicle brands such as Audi, BMW, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Hyundai, among others.

SM Supermalls explains that this initiative is part of its efforts to create a safer, greener future for all. The company has a continuous partnership with the Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Science and Technology, and Department of Trade and Industry in assisting the government to accelerate its renewable energy and sustainability initiatives.

Shoppers can use the FREE charging stations positioned in SM Aura in Taguig City, SM North Edsa in Quezon City, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, and SM Megamall in Mandaluyong. 

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan noted that the  SM’s e-vehicle charging stations will be free of charge for all shoppers for the first 6-months from its roll-out. He added,

SM Supermalls will remain true to our promise of creating a safe malling experience for our mallgoers, and part of that commitment is building a greener environment for everyone. We will always strive to ramp up our efforts to give back to our communities through our innovative projects in driving sustainability in our 79 malls nationwide. We want to urge everyone to consider more sustainable options in their everyday life, and shifting to e-Vehicles is a giant leap toward a greener future for all of us.

The top executive claims that SM Supermalls will continue its support for the new EV law and the National Renewable Energy Program to promote a more eco-friendly society for all Filipinos. He revealed that they aim to increase their share of renewable energy sources by 50 percent by the end of this year.

Meanwhile, Pilipinas Shell seems to be working on the same clean energy initiative with its first-ever charging station in the country. The company just unveiled its new Shell Recharge site located at Shell SLEX Mamplasan, a branch on the northbound side of the South Luzon Expressway.

Apparently, the Shell Recharge station sports two 180kWh DC fast chargers, both with CCS2 connectors. According to the source, the charger is compatible with most European electric vehicles. 

In addition to this, the station can fully recharge an EV in about 30 minutes. Charging costs PHP 65 per minute that can be paid using several payment options. The company announced that more Shell Recharge stations will open soon this 2022 as it goals to launch 3 to 8 new sights. 

However, it hasn't revealed yet the locations of these upcoming stations. We'll have to wait for further announcements and keep you guys updated.

Sources: Manila Bulletin, TopGear