This Electric Vehicle Exhibition in Makati Provides a Glimpse Into the Future of Mobility

Charging stations for electric vehicles were installed in SM Aura earlier this month with the support of PGA Cars, the exclusive Philippine distributor and importer of Porsche and Audi. This marks the beginning of the SM Group’s electrification advocacy, which it plans to cascade to all its malls in the near future. 

in four of SM’s malls earlier this month thanks to the efforts of PGA Cars, the exclusive Philippine distributor and importer of Porsche and Audi. This marks the beginning of SM Group’s electrification advocacy, which it plans to cascade to all its malls in the near future.

PGA Cars is one of the pioneering companies championing the sale of electric vehicle movement, especially in the luxury car segment. It continues to lead in the automotive sector’s transition to premium electric-powered mobility through its “FutureNow” program. PGA says the company is showcasing its range of fully electric models in a series of weekend exhibitions that present green transport solutions to consumers who define sustainability as the new luxury.

Photo by Alvin Uy.

On display at the Power Plant Mall are the Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron SUV and Audi e-tron GT electric vehicles. These are all zero-emissions, fully electric models of both brands, and PGA Cars says stocks are flying out the showrooms with brisk sales and back orders. This only shows the healthy acceptance of EVs. PGA Cars is promoting the event with the hashtag #futurenow, which refers to the impending paradigm shift of passenger and even commercial mobility with EVs.

Out of the three models, we got to test drive both the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron SUV.  The Porsche Taycan uses a classic rear-engine/rear-drive layout by having its Permanent magnet Synchronous Motor (PSM) on the rear axle. The PSM is coupled to a two-speed transmission and Porsche’s Performance Battery to make a combined power of 408 PS or about 400hp, allowing the car to accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 5.4 seconds, and to reach a top speed of 230 kph.

Photo by Alvin Uy.

The Audi e-tron SUV, on the other hand, uses two electric motors powering the front and rear set of wheels and is rated at 408 hp and 664 Nm of torque. This propels it from zero to 100 kph in just 5.7 seconds, and reach a top speed of 200 kph. This e-tron SUV is considered a new generation electric quattro all-wheel drive, which provides superlative traction and handling on any terrain and condition, which Audi’s quattro system is famous for.

Finally, the Audi e-tron GT four-door coupe also has two electric motors, just like the e-tron SUV. It has a combined output 530 hp and 630 Nm, which allows the car to reach 100 kph from a standstill in just 4.1 seconds. The electric quattro all-wheel drive system isn’t exactly meant for off-roading conditions but it ensures maximum dynamism, stability and traction in any road condition, because the system can constantly vary power distribution between the axles intelligently to allow maximum grip.

Photo by Alvin Uy.

PGA Cars’ FutureNow program means that it has begun initiating collaborations with stakeholders in establishing charging facilities in strategic destinations to complement the residential charging solutions already provided by Porsche and Audi. This allows both the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron models that come with portable charging systems to be plugged into either a household or a three-phase industrial outlet. Aside from the available alternating current (AC) charging units that can be installed at homes, these charging systems can be easily installed in offices and commercial centers and setting up a charging system is no more complicated than installing an air-conditioning unit.

One unique charging solution for Porsche and Audi is a high-powered direct current (DC) charger, the first of such type in the country, and which is set up at PGA Cars showrooms in EDSA Greenhills. With both DC and AC options available, owners are guaranteed access to charging solutions at home and on the road. 

The FutureNow exhibition takes place on May 27-29, and on June 3-5, at the North Court of Power Plant Mall in Rockwell Center, Makati City.