More SM Malls get EV chargers - biggest EV charging chain in PH

SM Supermalls has rolled out additional electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across its multiple locations across the Philippines.

From an initial batch of 15 EV charging stations in Metro Manila and one in SM Baguio city in 2022, the company will be opening more charging stations from Luzon to Mindanao. These chargers were added so shoppers and travelers can charge anywhere as long as there is an SM mall and their vehicles come with the same type of charger.

Below is a list of additional EV charging stations:  

SM Center Tuguegarao Downtown
SM City Clark
SM City Trece Martires
SM City Sta. Rosa
Sky Ranch Tagaytay
SM City Naga
SM City Cebu
SM Seaside City Cebu
SM City CDO Uptown
SM CDO Downtown Premier
SM Lanang Premier

What's in an SM EV charging station?

Each SM EV charging station will have a Wallbox Pulsar Plus AC 7.4kW AC charger and a 5-meter integrated charging cable. This charging station is only compatible with all Type 2 electric cars, including brands such as Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Range Rover, MINI, Porsche, and Volvo. 

Note that charging times will still vary from vehicle to vehicle, so don’t expect to get to 100% charge within minutes when using these charging stations. It will still take you a couple of hours to top off your electric range, so you can spend it going around the mall or watching a movie.

Another thing to note is that SM Baguio is the only one to get a Tritium RTM50 50kW DC Rapid Charger with CCS2 Type 2 and CHAdeMO fast charging system as of press time. Compared to what is available at other sites, this can charge your EV much more quickly. 

The charging stations can also charge Japanese and Chinese brands such as Nissan, Mitsubishi, BYD, Weltmeister, and Chery. Some EVs may need an adapter to charge at these SM charging stations. 

These chargers will be open to the public daily from 10 am to 10 pm, where you can charge your EV for free.

The charging station process is pretty simple, as you must park your car and plug it in. You may need assistance from the guards on duty to remove the cones and assist you with the charging process. 

Remember that this service is free. However, you will still need to accept the terms and conditions that SM has for using these charging stations. 

Should the Philippine government invest in public EV charging stations, or should private companies do the same thing SM does by adding them to malls instead?