Numerous of studies have found that one of the main reasons car-buyers hesitate about getting a fully electric vehicle (EV) is ‘range anxiety’. This is the concern related to the limited number of charging stations at this time, and the fear of a battery pack running out of energy and cannot be recharged. An EV is unlike a car with a combustion engine which can be refuelled from stations that are available in every part of the country and even in remote areas.
The Malaysian government, in trying to get more people to switch own an EV, has set a target of 10,000 charging points by 2025 and the private sector is trying to build this network as quickly as possible. To date, there are around 1,500 charging points (a charging station can have many charging points) set up a year and a half since the effort began.
Hyundai Motor Company is running an event called the ‘Go Far with Zero Worries – IONIQ 5 ASEAN Tour’ which should demonstrate the same freedom of mobility is possible with EVs. The event was flagged off from the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS) yesterday.
The IONIQ 5 convoy, which consists of 3 cars from HMGICS and 2 from Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (HMMI), will pass through 5 different countries – Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
The 24 participants will cover 2,751 kms across Southeast Asia by the time they reach Ho Chi Minh City on November 30. They include representatives from the Automobile Association of Singapore, Hyundai club members, local community influencers across ASEAN countries, Key Opinion Leaders from Indonesia and Thailand, as well as representatives from Hyundai Motor Company.
Along the way, they will visit over 20 iconic destinations such as the Penang Heritage Walk in Malaysia and the Bayon Temple in Cambodia. They will also have a chance to make use of the various features of the IONIQ 5 which will make their journey more enjoyable. These include the V2L technology which allows charging external devices with the vehicle’s battery. The electrical supply can be used to power small devices as well as larger ones in homes.
“Our aspiration through this journey is to demonstrate the reliability, eco-friendliness, and long-distance capabilities of the IONIQ 5, aiming to reduce consumers’ doubts and anxiety about EVs, especially in the region,” said Youngtack Lee, President of Hyundai Motor ASEAN Headquarters.
Mr. Lee said that the IONIQ 5 is not merely a vehicle; it’s a symbol of Hyundai’s dedication to shaping a more sustainable and connected future for the ASEAN region. “The IONIQ 5 ASEAN Tour is not merely a journey; it’s a transformative exploration, paving the way for a new era in electric mobility,” he added.
Click here to know more about the Hyundai IONIQ 5
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