Seres may be a new name in the Philippines, but this EV carmaker wants to redefine the meaning of intelligent luxury. In a highly competitive automotive industry, electrification has opened up to promising newcomers trying to make a name for themselves in this tough business. One of these car manufacturers is Seres with its premium brand Aito (Adding Intelligence to Auto), and it has bold plans and ambitions for the Philippine market.
What is Seres?
It may be a new name to local consumers, but Seres has been around for nearly 40 years. The company started out in 1986 by building components for household appliances, and springs for automotive seats. It further expanded into building shock absorbers for cars and motorcycles a decade later, supplying both its home market of China, and also to the very discerning Japanese market.
Following its success as a parts supplier, it dipped its toes in automotive production in 2005. The company then shifted to electric vehicles to form what it is today.
How Seres cars are made
In 2019, Seres opened its first-ever mega-smart factory for its electric vehicles. The cars are built by automated factories with over 5,000 smart manufacturing devices, utilizing technology borne from over four thousand patents. Research and development is a global collaborative effort with teams from China and Silicon Valley in California working together to find the best possible electrified solutions.
Meet the Seres family
In the Philippines, there are two Seres SUV models available. These are the Seres 5 and larger Seres 7. The Seres 5 can be specified as a pure electric vehicle, and both can be had as a range extended electric vehicle, or REEV. These REEVs practically banish any range anxiety, the concern of every EV owner.
Propelling the Seres 5 primarily is a 358kW dual-motor system. Converted to horsepower, that’s an output of 480hp. It’s then connected to a 1.5-liter turbo that puts out 114hp. Aside from the engine, an 80kWh battery keeps those motors running and gives this crossover an astounding 620 kilometers of range. Oh, and we’re not even at the good part yet.
Thanks to its smart charging system and battery, the Seres 5 can do almost 1,200 kilometers on a full tank and a full charge.
But for those who want even more punch, there’s the Seres 5 Saker Falcon (SF) limited edition. While this variant doesn’t get the range extender as it’s a pure EV, it offers great range for the performance that it offers.
The Seres 5 Saker Falcon (SF) gets even beefier dual electric motors, amping up the total output to a whopping 637hp and 940Nm, and gives it a 0 to 100kph time of just 3.7 seconds. It also helps that its massive 90kWh battery affords it a range of up to 530 kilometers.
Like the Seres 5 REEV, the Seres 7 also uses the same range-extending technologies as seen in its smaller, sportier sibling. However, that doesn’t mean that this large crossover can’t pack a strong punch—far from it. The combined output of the dual electric motors is rated at 433hp with torque at a stump-pulling figure of 654Nm.
As it’s an REEV, range isn’t sacrificed for the sake of performance. With the 40kWh battery topped up and its 1.5-liter turbo with a full tank, you’re looking at a range of up to 1,175 kilometers.
Why range-extender technology matters
It’s a given that electric vehicles are not yet the panacea they were touted to be, especially in developing markets like the Philippines. There are not enough charging stations, and there is barely enough electricity in the grid. The result is range anxiety for those early adopters who bought EVs.
Range extender technology offers the best of both worlds for electric vehicles. It combines the clean propulsion of electric motors with the extended range of gasoline engines. In Seres REEVs, the internal combustion engine is used solely to charge the batteries when needed, allowing them to function as pure EVs with proper charging. It’s like having a power bank in your EV. This means you can enjoy the quiet, powerful, and responsive performance of electric driving without range anxiety.
PHEVs, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, have a similar configuration, but their internal combustion engines are still connected to the drivetrain. They’re essential hybrid vehicles with a much larger battery. For the full electric experience, REEVs still have an advantage.
A fine blend of tech and luxury
Regardless if you choose the Seres 5 or the Seres 7, drivers and passengers alike are greeted by plush and inviting interiors. The supportive zero-gravity seats are trimmed in soft nappa leather, cocooning its occupants in maximum comfort. Interior distractions are kept to a minimum with its clean-sheet design that’s easy on the eyes. Acres of plush soft-touch materials envelope the cabin for a solid, richer feel.
Modern luxury vehicles go beyond just a smooth ride and loads of space. The demands and needs of today’s consumer means cars have to be smarter than ever. These aren’t just means from point A to B; these are high-tech mobility solutions that provide ease of use and convenience for its users, all with the bonus of outstanding efficiency and performance.
Seres cars embody the future of automotive innovation, designed for tech-savvy individuals who appreciate sleek minimalist aesthetics, and high-quality interiors. For Seres, intelligent luxury is the way to go. Every detail is crafted to create a redefined driving experience, merging advanced technology with sophisticated design for those who value both style and substance.
Created in partnership with Seres Philippines
