Read this in The Manila Times digital edition.
The Philippine car market is experiencing an unexpected transformation, with a flurry of new Electric Vehicles (EVs) and hybrid cars slated for launch in the last quarter of 2023 and throughout 2024. The automotive landscape is evolving rapidly, with several exciting developments on the horizon. GEELY
Chery introduces its Tiggo 8 Pro plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. PHOTO BY ALAIN GERONIMO
Last September 20, Mercedes-Benz introduced an initial lineup of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). The EQE, the brand's first BEV sedan, boasts an impressive range of 621 kilometers and is priced at P5.59 million. Accompanying it was the EQA, a BEV crossover with a range of 496 kilometers and a suggested retail price of P3.99 million. Rounding up the BEV offerings was the EQB 250, a 7-seater SUV with a range of 474 kilometers, available at P 4.19 million. This trio marked a significant leap forward in the country's EV landscape.
Following Mercedes-Benz's launch, Mazda is set to unveil the CX90, a larger sibling to the recently launched CX60. The CX90 is expected to offer both diesel and petrol hybrid powertrain configurations, catering to a broader audience.
Volvo is also making waves with the C40 SUV set to debut on Oct. 4, 2023, boasting a 478-kilometer range. This will be swiftly followed by MG's anticipated MG4 and MG Marvel R, both scheduled for release in October 2023. The MG4 offers two variants, standard with a 350-kilometer range and a long-range version capable of traveling 450 kilometers. Meanwhile, the MG Marvel R boasts a 400-kilometer range. Keep an eye out for the 2024 MG Cyberster, expected next year.
Lotus is set to enter the scene with its high-performance BEV hyper-SUV, the Eletre. With a range of 600 kilometers, a top speed of 260 kilometers per hour, and an impressive 0-100 km/h time of 2.95 seconds, it promises an exhilarating driving experience.
China's EV leader, BYD, is also making significant strides in the Philippine market. The Han, a mid-size luxury sedan, and the Tang SUV will both see their ranges increase from 500 kilometers to 600 kilometers. The Han is priced at P 3.688 million while the new Tang SUV costs P3.698 million. Additionally, BYD offers the popular gateway BEV hatchback, the Dolphin, with an enhanced 400-kilometer range, now available for P 1.688 million. The upcoming 5-seater SUV, the ATTO 3, will offer 400- and 500-kilometer range options with estimated prices ranging from P 2-2.5 million and expected before the end of the year.
Mini EVs, meanwhile, are gaining traction, with brands like Jetour and Wuling leading the way. Jetour's "ice cream" is becoming more visible in Metro Manila, while Wuling's Mini EVs, the Macaron and Game Boy, are increasingly spotted in the city. The Game Boy, with a range of 300 kilometers, is available at an introductory price of P793,000 while the Macaron, offering a 170-kilometer range, is priced at P593,000. Wuling is also accepting pre-orders for the larger 4-door Mini EV, the Bingo, available in 203-kilometer and 333-kilometer range editions and priced at P 863,000 and P1,083 million, respectively.
Commercial EVs are also making their mark, with the BYD T3 Electric Van, a 2-seater panel van with a 250-kilometer range, available for P 2.198 million. Dongfeng also offers a comprehensive lineup of light commercial vehicles, including the RICH6 EV, the first BEV pickup in the Philippine market, priced at P 2.76 million. The 8-seater EC36 passenger van, with a 300-kilometer range, is available at P 1.78 million. For cargo and delivery needs, Dongfeng offers the EV30 and EC35 panel vans, both capable of 300 kilometers of range and priced at P1.9 million and P 1.75 million, respectively.
For heavier loads, medium-sized BEV cab and chassis options include the EC31, EV35 and EV45. The EC31 has a payload capacity of 1,100 kilograms (kg) a range of 300 kilometers, and an affordable price of P1.680 million. The EV35 can handle a payload of 1,650 kg, has a range of 280 kilometers, and is priced at P2.475 million, while the EV45, with a payload capacity of 2,200 kg and a 350-kilometer range, is available for P3.36 million. All of these commercial vehicles will hit the market in October 2023. For even larger loads, Foton offers the Tornado BEV cab and chassis, with a 3,600 kg payload capacity, the capability to travel 208 kilometers, and a price of P3.6 million.
Automakers have led the way in offering a full lineup of BEVs and hybrid vehicles in the Philippine market. Toyota, Mitsubishi, Honda, Nissan and Suzuki all have hybrid options, while Nissan stands out with its BEV offering, the Leaf.
Chinese automakers have aggressively entered the Philippine market, with Changan set to relaunch with plans to introduce its own EVs, Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), and BEVs within the year. Additionally, two more Chinese brands, Omoda and Jaecoo, are slated to launch this November. Omoda's initial offering includes an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) version of the Omoda5 and two BEV versions, known simply as the Omoda5 EV. Jaecoo, meanwhile, is preparing to launch the Jaecoo 7 and Jaecoo 8, both 7-seater plug-in HEVs (PHEVs), with an expected debut in the last quarter of 2023.
The last quarter of 2023 promises a remarkable influx of 14 passenger vehicles, predominantly BEVs, with most hailing from China and Europe. Commercial EVs, from passenger vans to cargo trucks, are also set to dominate the final quarter of the year as confirmed by major manufacturers.
DONGFENG It is evident that the EV revolution is in full swing, with an abundance of choices available in the market. As infrastructure development progresses, the time is ripe to make environmentally conscious vehicle choices and breathe cleaner air.