EV
A More Accessible Volvo EV Is Here
Volvo Philippines has just introduced a more affordable variant of its award-winning all-electric SUV, the EX30. The new EX30 Core RWD Pure Electric, priced at PHP 2.35 million, gives Filipinos a more budget-friendly option to go electric without compromising on performance and safety.
Unveiled by Hariphil Asia Resources Inc., the official Volvo distributor, the new variant slots below the top-tier EX30 Ultra Extended Range. The Core model features a smaller 51 kWh battery pack versus the Ultra’s 69 kWh, offering a range of up to 344 km on the WLTP cycle—nearly 200 km less, but still ample for most urban commutes.
Despite the reduced range, the EX30 Core doesn’t hold back on power. It carries the same rear electric motor that delivers 272 PS and 343 Nm of torque, shooting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. On average, it consumes 17.5 kWh per 100 km, equivalent to 1.97 liters per 100 km in fuel terms.
Volvo made sure safety wasn’t compromised either. The Core RWD comes standard with Pilot Assist, Driver Attention Monitoring, and Collision Avoidance Systems—technologies designed to support the driver and help prevent accidents.
Inside, the EX30 stays true to Volvo’s Scandinavian roots. The cabin is finished with renewable materials and bathed in ambient lighting inspired by Nordic landscapes. Despite being an entry-level variant, it includes high-end features like a Harman Kardon sound system and advanced climate control.
Storage-wise, it’s just as practical. The vehicle offers a 61-liter underfloor compartment, 318 liters of luggage space with the seats up, and up to 904 liters when folded.
Volvo Philippines CEO Maria Fe Perez-Agudo highlighted that the EX30 represents the brand’s push toward sustainability and innovation. “It’s a vehicle that not only excites, but also protects and respects our planet,” she said.
Here’s how the EX30 lineup stacks up:
- EX30 Core RWD Pure Electric – PHP 2,350,000
- EX30 Ultra RWD Extended Range Pure Electric – PHP 2,690,000
Both models add to Volvo’s growing local EV lineup alongside the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge. The EX30 remains the most compact of the bunch, built for the city but packed with enough tech, range, and punch to deliver on both daily commutes and weekend escapes.
Subaru has officially brought in the sixth-generation Forester, marking the compact SUV’s debut as a full hybrid in the Philippine market. Motor Image Pilipinas, the brand’s exclusive distributor, hopes this launch will reenergize its presence among family SUVs.
At the core is the second-generation e-Boxer system, Subaru’s first strong hybrid setup. It pairs the familiar 2.5-liter Boxer engine with two electric motors. The gasoline unit generates 164 hp and 209 Nm, while the motors contribute up to 122 hp and 270 Nm, combining for a maximum 197 hp. That makes it the most powerful Forester since the turbocharged XT. A 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery enables short stints of all-electric driving, while a 63-liter tank helps stretch range to 1,000 km.
Despite the hybrid tech, Subaru sticks to its roots. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Lineartronic CVT come standard, with off-road aids like Dual X-Mode, Hill Descent Control, and Active Torque Vectoring intact. The SUV also benefits from the tougher Subaru Global Platform, which is now 10 percent stiffer thanks to a full inner frame design. Steering precision improves with a dual-pinion system adapted from the WRX.
Design-wise, the new Forester looks sharper and cleaner but remains recognizable. The Philippine-spec 2.5 i-S e-Boxer Hybrid wears 19-inch alloys, roof rails, and C-shaped LED headlights with cornering lamps. A panoramic sunroof and a hands-free tailgate are standard. A Forester-exclusive shade, River Rock Pearl, joins the color palette.
Inside, Subaru blends rugged with refined. Scratch-resistant panels meet suede-and-leather seats, both front units equipped with power adjustment. Comfort and convenience come from dual-zone climate control, rear vents, wireless charging, and a 360-degree camera. The centerpiece is an 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Safety tech takes a leap with EyeSight 4.0. It uses three cameras to provide nine driver-assist features, including lane centering, adaptive cruise, and emergency steering. A new Driver Monitoring System adds facial recognition to warn against distraction or drowsiness and can store profiles for five drivers. The system can even stop the vehicle if the driver becomes unresponsive.
Priced at P2,498,000, the Forester 2.5 i-S e-Boxer Hybrid comes with a five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and eight years of coverage for the hybrid battery. For buyers looking at hybrids, it now stands as one of the few with a standard all-wheel-drive system, keeping Subaru’s identity intact while embracing electrification.
BYD has officially brought the Tang DM-i to the Philippines, marking another step in its electrified lineup. The grand launch took place today, September 17, 2025, at the SPACE in Ayala One.
The Tang DM-i enters the local market at ₱2,098,000, offering Filipino buyers a premium plug-in hybrid SUV that blends luxury, versatility, and sustainable technology.
BYD first introduced the all-electric Tang in 2024, showcasing a global-standard SUV that combined comfort, technology, and performance. The DM-i version builds on that success by answering customer requests for flexibility. “Our mission is not just to introduce vehicles, but to listen, respond, and deliver solutions that fit Filipino needs,” said Bob Palanca, Managing Director of BYD Philippines.
Palanca explained that while many drivers are eager to shift fully to EVs, others want the reassurance of hybrid capability during the country’s transition to clean mobility. The Tang DM-i is designed precisely for that balance, powered by BYD’s advanced Super DM-i technology, which allows drivers to enjoy electric driving while still being equipped for longer-distance travel.
The SUV carries over the luxury, comfort, and advanced features of the original Tang, but now with an added layer of adaptability. From everyday city commutes to long family drives, the Tang DM-i positions itself as a versatile choice for Filipinos seeking both sustainability and practicality.
BYD emphasized that this launch is part of its larger mission to make advanced mobility accessible in the Philippines. “The Tang DM-i is not simply another SUV in our lineup. It is a smarter and more adaptable choice, reflecting our belief that sustainable mobility must also be practical and flexible,” Palanca added.
With the new model, BYD hopes to further strengthen its foothold in the country and bring more Filipinos closer to the future of mobility.
BYD Cars Philippines has started taking reservations for the new Tang DM-i, the brand’s seven-seat flagship plug-in hybrid SUV built on Super DM-i tech and the Blade Battery. The pre-launch push began on September 1, with the full reveal set for September 17.
Built for family use and daily commuting, the Tang DM-i pairs an efficient gasoline engine with a powerful electric system. BYD quotes up to 1,160 kilometers of combined range and as much as 110 kilometers of pure electric driving on a full charge, aimed at cutting fuel stops in city driving while keeping long-trip confidence. The cabin seats seven with a flexible layout, premium convenience features, and advanced driver assistance that targets a secure, confident drive.
The model expands BYD’s Super DM-i lineup in the Philippines, following the Sealion 5 DM-i. Local distributor BYD Cars Philippines, under ACMobility, says the goal is simple: give Filipino families a larger, smarter, and more efficient SUV option, while making electrified mobility easier to access through its expanding dealer and charging footprint.
Interested buyers can contact their nearest BYD dealership to place a reservation ahead of launch or register interest online. The full specifications and pricing will be announced during the September 17 event, with deliveries and full feature breakdowns to follow.
Fast facts
- Reservations: Open starting September 1
- Powertrain: Super DM-i plug-in hybrid with Blade Battery
- Claimed range: Up to 1,160 km combined; up to 110 km EV only
- Seating: 7 seats with versatile interior
- Launch: September 17, local specs and pricing to be confirmed
- Availability: Through BYD Cars Philippines’ nationwide dealer network
Pingback: Volvo Shifts Gears With Euro Trip Raffle - ridenetwork.ph