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.
Buying an electric motorcycle requires more than comparing its price and specifications. VinFast says first-time buyers should also examine the support network, battery plan, weather protection and real-world range before choosing a model.
The Vietnamese electric vehicle brand is building its Philippine two-wheel network around three models and 28 dealerships that will provide sales and aftersales services. This network is one of the first things buyers should consider because warranty support, servicing and access to battery-swapping stations can affect everyday ownership.
Battery cost is another major consideration. VinFast will let customers either buy the battery with the motorcycle or use a subscription plan. The subscription costs P439 a month for one battery and P799 for two batteries, which also gives riders access to the company’s swapping network.
Customers who subscribe on or before 30 September 2026 will receive a free one-battery subscription for 12 months and up to 20 free battery swaps each month during the period.
Prices under the one-battery subscription plan start at P62,900 for the EVO, P64,900 for the Feliz II and P73,900 for the Viper. With one battery included, prices are P75,600, P77,600 and P89,600, respectively. Two-battery packages cost P88,300 for the EVO, P90,300 for the Feliz II and P99,300 for the Viper.
VinFast estimates that its models could save owners P40,000 to P70,000 over five years compared with similarly positioned gasoline motorcycles. Actual savings will depend on use and prevailing fuel and electricity prices.
Weather protection should also be checked carefully. The Viper has an IP67-rated motor and controller system for water resistance in wet conditions. However, an IP rating should not be treated as permission to ride through deep floodwater, since other parts of the motorcycle and unseen road hazards may still put the rider at risk.
Range and performance must also match the rider’s routine. The EVO can travel up to 150 kilometers with two batteries under standard conditions and has a top speed of 80 kph. The step-through Feliz II reaches 90 kph and has a flat floorboard for bags and other items.
The sportier Viper produces up to 5,200 watts of power and reaches 90 kph with two batteries. It also has a 21-liter storage compartment, projector headlights, a TFT display, smart key and USB charging.
For first-time e-motorcycle buyers, the right model should fit the budget, daily route, charging access and available ownership support.
BDO Unibank is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a nationwide raffle that gives customers a chance to win five Toyota Ativ Hybrid cars and 250 SM Gift Passes.
The BDO 50th Anniversary Raffle runs from August to December 2026 and is open to eligible clients of BDO Unibank and BDO Network Bank.
New customers may join by opening a qualified deposit account, completing a one-time online registration and maintaining the required balance. Existing clients can earn entries by adding to their deposits and registering online.
The raffle has five draws. Customers who qualify in August can win one of 50 SM Gift Passes worth P5,000 each during the first draw on 14 September.
Another 50 gift passes will be awarded on 14 October to customers who qualify in September.
The next two draws will add hybrid cars to the prizes. Customers who qualify in October can win one Toyota Ativ Hybrid and one of 50 gift passes on 14 November. The same set of prizes will be awarded to November qualifiers during the 14 December draw.
All eligible entries earned from August to December will be included in the grand draw on 14 January 2027. Three Toyota Ativ Hybrid cars and another 50 SM Gift Passes will be given away during the final draw.
BDO introduced the raffle as a thanksgiving program for clients who have supported the bank during its first five decades.
The bank has served Filipinos through different stages of their financial lives, from opening an account for a first salary to saving for a home, education, business or retirement.
Financial habits have changed considerably during that period as mobile apps and online services made many banking transactions available without a branch visit. Customers have also started saving for a wider range of goals, including emergency funds, travel, investments and small businesses.
BDO said it will continue adapting its services as customer needs and banking habits change.
Mitsubishi is bringing back the ASX name for a new battery-electric model in Australia, where the 2027 ASX VR-e is scheduled to arrive in showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The new EV is not related to the gasoline-powered ASX currently sold in Australia. Instead, it is based on the Foxtron Bria, an electric vehicle developed in Taiwan by Foxtron, the automotive arm of electronics manufacturer Foxconn.
Mitsubishi has carried out local testing and development for Australia and New Zealand, while also giving the vehicle its own exterior and interior details.
The ASX VR-e name combines two familiar Mitsubishi badges. ASX stands for Active Sports Crossover, while VR-e takes inspiration from the VR-4 designation previously used on performance models such as the Galant VR-4.
Four variants are planned for Australia, namely LS, Aspire, Exceed and GSR.
Mitsubishi has so far released only limited technical information for the ASX VR-e, but the Foxtron Bria on which it is based is offered with rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.
The rear-wheel-drive version uses a single electric motor producing 171 kW, or about 229 hp, and can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive version develops 298 kW, or about 400 hp, and cuts the sprint to 3.9 seconds.
Both versions use a 57.5-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. The Bria is rated at up to 516 km of range under the NEDC test cycle for the rear-wheel-drive model, while the all-wheel-drive version is rated at 466 km.
Estimated WLTP figures are lower at around 430 km and 400 km, respectively. DC fast charging is rated at up to 134 kW, with a 10 to 80 percent charge said to take about 30 minutes.
The ASX VR-e measures 4,315 mm long, 1,885 mm wide and 1,535 mm tall, with a 2,800-mm wheelbase. Its dimensions place it in the small crossover and hatchback class.
Changes from the Foxtron version include Mitsubishi badging, revised daytime running lights, different alloy wheels and interior trim. The vehicle also uses an S-duct through the front fascia and active grille shutters to help reduce aerodynamic drag.
Expected equipment includes a 15.6-inch infotainment display, 9.2-inch digital instrument panel, power-adjustable front seats, a 360-degree camera, glass roof and ambient lighting.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia CEO Shunichi Kihara described the ASX VR-e as the brand’s first battery-electric vehicle in Australia since the i-MiEV and part of Mitsubishi’s wider electrification plans under its Momentum 2030 strategy.
Pricing and final Australian specifications will be announced closer to its launch later this year.
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