EV
BYD Sparks the South
BYD Cars Philippines, together with ACMobility, wrapped up its first-ever Tech Tour in Mindanao with a three-day event in Cagayan de Oro from June 27 to 29. The event gave locals a hands-on look at the future of electric mobility, including test drives of BYD’s latest models and a showcase of charging infrastructure.
BYD’s push into the South matters to Metro Manila and CALABARZON drivers who split time between city traffic and SLEX runs. Daily commutes on Alabang–Zapote and service roads need quiet, efficient torque for stop-and-go, while weekend trips toward Nuvali, Tagaytay, or Batangas benefit from stable range planning and fast top-ups at corridor chargers along SLEX/STAR and destination chargers at malls and hotels.
Local ownership is about backing and convenience. Check the official Philippine warranty and after-sales coverage, plus which South-area dealers are fully EV-ready for battery diagnostics and high-voltage work. Include indicative PH pricing and financing, and add a quick note on home charging: a 7 kW AC wallbox typically fits condo/house setups, while public DC hubs in the South make longer drives simpler.
This tour follows ACMobility’s earlier milestone—opening Mindanao’s first BYD dealership in Davao City last year. “We’re sticking to our mission to bring BYD’s innovation to more Filipinos and build the EV infrastructure they need,” said BYD Philippines Managing Director Bob Palanca.
During the event, BYD rolled out its full lineup of electric and hybrid vehicles. Visitors got to see the Seal 5 DM-i, Sealion 6 DM-i, eMax 7, Shark 6 DMO, and the all-new Sealion 5 DM-i. This latest subcompact SUV also made its official debut in Mindanao, aimed at young drivers looking for range, reliability, and smart features.
Adam Hu, BYD Philippines Country Head, emphasized the importance of letting people experience the cars firsthand: “The BYD Tech Tour helps Filipinos learn more about EVs and understand what makes us the global leader in new energy vehicles.”
ACMobility, under the Ayala Group, continues to boost the country’s EV ecosystem. As of June 2025, it has activated over 230 charging stations in more than 100 locations across the Philippines. Mindanao alone now has nine charging locations, with more on the way—including in Pagadian City.
By year-end, ACMobility aims to roll out more than 700 charging points nationwide. Through its partnership with the app Evro, users can easily locate stations, monitor charging sessions, and pay cashless—all from their phones.
“We’re laying down the EV backbone of the country,” said Carla Buencamino, Head of Mobility Infrastructure at ACMobility. “The goal is to make driving electric practical and convenient for every Filipino.”
For more on BYD’s cars, visit www.bydcarsphilippines.com. For charging station access or business partnerships, go to www.acmobility.ph.
VinFast’s smallest electric SUV is getting a new public service role in Southeast Asia.
The VinFast VF 3, first positioned as a compact EV for school runs, grocery trips and daily commutes, is now being used by police agencies in the Philippines and Indonesia. The deployments add another use case for the mini electric SUV as local governments and enforcement units look at electric mobility for patrol and support operations.
In the Philippines, the Municipality of Noveleta in Cavite has deployed VF 3 units as electric police patrol vehicles. The move forms part of the town’s push for sustainable governance, environmental responsibility and updated public safety operations.
Noveleta is also cited as the first municipality in CALABARZON to adopt EV mobility goals. Its initial VF 3 patrol units were supplied through VinFast Marikina and Xentro, with more units expected later.
The vehicles will support local patrol work while helping cut fuel use and operating costs. For a municipal fleet, the shift shows how EV adoption is moving beyond private buyers and into government service.
In Indonesia, the VF 3 has been assigned to a more specialized task. The National Traffic Police Corps introduced its Precision Drone Patrol ETLE program, which uses drones to monitor traffic and spot violations. A modified VF 3 was chosen as a mobile transport unit for drone equipment.
The rear section of the vehicle was adapted for storage, allowing officers to carry and deploy traffic-monitoring drones from different locations. Its small size also helps officers move through congested streets and operate in areas where larger vehicles may have difficulty.
The VF 3 measures 3,190 mm long, 1,679 mm wide and 1,652 mm high. It has 16-inch wheels, 175 mm of ground clearance and a driving range of up to 215 kilometers on a full charge. Using DC fast charging, its battery can go from 10 percent to 70 percent in around 36 minutes.
VinFast said these traits make the VF 3 useful not only for city drivers, but also for fleets that need low operating costs, easy maneuverability and practical daily use.
The model has also become a strong seller in Vietnam. VinFast delivered 4,770 VF 3 units in May 2026, raising its total VF 3 deliveries to 20,231 units for the first five months of the year.
For the Philippines, the VF 3 is being pitched as an accessible EV with a 7-year or 160,000-kilometer vehicle warranty, a 10-year battery warranty, support from VinFast’s service network and access to the V-Green charging program.
From private errands to patrol duty and drone support, the VF 3 is showing how a small EV can take on bigger work.
Gateway Group adds BAIC to its dealer network
BAIC Philippines has signed a dealership partnership with MG Gateway Mantrade Corp. as the brand expands its presence in more key markets.
The contract signing was held on June 8 at the BAIC flagship showroom in North EDSA. The agreement brings BAIC into Gateway Group’s automotive portfolio, adding another dealer group to BAIC Philippines’ growing network.
Gateway Group is set to open BAIC dealerships in Manila Bay, BGC Taguig and Matina, Davao. The new locations are expected to strengthen BAIC’s reach in Metro Manila and Mindanao while giving more customers access to the brand’s sales and aftersales services.
BAIC Philippines Brand Head Timothy Sytin said the entry of Gateway Group reflects growing demand for the brand.
“Gateway Group coming on board tells us the demand is real, and we’d rather grow where people are already asking for us than get ahead of ourselves,” Sytin said.
The partnership also supports BAIC’s push into electrified mobility. The brand’s new energy lineup includes the BAIC B30e Dune Hybrid, B40e Trailmaster rEV, B60 Beaumont Diesel Hybrid and B60e Beaumont rEV.
BAIC Philippines said the collaboration will help widen access to its SUVs, hybrids and electrified models as customer interest shifts toward more advanced mobility options.
The signing was attended by Timothy Sytin, BAIC Philippines brand head; Kenneth Sytin, UAAGI vice chairman; Markane Goho, MG Gateway Mantrade Corp. chairman and chief executive officer; and Alvin Lu, MG Gateway Mantrade Corp. general manager.
BAIC Philippines is distributed locally by UAAGI Auto Inc. Its current lineup includes the B30e Dune Hybrid Off-Roader, B40 Pro TrailMaster, B40e Trailmaster rEV, B40 Ragnar, B60 Beaumont diesel hybrid, B60e Beaumont rEV, B80 Wagon and X55 Verve.
Lexus brings electrified luxury closer to mallgoers with a three-day showcase in San Juan.
Lexus is bringing its electrified luxury lineup to Greenhills Mall for a three-day showcase aimed at giving guests a closer look at the brand’s hybrid models and lifestyle experience.
The display runs from June 19 to 21, 2026 at the South Wing of Greenhills Mall in San Juan, Metro Manila. The showcase features the RX 350h Executive, NX 350h Executive and LBX, highlighting Lexus’ focus on electrified performance, refined design and everyday luxury.
The RX 350h Executive leads the lineup as Lexus’ luxury electrified SUV. It features the brand’s spindle body design, a refined cabin and an advanced hybrid powertrain built for smooth and confident driving. Lexus positions the RX 350h Executive for individuals and families looking for premium comfort, intuitive technology and fuel-efficient performance.
Also on display is the NX 350h Executive, an electrified luxury crossover designed for professionals and families. It combines hybrid efficiency with a spacious cabin, quiet ride, advanced safety features and everyday practicality.
The LBX completes the showcase with a more compact take on Lexus luxury. The city-friendly crossover is aimed at young professionals, first-time luxury buyers and urban users looking for premium finishes, smart technology and a more agile package.
Lexus is offering complimentary custom embroidery for Lexus shirts. Owners and enthusiasts may bring their own Lexus apparel or purchase one at the venue and have it customized on-site.
The Greenhills showcase gives guests a closer view of Lexus’ approach to modern luxury, where electrified vehicles are paired with curated experiences and details built around the customer.
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