EV
Charge Before You Leap
Electric vehicles are becoming more visible across Metro Manila, with compact models such as the VinFast VF 3 and VF 5 now blended into everyday traffic. As more Filipinos consider their first electric car, VinFast outlines seven key questions to guide buyers before making the switch.
1. How far do I usually travel?
Range remains the first concern for new EV users. For short city commutes around Makati, Ortigas, or Quezon City, compact models like the VF 5, offering up to 326 kilometers, or the VF 6, which reaches around 480 kilometers, may be enough. Those who frequently drive to provincial destinations such as Subic, Baguio, or Batangas are encouraged to look at the VF 7, which delivers nearly 500 kilometers of range on a full charge.
2. What battery type does the EV use?
Battery technology influences durability, safety, and longevity. VinFast equips the VF 6 and VF 7 with LFP batteries, a Lithium Iron Phosphate chemistry known for stability in hot climates like the Philippines. These batteries are covered by warranties of up to 10 years or 200,000 kilometers, giving buyers additional peace of mind.
3. Where can I charge, and what charger do I need?
The growth of public charging stations in malls, offices, condominiums, and major highways has improved convenience, but understanding accessibility remains essential. Buyers are urged to check connector types, available charging points near their route, and the possibility of installing a home charger. VinFast customers are supported by a three year free charging program in partnership with V Green to help with early adoption.
4. What safety features does the EV include?
Safety continues to be a nonnegotiable requirement. The VF 3 already offers ABS, hill start assist, and airbags despite its compact footprint. Higher models such as the VF 5, VF 6, and VF 7 include blind spot alerts, rear cross traffic warning, and multiple airbags, features designed to help in dense urban traffic or long expressway trips.
5. Where will I bring the EV for servicing?
After sales support is a major factor for first time EV buyers. VinFast is expanding service coverage through partners like Motech and JIGA, allowing customers easier access to maintenance. Vehicles also receive over the air updates, enabling system improvements without visiting a service center.
6. How much will I spend on charging and upkeep?
EV ownership typically leads to lower running costs. A full charge at home can cost ₱200 to ₱300, significantly lower than fuel refills. With fewer moving parts and no engine oil to replace, maintenance expenses also decrease over time.
7. Is an EV the right fit for my lifestyle?
VinFast encourages buyers to evaluate daily routes, charging options, and long term mobility needs. For VF 3 owner Paul Reyes, who has already driven about 10,000 kilometers, the quiet drive, low operating cost, and overall convenience convinced him to commit to electric for good.
VinFast Philippines hopes these seven questions give first time buyers the clarity they need as they join the growing EV community.
BYD Cars Philippines wants Christmas road trips to feel a bit more personal this year, matching every type of driver with a specific model from its growing lineup, plus limited holiday deals and a weekend Tech Tour in Bonifacio High Street.
From December 5 to 7, 2025, the brand is bringing its latest models to the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater in Taguig for the BYD Tech Tour. The test drive hours run from 11 am to 11 pm, giving shoppers and holiday travelers time to sample the cars before or after gift runs and barkada meetups. Visitors can also check out the Anniversary Deals that offer up to Php 220,000 in savings, Php 25,000 worth of ACMobility charging credits, and low down payment options on select models until December 31, 2025.
For growing families who split Christmas between in-laws and out-of-town relatives, the BYD e-MAX 7 is positioned as the practical pick. It has three rows, quiet electric drive, and space for both luggage and gifts, which should help keep long visits and New Year trips more relaxed.
Urban professionals who want a stylish daily driver with out-of-town range are pointed to the BYD Seal 5 DM-i. It pairs BYD’s plug-in hybrid Super DM-i system with a claimed combined range of more than 1,200 kilometers. Inside, it comes with a 12.8-inch rotating infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster that target tech-focused owners who spend a lot of time on EDSA or the expressways.
For those who like quick city runs and weekend getaways, the BYD Atto 3 takes the full-electric route. The crossover uses BYD’s Blade Battery and offers an estimated 480 kilometers of range, backed by a soft-riding suspension and a 15.6-inch rotating screen. The brand is pitching it to active urbanites who bounce between errands, night-outs, and unplanned road trips.
Drivers who want a more relaxed, everyday crossover can look at the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i. Also using Super DM-i technology, it aims to deliver an easygoing, electric-first feel with a quiet cabin and useful cargo room for luggage or shopping bags. BYD says it suits motorists who want calm weekday drives and stress-free holiday traffic.
For customers who plan to go beyond paved roads during the break, BYD is positioning the Shark DM-O as the adventurous choice. The pickup uses DM-O hybrid technology that combines the pulling power of electric motors with four-wheel drive, aiming to give more confidence on mountain roads, coastal routes, and rough provincial tracks.
All models are sold in the Philippines through Mobility Access Philippines Ventures Inc. under ACMobility, the Ayala Group’s mobility platform. Shoppers can reserve or book test drives through BYD Cars Philippines dealerships nationwide or through the brand’s official website and social media channels.
Ford’s Ranger Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) has taken home the International Pick-up Award (IPUA) for 2026 to 2027, marking a major milestone for the model and for hybrid trucks worldwide. It is the fourth time in 15 years that the Ranger nameplate has earned the title. This year’s win is also historic because it is the first time a hybrid pickup has topped the competition.
The latest round of evaluations took place in Bulgaria, where a 23-member jury of automotive journalists put several double-cab 4×4 contenders through challenging on-road and off-road tests. The routes around Samokov and Sapareva Banja included the rugged trails near the Rila mountains and the demanding Verila region. The Ranger PHEV ended up leading the group, beating strong rivals including the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster, Foton V9 Hybrid, and Maxus T60.
Judges highlighted how the Ranger PHEV managed to combine hybrid efficiency with dependable power and capability. The plug-in system pairs a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with a 75 kW electric motor, delivering a total of 281 horsepower and 697 Nm of torque. It also keeps a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,500 kilograms, allowing it to perform like a traditional workhorse while offering zero-emission driving in EV mode.
IPUA Chairman Jarlath Sweeney described the model as offering class-leading performance along with lower running costs. Ford executives echoed the pride, noting that this recognition reflects the consistent development of the Ranger lineup. One feature that also stood out to jurors is Pro Power Onboard, which lets users power tools and devices directly from the vehicle.
Kia has scored a major breakthrough in the commercial vehicle world as its first fully electric van, the PV5, received the 2026 International Van of the Year award. The recognition was handed out during the IVOTY Award Gala at SOLUTRANS 2025 in Lyon after a unanimous vote from 26 commercial vehicle journalists from around the globe.
Introduced as the inaugural model under Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle lineup, the PV5 stood out for its mix of innovation, efficiency, safety and real-world usability. It also became the first Korean model and Asia’s first electric van to win the award, marking a historic achievement for the brand.
The van runs on Kia’s dedicated E-GMP.S platform and offers an electric range of up to 416 km for the Cargo Long variant. Fast charging from 10 to 80 percent can be done in about 30 minutes, while its payload capacity reaches 790 kg. The PV5 also holds a Guinness World Records title for covering 693.38 km on a single charge while fully loaded.
Its design focuses on flexibility, featuring a flat-floor layout and modular upper-body configurations suited for logistics, delivery and passenger transport. Inside, operators get next-generation features like a built-in AI assistant, fleet management tools and an app marketplace.
Kia says the PV5 is just the start, with more PBV models arriving from 2026 including a Chassis Cab, Cargo Standard and High Roof versions, alongside larger PBVs like the PV7 and PV9.
