EV
Seal the Distance
BYD Cars Philippines has expanded its electrified sedan range with the updated Seal 5 DM-i, now offered in Essential and Dynamic variants.
The plug-in hybrid sedan uses BYD’s fifth-generation Super DM-i technology. During an efficiency run conducted with the Automobile Association Philippines, the Seal 5 DM-i recorded a combined driving range of up to 2,181 kilometers.
Actual range will vary based on traffic, driving habits, weather, vehicle load and battery condition.
The Essential carries a 7.42-kWh Blade Battery that provides up to 55 kilometers of electric driving. The Dynamic receives a larger 18.3-kWh battery and raises the claimed electric range to 115 kilometers. Once the battery charge drops, the gasoline engine and electric motor continue working together.
BYD Cars Philippines managing director Bob Palanca said the updated model was developed for buyers looking for an efficient daily car and businesses seeking to reduce fleet operating costs.
Cabin equipment includes an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Automatic climate control comes with rear vents, while several USB ports provide charging access for occupants.
The trunk holds 522 liters with the rear seats in place. Folding them increases the available cargo space to 1,295 liters, giving the sedan added flexibility for luggage or business equipment.
Standard safety equipment includes cruise control, tire-pressure monitoring and rear parking sensors. Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Hold Control and Automatic Vehicle Hold are also fitted, along with multiple airbags.
The Seal 5 DM-i Essential carries a suggested retail price of P948,000, while the Dynamic is listed at P1.048 million. Special introductory prices are available until August 31, 2026, with the regular prices taking effect on September 1, 2026.
Both variants include an eight-year drive-unit warranty and a six-year or 160,000-kilometer bumper-to-bumper warranty. The Blade Battery is covered for eight years or 160,000 kilometers.
Buyers may choose from Deep Sea Blue, Cosmos Black, Atlantis Grey and Harbour Grey. Financing packages are available through BPI.
The sedan’s launch also starts the BYD Tech Tour at the TriNoma Activity Center, which runs until August 2, 2026.
The Chevrolet Spark EUV has been named the 2026 Electric Car of the Year by the Inter-American Federation of Automotive Journalism.
Automotive journalists from across the Americas selected the winners through a direct vote covering several vehicle categories. The recognition places the Spark EUV among Chevrolet’s notable entry-level electric models as it reaches more than eight markets in the region.
The compact electric vehicle has also gained ground in Brazil. Chevrolet recorded more than 1,000 Spark EUV deliveries there in April, up 70 percent from 628 units in March. It was the model’s strongest monthly performance in South America’s largest automotive market.
Hariphil Asia Resources, Inc., the official Chevrolet distributor in the Philippines, welcomed the award as the company expands the brand’s electric vehicle range locally.
“The Chevrolet Spark EUV’s recognition as the 2026 Electric Car of the Year by FIPA is a proud milestone that reflects Chevrolet’s commitment to delivering innovative, accessible, and customer-focused electric mobility solutions,” HARI Vice Chairman, President and CEO Maria Fe Perez-Agudo said.
Built mainly for urban use, the Spark EUV combines compact exterior dimensions with a spacious cabin and digital cockpit. Its modern-retro design is offered in several bright colors, while its size and handling suit crowded streets and limited parking spaces.
A 75-kW permanent magnet synchronous motor produces 102 PS and 180 Nm of torque. It draws power from a 41.9-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and provides up to 360 kilometers of range under the NEDC testing standard.
The Spark EUV supports AC and DC charging. Using a compatible DC fast charger, its battery can go from 30 to 80 percent in approximately 35 minutes.
Driver-assistance equipment includes adaptive cruise control, Traffic Jam Assist, lane safety features and a 360-degree panoramic camera. These systems help manage routine driving tasks and improve visibility around the vehicle.
Perez-Agudo said the Spark EUV shows how electric technology, safety and everyday practicality can be offered in one compact package. Its latest award gives Chevrolet another selling point as the brand introduces electric mobility to more Filipino drivers.
VinFast Feliz II cuts charging stops to about a minute
VinFast E-Motorcycle Philippines is preparing to launch the Feliz II with a battery-swapping system designed to get riders moving again in about one minute.
The One-Minute Swap allows a rider to remove a depleted battery and replace it with a fully charged unit at a V-Green station. The system will also support the VinFast Evo and Viper electric motorcycles.
VinFast and V-Green plan to establish around 30,000 battery-swap stations nationwide. Proposed locations include VinFast dealerships, partner motorcycle shops, malls and fuel stations, giving riders more places to replace batteries during daily trips or work shifts.
The service gives owners another option aside from home charging. A single battery takes about three to four hours to charge, while two batteries require around six to eight hours. Riders who need additional range during the day can instead visit a swap station and continue their trip without waiting through a full charging cycle.
VinFast will offer access to the network through a battery subscription starting at P439 per month. The first 12 months will be free, covering up to 20 swaps each month. The company said choosing the subscription setup could also lower the motorcycle’s initial cost by around 20 percent compared with buying the unit with batteries included.
VinFast estimates that total ownership costs could be at least 25 percent lower than those of a comparable gasoline motorcycle over five years. Riders who cover long distances and refuel frequently, including ride-hailing drivers, could see the largest savings.
The subscription also places battery maintenance under VinFast. A battery will be replaced without charge once its health falls below the company’s specified performance threshold, reducing concerns over long-term battery degradation.
The Feliz II can travel up to 145 kilometers using two batteries and has a top speed of 90 kilometers per hour. VinFast also describes the scooter as spacious enough to accommodate a family of three. Its IP67 waterproof rating provides added protection during sudden rain and travel through wet conditions.
The Feliz II will officially arrive in the Philippines on July 31 alongside the Evo and Viper, introducing VinFast’s battery-swapping approach to the local electric motorcycle market.
Tesla emerged as the Philippines’ top-selling electric vehicle brand in June 2026, extending its lead after also taking the top spot in May.
The results, based on CAMPI-TMA sales data cited by Tesla Philippines, point to growing local demand as the automaker expands its ownership offers, charging network and software features.
Tesla is offering the Model 3 through financing packages starting at P29,990 per month. Eligible customers may also receive free Supercharging credits, one year of comprehensive insurance, purchase incentives and a complimentary home charger for a limited period.
The offers are aimed at lowering the initial and continuing costs of owning an electric vehicle. Drivers can manage charging, vehicle settings and software updates through the Tesla mobile app.
Owners may also join the Tesla Owners Club, which provides discounts and privileges from participating merchants. Tesla’s referral program gives rewards to existing owners and new buyers who purchase through a referral.
Charging support remains a major part of the brand’s local expansion. Tesla currently operates four Supercharger stalls in the Philippines and plans to open additional sites.
Its Destination Charger network has also grown with new locations in Bonifacio Global City and Southwoods Mall in Laguna. The facilities give owners more charging options in commercial areas and along frequently travelled routes.
Tesla continues to develop its vehicles through over-the-air software updates. The company introduced more than 300 new or revised features worldwide in 2025.
Its Summer 2026 update expands the functions of the Grok AI Assistant. Drivers can use the system to make phone calls, search for and play music, and adjust the vehicle’s climate controls.
Automatic navigation can also suggest destinations based on the driver’s habits and schedule instead of being limited to saved home and work locations.
Tesla said it more than doubled its onsite computing capacity in Texas during the first half of 2026. The additional capacity supports the development of autonomous driving software and humanoid robotics.
The automaker is also raising production of its 4680 battery cells to support higher vehicle output, including production of the Model Y.
Tesla’s back-to-back Philippine sales lead gives the company an early advantage as more brands enter the local electric vehicle market. Its next challenge will be maintaining that pace while expanding charging access and keeping ownership costs competitive.
