EV
Van-tastic
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.
Ford Mustang Mach-E tops JD Power EV ownership study in the US
The Ford Mustang Mach‑E has earned the highest owner satisfaction score in the 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Ownership Study conducted by J.D. Power.
In the latest EVX Ownership Study, the Mustang Mach-E posted a score of 760 out of 1,000. The figure placed it ahead of other battery electric vehicles in the U.S. market, including the Hyundai IONIQ 6, which scored 748, and the Kia EV9, which received 745.
The study gathers feedback from EV owners after their first year of use. It looks at day to day driving experience, range accuracy, charging convenience, cost of ownership, vehicle quality and reliability, and the level of guidance customers receive when transitioning to electric mobility.
Results show that satisfaction is not based on specifications alone. Owners rate their vehicles on how well they fit into daily routines, how simple charging is, and how confident they feel behind the wheel.
Pedro Simoes, President and Managing Director of Ford Philippines, said the recognition reflects how owners experience the vehicle in real conditions. He added that the Mustang Mach-E represents Ford’s effort to deliver an electric vehicle that remains engaging to drive while offering practical usability and strong customer support.
The Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s all electric SUV that carries the performance character associated with the Mustang nameplate. It delivers quick acceleration, a spacious cabin layout, and a digital interface designed for everyday use. The model combines performance styling with SUV practicality.
The EVX study also highlights a broader trend. As electric vehicle adoption grows, customer experience plays a bigger role in ownership satisfaction. Ease of charging, clarity of information, and overall reliability now influence purchase decisions as much as power and range figures.
Ford said the ranking supports its global electrification push and reinforces its focus on building EVs that integrate smoothly into modern lifestyles. For markets like the Philippines, where interest in electric mobility continues to rise, such global recognition strengthens the brand’s position in the growing EV segment.
Honda Cars Philippines Inc. kicked off 2026 with a familiar name but a very different lineup. The refreshed Honda CR-V has officially landed in the Philippines, unveiled at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center, and the big headline is simple. The CR-V is now mostly hybrid.
After its regional debut in Thailand late last year, the new CR-V arrives locally with three variants. Two are now e:HEV hybrids, while only one keeps a pure turbo gasoline setup.
Three Variants, Two Hybrids
The range opens with the V Turbo HuNT CVT. It runs a 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo engine paired with a CVT, sending power to the front wheels. Output stands at 190 PS at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque from 1,700 to 5,000 rpm.
The big shift happens in the middle. The VX e:HEV e-CVT now goes hybrid. It combines a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle VTEC engine producing 148 PS and 183 Nm with a dual-traction electric motor rated at 184 PS and 335 Nm. Power flows to the front wheels through an e-CVT.
At the top sits the RS e:HEV AWD e-CVT. It uses the same electrified setup as the VX but adds Real-Time AWD, giving the CR-V hybrid traction on all four wheels for the first time in the local lineup.
Same Shape, Sharper Details
Visually, the 2026 CR-V keeps its familiar proportions. Updates are subtle but noticeable. New 18-inch alloy wheels wear wider 235/60 tires, while exterior trim pieces and blacked-out accents freshen the look.
The HuNT styling package, exclusive to the V Turbo variant, adds copper accents on the grille and fog lights, silver highlights on the lower bumper, black wheel arch cladding, and silver running boards for a tougher stance.
Safety and Tech Go Standard
All variants come loaded with Honda Sensing, the brand’s full driver-assist suite. This includes adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, collision mitigation braking, lane-keep assist, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, auto high-beam, and lead car departure notification. Blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert are now standard across the board.
Inside, every CR-V gets a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus Google built-in, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, leather seats, a wireless charging pad, power front seats with driver memory, a power tailgate, and Honda Connect. The head-up display is now available on the VX, no longer limited to the RS.
The RS keeps its premium edge with a panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, red contrast stitching with RS logos, and a hands-free power tailgate.
Hybrid Warranty and Colors
Both e:HEV variants come with an 8-year or 160,000-km battery warranty for added peace of mind.
Color options include Canyon River Blue Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, and Platinum White Pearl, with a PHP 20,000 surcharge for the white finish.
Introductory Pricing
Honda is offering special launch pricing for early buyers:
- RS e:HEV AWD e-CVT – PHP 2,788,000
- VX e:HEV e-CVT – PHP 2,438,000
- V Turbo HuNT CVT – PHP 2,258,000
Regular prices are set PHP 50,000 to PHP 100,000 higher depending on the variant.
Volvo Cars Philippines has rolled out a limited time promo on its two plug in hybrid SUVs, giving buyers a rare chance to step into electrified luxury with major savings.
Handled locally by Hariphil Asia Resources Inc. (HARI), the offer puts both the XC90 T8 and XC60 T8 Plug in Hybrid under the spotlight, each carrying a ₱500,000 discount from their respective sticker prices. The promo covers Volvo’s top tier electrified models and comes with a DTI Fair Trade Permit, making it a certified deal for buyers looking to move into hybrid ownership.
Leading the lineup is the XC90 T8 Plug in Hybrid, Volvo’s seven seater flagship SUV. With the discount applied, the model drops from its ₱5.45 million suggested retail price. Designed for families and long drives, the XC90 T8 can travel up to 77 kilometers on electric power alone before switching to hybrid mode for longer trips. This setup allows for emissions free city use while keeping fuel efficiency and performance intact on highways.
Alongside it is the XC60 T8 Plug in Hybrid, Volvo’s best selling SUV globally with more than 2.7 million units sold worldwide. Priced at ₱4.55 million before the discount, the five seater SUV offers up to 80 kilometers of electric only driving, making it suitable for daily urban use. Once the battery is depleted, the vehicle automatically shifts to hybrid operation to maintain efficiency without sacrificing responsiveness.
Both models highlight Volvo’s long standing focus on safety, comfort, and Scandinavian design, while giving buyers access to plug in hybrid technology without fully committing to a pure electric vehicle.
Interested customers can visit Volvo Cars Makati to check availability, learn more about the promo, and book a test drive. The offer is available for a limited time only, subject to terms and conditions.
