EV
XPENG readies Philippine debut in September
XPENG will formally enter the Philippine market in September through a public launch event that will also introduce its first two local models, the X9 and L03.
The Chinese electric vehicle company said the event will give Filipino consumers their first close look at the brand and its plans for intelligent mobility. Details on the venue, activities and registration will be released through XPENG Philippines’ social media pages.
XPENG will operate through XPENG Philippines, a direct subsidiary that will handle local sales, marketing, distribution and retail operations. The company said the arrangement supports its long-term plans in the country.
The XPENG X9 will lead the initial lineup. The seven-seat electric vehicle is positioned as the brand’s flagship model, with a premium cabin, technology features and space aimed at families, business leaders and professionals.
It will be joined by the XPENG L03, an SUV coupe that combines contemporary styling with the company’s software-led vehicle systems and in-car technology.
Local specifications, variants, pricing and availability for both models will be disclosed at the September launch.
Founded in Guangzhou in 2014, XPENG develops electric vehicles along with its own advanced driver-assistance system, in-car operating system, powertrain and electrical architecture. It has expanded into more than 60 countries and regions, with over 380 overseas stores across Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania and Latin America.
The Philippines will become part of that wider expansion as more EV brands look to establish a local presence. For now, XPENG’s September event will provide the first clear view of the vehicles and business structure it plans to bring to Filipino buyers.
VinFast Marikina has expanded into a full-service dealership center, giving electric vehicle owners in Marikina and nearby areas access to sales, maintenance, repairs, spare parts and charging facilities in one location.
The 500-square-meter site at 8 Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue in Sto. Niño opened in May through VinFast’s partnership with Xentro Motors OPC. It has now been upgraded into a 1S Plus facility, a designation that covers sales, service and spare parts support.
The showroom carries VinFast’s battery-electric vehicle lineup, while its service section has three working bays, including one with a vehicle lifter. It also has tools intended for the brand’s EV models, a parts warehouse and charging equipment for customers.
VinFast said the facility can handle preventive maintenance, general repairs, detailing, body repairs, insurance claims and renewals. Owners can also source maintenance components, mechanical and suspension parts, body panels, coolants and brake fluids from its inventory.
Two wall chargers are installed inside the dealership, while six charging stations are available outside. The site gives VinFast owners in Marikina and Eastern Metro Manila another place to recharge as well as have their vehicles checked or repaired.
VinFast Philippines CEO Rhomel Franco said the upgraded facility is intended to make ownership support more accessible for customers in the eastern part of Metro Manila.
“VinFast Marikina reflects our commitment to making electric mobility more accessible while giving every VinFast owner the confidence that reliable support is always nearby,” Franco said.
Xentro Motors OPC CEO Noel Ignacio said the dealership responds to demand for a more complete EV service option in the area. Xentro Motors is supported by XRC Mall Developer Inc. and operates within a wider network in North and South Luzon.
The Marikina facility is part of VinFast’s growing local network, which now has 36 locations nationwide. The company said more openings are planned in Fairview, Cagayan de Oro, Pasay, Batangas City and Kawit, Cavite.
VinFast is also offering ownership programs such as battery subscription, a resale value guarantee and free charging through the V-Green network until 31 March 2029.
The showroom is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Its service center operates Monday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For years, the midsize SUV has been the usual family-car choice in the Philippines. It offers seven seats, a taller driving position and the flexibility to handle school runs, weekend trips and long drives.
GAC Philippines believes the MPV deserves another look.
Its expanded lineup now covers three approaches to family transport: the gasoline-powered GN6, the E8 HEV hybrid and the GN8 PHEV Executive plug-in hybrid. Each has a different price point and powertrain, but all focus on passenger comfort, cabin flexibility and the practical demands of carrying people every day.
The GN6 serves as the entry point at an introductory price of P1.198 million for reservations made until 30 September. It uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and has a third row that folds flat into the floor, opening up to 1,100 liters of cargo space. A 360-degree HD camera and advanced driver-assistance systems also help drivers handle tighter roads and parking areas.
For families ready for electrification without relying on charging, the E8 HEV is offered in GL and GX variants. Introductory prices are P1.778 million and P1.918 million, respectively. Its 2.0-liter hybrid system gives it a claimed range of more than 1,000 kilometers on a full tank.
The E8 HEV also shows where MPVs can have an advantage over many SUVs. It has a low step-in height, spacious three-row seating and, on the GX, power-sliding doors that make loading children or assisting older passengers easier. Its Magic Storage seating system has 18 configurations, including a Tea Break Mode that turns the rear area into an outdoor lounge setup.
At the top of the range is the GN8 PHEV Executive, priced at P3.338 million during the introductory period. It pairs a 2.0-liter turbo plug-in hybrid system with a claimed combined range of up to 1,032 kilometers.
Its second-row captain’s seats have power leg rests, ventilation and massage functions. The GN8 also uses Zero Breeze Air Conditioning, which distributes cool air through more than 1,600 micro-vents, and it connects with the GAC app.
GAC said it has delivered more than 880,000 MPVs globally since building its presence in China’s premium people-mover segment in the 2010s. That experience is evident in the lineup’s focus on access, seating comfort and a cabin that can change from passenger space to cargo room as needed.
The company supports its local customers through 30 dealerships, a local parts warehouse and two years of free roadside assistance. The GN6 comes with a five-year or 150,000-kilometer warranty, while the E8 HEV and GN8 PHEV Executive have the same basic coverage plus an eight-year or 150,000-kilometer warranty for their power battery, motor and motor control unit.
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.
