Know your Electric Vehicles

Here are the kinds of EVs available in the Philippine Market

Now is a great time to be in the market for an electric vehicle. But before diving in and making a purchase, here’s what you need to know.

In a nutshell, Electric vehicles (EVs) come in three main types: Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). BEVs are fully electric, PHEVs combine gasoline and electric power and can be plugged in to charge their batteries, while HEVs do not need to be plugged in as the battery is charged by an internal combustion engine (ICE). FCEVs are currently not available in the Philippines.

Different car brands offer their own variations to these key technologies, but the formulas are essentially the same.

Battery Electric Vehicles, also called BEVs and more frequently called EVs, are fully electric vehicles with rechargeable batteries and no gasoline engine. All energy to run the vehicle comes from the battery pack which is recharged from the electric grid. BEVs are zero emissions vehicles, as they do not generate any harmful tailpipe emissions or air pollution hazards caused by traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

Popular EV models are the BYD Atto 3, BYD eMax 7, BYD Dolphin, and BYD Seagull. The Atto 3 Premium has a 480km range. Kia also offers long-range EVs, namely the EV6 and the EV9

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, or PHEVs, have both an engine and electric motor to drive the car. Like regular hybrids, they can recharge their battery through regenerative braking. They differ from regular hybrids by having a much larger battery, and being able to plug into the grid to recharge. While regular hybrids can (at low speed) travel just a few kilometers before the gasoline engine turns on, PHEVs can go much farther.

BYD’s version of PHEVs is its Super DM-i Technology that represents a game-changing evolution in intelligent EV technology. Exclusively developed by BYD, it brings a multitude of benefits, including energy efficiency, low fuel consumption, drive performance and comfort. At the heart of BYD Super DM-i is a system that uses a large capacity power battery as the primary power source and a gasoline engine that acts as an onboard charger for longer distance travel.

The Super DM-i system of the Sealion 6 consists of an electric motor, a 1.5-liter engine that serves as a power generator, and an 18.3 kWh Blade battery.

In normal driving scenarios, the system stays on EV mode and solely relies on the batteries. But when the system detects the battery’s state of charge is under 25%, that’s when the engine powers up to help in recharging while you’re moving. Put the pedal to the floor the engine combines with the electric motor to give you all 217 PS and 325 Nm of torque. The Sealion 6 DM-i has a rated electric range of 100 km, and a total driving range of up to 1,100km.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles, or HEVs, have both a gas-powered engine and an electric motor to drive the car. All energy for the battery is gained through regenerative braking, which recoups otherwise lost energy in braking to assist the gasoline engine during acceleration, and through the ICE. Regular hybrids cannot plug into the grid to recharge.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has recently updated the categories, and you can read more about them here, but to keep things simple, the above categories are enough to help you navigate the ever-growing world of EVs. Which one suits your needs best?

Let’s debunk some EV ownership myths

Living the EV lifestyle is much easier than you think

Want to own an Electric Vehicle (EV) in the Philippines but are uncertain about what the experience will be like? Let us debunk the myths surrounding EV ownership.

The electric future that forward-thinking motorists have been anticipating is already in the Philippines. The local automotive industry already offers a growing roster of EV models at price points to suit every budget. Look no further than BYD and KIA for a model to choose from.

And then there is the growing EV charging network that is being rolled out by ACMobility which already is the most expansive in the country—with even more charging points and locations to come.

ACMobility, BYD, and KIA are brands that are more than ready to meet the demands of the early adapting public that has already embraced EVs, and yet there are still some myths that surround Electric Vehicles in general.

Here are the facts that prove that choosing an EV can be the ideal choice for your transportation needs.

Myth #1: Long Charging Time

Depending on the kind of charger used, a BYD Atto 3 can reach an 85% charge in approximately 4 hours using a 7kW AC charger–ideal while at the office or running errands.

Even faster charging is possible at fast-charging stations that can be found across seven cities in Luzon. These 22kW AC and 60kW DC fast chargers will allow EV users to fully charge their vehicles as fast as 2 hours–ideal for when topping up the battery during out-of-town drives.

Myth #2: Limited Charging Stations

ACMobility reinforces its commitment to sustainable and responsible property development with its nationwide EV charging network. In fact, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a financing package of up to $100 million to support Ayala Corporation’s contributions to the development of an electric mobility ecosystem in the Philippines. This funding will be used to procure and install electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) and to purchase electric vehicles for commercial distribution.

Myth #3: Limited EV Range

The BYD Atto 3 Premium’s 60.4 kWh blade battery pack has a range of 480km on a single charge. The EV6 GT-Line offers a 77.4 kWh battery and can travel over 500km on a single charge. Trips to Baguio City from Metro Manila (251km) are possible and should quell any range-anxiety concerns. And for those who start their journey in Baguio at 95% charge, a non-stop trip to Los Banos with range left to spare can easily be done. We have done it. (LINK TO Los Banos-Baguio-Los Banos travel tips)

Myth #4: High Cost of Maintenance

When it comes to maintenance costs, it is more affordable to maintain an EV because it doesn’t require any engine oils, transmission fluids, and other lubricants that are required by cars powered by internal combustion engines. The savings are significant.

Over the course of five years, for example, a BYD Atto 3 will only need brake pads, brake fluid, AC filters, and wiper blades, with an estimated This will amount to P25,000. For comparison’s sake, an ICE SUV will need engine oil, filters, fluids, brake pads, wiper blades, belts, and coolants. Over five years, this will amount to roughly P110,000.

Myth #5: The cost of electricity versus the cost of fuel is not that much, so the savings are insignificant.

During a BYD test drive that was observed and verified by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP), the results were staggering. After 104km on the road–in real-world traffic and the occasional open highway–the BYD Dolphin only consumed 35% of its 44.9 kWh battery. This means that it only used 15.715kWh. That’s P1.70 per kilometer (based on kWh costs at the time of the test.) The closest ICE rival costs P4.62 to run (based on fuel cost per liter at the time of the test.) Extrapolate this data and over the course of a year (or 20,000km) the BYD Dolphin’s Transport cost is an estimated P33,944. In one year, an ICE will consume P92,477 in fuel.

Those are significant savings.

Myth #5 Safety Concerns

The Kia EV6 is the recipient of accolades which include European Car of the Year 2022 Award and a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating. The battery system (which is mounted low to the ground and on the floor) utilizes lithium-Ion battery cells. These are enclosed and resistant to large water splashes. This casing system has been given an IP 66 international rating. This rating is one of the most commonly-used for electrical enclosures with plastic hinges and waterproof gaskets. The EV6 is also equipped with a water-sensing system. In the unlikely event of water intrusion, it automatically shuts off the EV system if water exposure is beyond safety standards.

Systems are also in place to diagnose whether an EV6 has been exposed to flooding. For added peace of mind, Kia Philippines has the tools and EV6 specific equipment to address any concerns. The EV6 is also supported by parts and world-class trained technicians.

BYD models are known for their safety systems as well. In fact, the all-new BYD SEAL and BYD DOLPHIN full-electric vehicles have been awarded five-star safety ratings by Euro NCAP, Europe’s leading independent safety assessment program. The D-segment sedan BYD SEAL performed to a very high standard throughout the whole safety test process, illustrating the vehicle’s exceptional active and passive safety credentials and the structural benefits of BYD CTB (Cell to Body) technology. BYD’s C-segment hatchback, the BYD DOLPHIN, proved its excellent quality with high scores on adult and child occupant protection.

Euro NCAP created the star safety rating system to help consumers, their families and businesses compare vehicles more easily and to help them identify the safest choice for their needs. Both the BYD SEAL (D-segment sedan) and the BYD DOLPHIN (C-segment hatchback) received 5-star awards. Both the BYD SEAL and the BYD DOLPHIN were assessed by Euro NCAP engineers in four categories: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, safety assistance, and protection for vulnerable road users.

Key to the maximum test result is BYD’s build quality and technology. BYD’s new generation e-Platform 3.0, comprises the world’s first mass-produced highly integrated 8-in-1 electric powertrain connecting all electric control units and management systems, and the rigorously tested ultra-safe Blade Battery. The BYD e-Platform 3.0 features a ‘multi-load path’ structure controlling how energy is absorbed by the car in the event of a collision, minimising intrusion into the passenger cabin.

Advanced Cell-to-Body technology

Passenger protection is further enhanced by a reinforced body structure with high torsional rigidity. The BYD SEAL has a super-sportscar-like torsional stiffness. During the safety test, this extra quality resulted in an excellent 89% score for Adult Occupant protection. Thanks to the Cell-to-Body (CTB) technology that enhances vehicle safety, also the passenger compartment of the BYD SEAL remained stable in the frontal offset test, showing good protection for both driver and passenger. Also, the BYD SEAL offered good protection against whiplash injuries. The advanced eCall-system and the system that applies the brakes after an impact to avoid secondary collisions received an extra mention.

Myth #6 EVs are expensive.

Now is the best time to buy an EV because of the very competitive prices that are not far off from their ICE counterparts. The BYD Atto 3 Dynamic variant is P1,598,000. The recently launched BYD eMax 7 is P1,498,000. BYD even offers the Seagull at P898,000. EV shopping has never been this enticing, especially when you consider the kind of technology that is being made available to you.

CONCLUSION

The potential of EVS has already become a reality. ACMobility is here to make EV ownership convenient, worry-free, and enjoyable. It has a social responsibility and solid commitment to sustainable mobility, sustainable energy, and a sustainable planet.

See past these myths and join the growing Philippine EV community to reap the many financial benefits of going electric.

Because we have grown so used to driving internal-combustion-engine (ICE) vehicles, when we make the switch to the EVs, we find that we have more free time. You see, ICE require maintenance, oil changes, and frequent trips to the gasoline station. And that’s not all. Once you drive an EV, many driving habits that are chained to ICE use will no longer be necessary.

Switching to an EV isn’t just about ditching petrol or diesel—it fundamentally changes how you approach driving and car ownership. Here are some of the key motoring habits that are likely to shift once you go electric.

1. You’ll Plan Charging, Not Fuel Stops

With a traditional car, refuelling is a quick, mostly unplanned stop at a petrol station. EVs, however, introduce the need for planning. You’ll likely charge at home overnight or at work during the day, treating the charging cable much like your phone charger. Long trips may require strategic stops at fast-charging stations, which means apps like Evro become your best friends.

2. Your Driving Style May Soften

EVs encourage smoother driving. The instant torque and regenerative braking promote a calmer, more efficient driving style. You’ll quickly become aware that rapid acceleration drains your battery faster, and coasting or gentle braking helps conserve energy and regenerate power.

3. Regular Maintenance Takes a Backseat

Say goodbye to oil changes, spark plugs, and complex engine maintenance. EVs have far fewer moving parts than internal combustion engine vehicles, so your regular garage visits will become less frequent and less expensive. However, you’ll still need to keep an eye on tires, brakes, and software updates.

4. You'll Track kilowatt hours Instead of liters

Energy awareness becomes second nature. Instead of thinking in kilometers per liter, you’ll start calculating efficiency in kWh per kilometer. This shift helps you better understand your vehicle's performance and range.

5. Range Anxiety May Influence Your Routine at First—but You’ll Quickly Gain Confidence

As with any new technology, range anxiety—the concern about running out of battery—may influence how you drive at the beginning. You might find yourself paying closer attention to battery levels or being more cautious on longer trips. However, most drivers quickly learn that everyday features like air conditioning can be used normally, with only a modest impact on range.

With a growing network of ACMobility EV Charging Hubs nationwide, planning and recharging become easier and more predictable. As charging infrastructure continues to expand, range anxiety naturally fades—replaced by confidence in knowing that a charging station is never far away.

6. Home Becomes Your Filling Station

One of the biggest changes is psychological: you no longer “go to fuel up.” With home charging, your vehicle is always topped off and ready in the morning, transforming your home into your personal filling station.

Driving an EV means adapting to a new rhythm of motoring—one that emphasizes planning, energy efficiency, and minimal maintenance. While the transition involves a learning curve, many EV owners find that these new habits make driving simpler, cleaner, and ultimately more satisfying. And with ACMobility there to support your EV journey, you can travel to anywhere in the Philippines with confidence.

A lifelong internal combustion engine (ICE) driver reflects on the unexpected shift to EV ownership—and how charging access, technology, and everyday convenience changed the way he sees the road.

If you had told me five years ago that I’d be raving about an electric vehicle, I would’ve laughed—loudly. I’ve always been an old-school car enthusiast. I loved the growl of an engine, the ritual of oil changes, and the comfort of knowing there was a gas station on almost every corner.

The cars in my garage tell that story clearly: a German sedan from the 1960s, a station wagon from the 1970s, a sports car from the 1990s, and a diesel SUV from the 2000s. For me, driving culture was inseparable from internal combustion.

What Changed

The shift didn’t start with me—it started with my wife. She decided to go all-in and choose a full electric vehicle as her daily car. Out of curiosity more than conviction, I took it for a drive.

The moment I pressed the accelerator, something felt different. Not just the power, but the smooth, immediate torque—delivered in complete silence. It was almost eerie. That first drive planted a seed I didn’t expect.

Over the following months, rising fuel prices and the constant upkeep of aging vehicles pushed me to reassess. I started reading more about EVs, half-skeptical, half-curious. What surprised me most was how much the EV landscape had evolved—more models, more practical options, and lower long-term ownership costs than I had imagined.

Living With an EV

With a BYD Atto 3 now in our garage, my mindset shifted completely.

There were no more oil changes, no emissions, and no more regular stops at gas stations. We charge at home overnight, and with a real-world range of over 400 kilometers, range anxiety quickly became a non-issue. For longer drives, knowing there’s a reliable EV charging stations nearby adds another layer of confidence.

What really surprised me, though, was how easy EV driving felt. The instant acceleration, the low center of gravity, and the quiet cabin made every drive feel smooth and effortless. I even found myself enjoying the tech side of ownership—checking charging stats on the app, pre-cooling the cabin before a drive, and monitoring energy use in ways I never could with ICE vehicles.

For my wife, the switch made even more sense. She has little patience for vehicle maintenance, and the simplicity of EV ownership fits perfectly into her daily routine.

Concerns vs. Reality

I won’t pretend the transition was flawless. EV ownership still requires a mindset shift—especially for someone who grew up around mechanical engines. But the benefits far outweigh the nostalgia.

Today, I see ICE vehicles the way I now see flip phones: familiar, reliable, and still enjoyable—but no longer the most practical choice for everyday life.

Life Now

I still love my older cars, and I don’t plan on giving them up. They’ve become my weekend indulgence—Sunday morning drives and long conversations with fellow car enthusiasts.

But for daily commuting, errands, and most of our time on the road, the EV has become the obvious choice. Quiet, efficient, low-maintenance, and easy to live with—it simply makes sense.

The EV future isn’t something I resist anymore. It’s something I’ve experienced firsthand. And once you do, it’s hard to look at driving the same way again.

Note:

This story reflects the personal experience and opinions of the driver. Vehicle models, charging habits, and driving needs may vary by user.

The charging habits of an EV user

Electric vehicle (EV) owners' charging habits are influenced by many factors. Here's an overview of common charging behaviors in the Philippines

Common Charging Habits of EV Owners

1. Home Charging

The majority of EV owners primarily charge their vehicles at home. Most brand-new EVs come free with 2 kWh wall chargers and some with faster 7 kWh chargers. It is recommended that these 7 kWh are installed by experts like Greenstrum.

2. Overnight Charging

Charging overnight when you arrive home is usually enough to prepare your EV for the next day. Daily commuting distances in the Philippines are typically well within the range of most modern EVs, such as those from BYD and Kia—making home charging a practical and convenient solution.

3. Strategic Use of Public Charging

While home charging is prevalent, public charging stations are used for longer trips, when home charging isn’t feasible, while running errands, or during office hours. Most EV drivers plan ahead and know which public charging stations they will use—reflecting a strategic approach to public charging. In the Philippines, drivers can rely on the Evro app to find the most convenient charging hubs, including ACMobility Charging Hubs and other partner networks, as well as view all DOE-registered charging stations nationwide.

4. Preference for Fast Charging during long trips

EV owners often prefer fast public charging stations with DC charging capabilities. This is why DC fast chargers are located on our major expressways and also in strategic areas like Makati. The ACMobilty Corinthian Carpark station features nine DC CCS2 slots, including four 240 kW chargers (each with dual guns) and one 480 kW UltraFast charger—the fastest in the country. These are capable of charging compatible EVs in as fast as 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the vehicle battery capacity and charging conditions.

5. Charging Behavior Influenced by Battery Size

Users with larger battery capacities tend to spread out their charging sessions. This behavior is akin to the refueling habits of internal combustion engine vehicle owners.

6. Budget and convenience considerations

Many EV owners enjoy massive savings when they are no longer tied to fluctuating fuel costs.

Other factors that influence charging choices are charging stations that are easy to access with minimal wait times; fair pricing and affordable charging options; and seamless integration of technology with charging infrastructure that enhances the user experience. ACMobility EV Charging Hubs, paired with the Evro app, deliver on these expectations.

ACMobility studies these charging habits and preferences to keep improving the user-friendly EV charging experience for all.

Why does this myth surrounding EV batteries still persist?

This topic often comes up during conversations about EVs.

“EV batteries do not last and will need to be replaced in 3 years, and the cost is as much as a car.”

The truth of the matter is that Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way in recent years. While battery costs were once a major barrier to widespread EV adoption, the reality today tells a different story.

In the early 2010s, older EV models did indeed carry high battery costs, which influenced purchasing costs and public perception. Additionally, the media often focuses on rare battery replacement cases.

However, it’s important to note that current EV batteries are designed to last 10–15 years and will most likely outlast the vehicle itself.

EV manufacturers are also investing in battery recycling and second-life applications, which help extend battery value and reduce environmental impact. In Japan, for example, batteries from old hybrids are reused to store electricity from wind turbines or used as backup storage for solar-powered homes,

Consumers should be aware that while the initial purchase price of some EVs can still be higher than comparable gas cars, the total cost of ownership—including fuel savings and lower maintenance—can make EVs a more economical choice over time.

The idea that EV batteries are still prohibitively expensive is outdated. Thanks to advances in technology, battery costs are falling steadily, and their reliability has improved in leaps and bounds. BYD’s blade battery is proof of that. And if ever there is any doubt, BYD backs up its claims. All vehicles sold by BYD in the Philippines are covered by a 6-year, or 150,000-kilometer vehicle Warranty, an 8-year, or 160,000-kilometer Blade Battery warranty, and an 8-year, or 150,000-kilometer electric motor warranty. For Kia, you are coveted by a 5-year or 160,000 kilometers vehicle warranty, while the EV high-voltage battery has an 8-year or 160,000 kilometers warranty.

Did you know that

EV technology is not new. In fact, it even predates the modern internal combustion engine (ICE) as a form of propulsion. Car enthusiasts who are familiar with automotive history would know this, but for those curious, a visit to Jay Leno’s Garage on YouTube is an excellent resource. A few of these early electric cars still survive today and are maintained by Leno. Amazing how EV technology is almost as old as the car itself.

The history of the electric car spans a relatively brief time period and includes early innovation, periods of decline, and a major resurgence in the 21st century. ACMobility has embraced this latest shift to green motoring, and not only sells the world’s most innovative and modern EVs, but also continues to expand the nationwide EV charging network to support motorists who have chosen to go electric.

Here's a concise overview of the history of the EV:

Early History (1830s–1900s)

1830s–1840s: Inventors in Hungary, the Netherlands, and the U.S. developed early prototypes of small-scale electric vehicles (EVs), using non-rechargeable batteries.

1859: The invention of the rechargeable lead-acid battery by Gaston Planté made electric transport more practical.

1880s–1890s: Innovators like Thomas Parker in the UK and William Morrison in the U.S. built more functional electric vehicles. By the 1890s, electric taxis and passenger vehicles became common in cities like New York and London.

Golden Age (1900–1912)

By this time electric cars were more popular than gasoline or steam-powered vehicles. They were quiet, easy to drive, and didn’t emit pollutants.

But it was an electric component that propelled gasoline powered vehicles to popularity. With the arrival of the electric starter, gasoline-powered vehicles did not need to be cranked by hand to start them.

Decline (1910s–1930s)

After the invention of the electric starter which made gas-powered cars easier to use, mass production of gasoline vehicles (notably Ford’s Model T) drove down costs. Gasoline also became cheap and widely available, while electric vehicles suffered from limited range and poor infrastructure. By the 1930s, EVs had nearly disappeared from the market.

Dormancy and Limited Use (1930s–1980s)

EVs survived in niche markets—like milk floats in the UK or industrial carts. The 1970s oil crisis renewed brief interest in EVs, but battery and performance limitations stalled broader adoption.

Renewed Interest (1990s)

Environmental concerns and environmental regulations in California led automakers to revisit EVs. Notable models to make an appearance during this time were the GM EV1 (1996)—leased to a small number of users but later controversially recalled and crushed—and the Toyota RAV4 EV, Honda EV Plus.

Modern Era and Mass Adoption (2000s–Present)

In 2008 Tesla Motors released the Tesla Roadster, the first highway-legal electric car with lithium-ion battery range over 200 miles. This revolutionized public perception of EVs.

In 2010 The Nissan Leaf became the first mass-market electric car. Governments worldwide began offering subsidies, building charging infrastructure, and setting emission targets. Legacy automakers (like GM, Ford, and VW) entered the market with new EV models. Technological improvements, especially in battery tech, helped reduce cost and increase range.

Present Day (2020s)

Electric cars have entered the mainstream. Major brands (Hyundai, BMW, Rivian, and Lucid) are growing fast, but BYD is the current leader. Global EV sales have surpassed 10 million units in 2023, and some countries like Norway have set dates to end new ICE vehicle sales in the not too far future. Infrastructure is expanding rapidly, especially in the Philippines, thanks to ACMobility.

The journey of the electricity that powers electric vehicles (EVs) begins at a power generation facility. These plants can be fueled by a variety of energy sources—fossil fuels like coal or natural gas, renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydro, or nuclear power. Regardless of the source, the core process is the same: converting raw energy into electrical energy.

In thermal power plants, heat produces steam that spins turbines connected to generators. Wind turbines use air movement, while solar panels use photons to displace electrons directly through the photovoltaic effect. In most cases, generators produce alternating current (AC), which is fed into the electrical grid.

Once generated, electricity travels through high-voltage transmission lines that reduce energy loss over long distances. These lines connect to substations, where voltage is stepped down for distribution. From there, electricity flows through local distribution networks—poles, underground cables, and transformers—delivering power to homes, businesses, and EV charging stations.

When an EV is plugged into an AC charger, the vehicle’s onboard charger converts the incoming AC electricity into direct current (DC), which is stored in the battery. For DC fast charging, this conversion happens within the charging station itself, allowing electricity to flow directly into the battery at much higher power levels.

It’s important to note that electrons don’t physically travel the entire distance from the power plant to the car. Instead, the electric grid behaves like a vast, interconnected push system—where energy introduced at one point causes electrons to move throughout the system almost instantaneously.

From generation and transmission to storage and motion, the journey of power to your EV is a marvel of modern engineering—enabling quiet, efficient, and increasingly sustainable electric mobility.