5 Factors to Consider When Buying an EV in the Philippines

The global EV market is slowly growing, becoming the go-to for environmentally conscious and tech-savvy car buyers—and the Philippines is no exception.

 

In the Philippines, the EV market is experiencing a significant upswing, with registrations of new EVs—including hybrid sports utility vehicles (SUVs)—more than doubling in the first half of the year compared to the total for 2022. Data from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) reveals a leap from 1,072 units registered in the previous year to 2,557 units in just six months.

 

Within this burgeoning sector, four-wheeled vehicles are leading the charge, with SUVs accounting for 1,077 of the newly registered vehicles. Utility vehicles and cars also show strong numbers, with 766 and 502 units registered, respectively, highlighting a robust and growing interest in the country’s EV market.

 

With the evolving landscape of electric vehicles, now is an opportune moment to explore the benefits of making the switch to an EV. However, there are many factors you must consider before deciding on the model that best fits your lifestyle.

 

Different features and types of EV cars are available in the country, and this guide is here to help you find the perfect one that suits your needs and references. Read on to learn more about buying an EV in the Philippines.

 

 

Electric cars are relatively new to the Philippine market, and navigating through the ins and outs of it can be complex. Here are some of the factors to consider:

 

When you think of an “electric car,” you might imagine a high-end luxury item. However, when you look into the total costs of ownership, buying an EV is not as costly as it seems. EVs offer numerous benefits that conventional cars do not.

 

The top-of-the-line models may have higher purchase prices, but owning an EV comes with government incentives. Under Republic Act (RA) 11697, fully battery-operated vehicles are granted a 100% excise tax exemption, while hybrids get a 50% exemption. 

 

The same law also gives discounts for an EV’s vehicle registration and inspection fees–15% for hybrid and 30% for battery-operated vehicles. The cost will vary depending on the vehicle’s weight, ranging from ₱1,600 to ₱2,300, which is the same fees traditional cars have to pay in full.

 

Compared to the 20-50% tax rate for conventional cars priced between ₱1-4 million and over, you’ll enjoy significant savings with the cost of electric cars.

 

EVs also produce zero harmful emissions since they run on electricity, contributing to a greener environment. Additionally, they don’t need engine oil changes, which means electric car maintenance is less demanding. However, since the industry is still fairly new in the country, service costs are still higher than those of traditional cars.

 

One of the ways to save is home charging, which can save up to 80% in fuel costs. The Department of Energy states that fuel consumption cost per kilometer is around ₱501 monthly compared to conventional cars at ₱1,500.

 

To give you an idea, we’ll take two BYD EVs, in this case, the BYD Atto 3 and BYD Dolphin,  and compare the savings they afford consumers with one of their traditional counterparts, the Toyota Corolla Cross:

 

The range is the distance an EV can cover on a single charge, directly influencing the vehicle’s performance and convenience. The battery size is a critical factor affecting an EV’s range, as its capacity and charging time will affect how far and how long you can drive. 

 

Driving style, weather conditions, and terrain are other factors. For instance, extreme weather and off-roading can impact the efficiency of an EV and reduce its range.

 

If you plan to take EV road trips, plan your trip to account for your route and battery charge. To maximize your range, drive efficiently and use your vehicle’s eco-mode, which helps conserve power by balancing regenerative braking and acceleration.

 

In terms of charging infrastructure, the Philippines is still developing its public network. However, home charging is convenient and cost-effective, allowing you to plug in your vehicle at night and wake up to a fully charged battery. 

 

There are also charging stations in certain malls and establishments around the country, with gas stations even having stations in La Union, Mamplasan, and NEO BGC. Even with the latter charging around ₱28-35 per kWh, you save up to 50% more on fuel expenses than a traditional car.

 

BYD Pampanga and ACMobility (formerly AC Motors) are also stepping up to make charging more accessible. BYD units come equipped with two chargers—one for home charging and one for on-the-go. ACMobility, on the other hand, plans to establish at least 100 charging stations across the country by 2024, making EV ownership even more convenient.

 

In the Philippines, BYD is redefining the EV landscape by focusing exclusively on Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), which operate solely on electric power. This commitment to BEVs ensures that every model offers emission-free operation and long-term cost savings due to reduced maintenance requirements.

 

BYD Pampanga caters to a variety of lifestyles and preferences with its diverse lineup of BEVs, each designed to meet specific needs:

 

 

When choosing the right EV, considerations such as passenger capacity, cargo space, and parking convenience are key. BYD Pampanga ensures that drivers can find their perfect match within its portfolio, smoothly navigating the evolving EV market.

 

EVs have several features that make them the ideal modern vehicle. BYD, in particular, has e-Platform 3.0, which maximizes passenger space and enhances performance with faster charging, improved battery efficiency, and an advanced intelligent operating system.

 

While these features elevate the driving experience, there could be a learning curve for those new to buying an EV. Fortunately, BYD uses a user-friendly interface to help you navigate your car easily.

 

The company’s Blade Battery optimizes space, providing a space utilization rate of over 50% and an extended range of up to 565 km on one charge. It can also withstand crushing, bending, and overcharging, which are key considerations in electric car maintenance.

 

There’s also the Bi-Directional Charging System, which enables the EVs to access the power grid and appliances. This system enables charging during non-peak hours and allows the vehicles to serve as power supplies for other devices.

 

Another feature of BYD’s vehicles is the Smart Cockpit, which aims to give you a smarter, safer, and more comfortable drive. It has customizable auditory effects, seamless touch and voice recognition, and lifelong, free over-the-air updates.

 

The support and services available can significantly shape customer satisfaction. A comprehensive warranty, including an extensive battery warranty of up to 8 years or 150,000 km offered by BYD Pampanga, and responsive customer service are essential for peace of mind, ensuring that any issues with your electric vehicle are addressed promptly and effectively.

 

Despite the challenges posed by a limited number of dealerships, service centers, and trained technicians, the  Philippine EV community is witnessing a positive shift. The growing network of enthusiasts and advocates presents EV opportunities, offering shared knowledge and assistance that can make electric car maintenance more accessible.

 

BYD stands at the forefront of this evolution and commits to providing unmatched support and service for EV owners. With the company’s investments in research and development, more innovative technologies can emerge that can enhance user experience.

 

 

Before buying an EV, there are numerous factors to consider and explore. The cost of electric cars, their features, and the range they offer are all crucial when choosing the model you want and need. After all, you’re looking for a vehicle that will last years and prove dependable for any commute. 

 

While the presence of dealerships and support for different types of EV cars isn’t widespread just yet, the ecosystem is continually evolving. BYD is a global leader offering cutting-edge EV technology and unparalleled support.

Armed with a commitment to innovating within the industry, BYD strives to bring sustainable mobility to our customers. With a focus on electric car maintenance and customer care, we ensure that owning an EV in the Philippines is a rewarding experience. Visit the BYD Pampanga's showroom to explore the future of green transportation.