7 Best Methods + Charging Stations to Power Up an Electric Car in the Philippines

The Philippines revs up for an electrifying future as it joins the global market toward sustainable transportation. In Q1 2023, electric vehicle (EV) sales skyrocketed sixfold compared to the previous year. With more EVs cruising on the streets and offering various benefits to users, the demand for dependable charging stations is also rising.

 

This blog tackles the emerging landscape of the adoption of EVs in the Philippines, especially when it comes to powering up. How long does it take to charge an electric car? Can you do it at home? 

 

Find out where to charge your electric car and the best methods here.

 

 

While the Philippine EV market grows, charging your EV is accessible. There are many opportunities to power your car while at home or on the road, including:
 

Alternate current (AC) charging can be your “go-to” method for powering your electric car. It involves using a charging cable to link your vehicle to a standard electrical outlet, usually found in homes and workplaces. 

 

This charging option is convenient and accessible, perfect for overnight or daytime plug-ins. You only need your car's charging cable and a compatible outlet to start.

 

Short on time? Direct current (DC) fast charging is the best choice. High-powered charging stations with DC chargers can rapidly juice your electric car. While these charging stations are less common, they're becoming more widespread. You can find them in commercial areas or along major highways.

 

It's also worth noting that the majority of the Philippines' DC public chargers support CCS2. Fortunately, it is compatible with BYD Cars compared to other connectors in the Philippines, such as GB/T and CHADeMO, which could be inaccessible for most.

 

Trickle charging is the slow and steady approach to charging electric cars. It involves slow charging using a low-powered charger to power your vehicle's battery over time. 

 

This method is ideal when your car is parked for prolonged periods, such as at home overnight or during the workday. While it's not the fastest option, trickle charging is convenient and energy-efficient, ensuring your car is ready before leaving for work or after a long day.

 

You could skip the cord and go wireless if your model allows it. Some stations have wireless charging pads installed in the ground, and your car's receiver pad aligns with them for charging. The technology is still in its early stages and is currently not widely available. However, once fully developed, wireless charging offers convenience and ease of use.

 

Regenerative braking isn't your typical charging method—it's a bonus feature built into your electric car. This functionality uses the energy produced during braking and turns it back into electricity to recharge your car's battery. 

 

Although regenerative braking won't fully charge your car, it can help extend the distance traveled and improve efficiency during stop-and-go driving.

 

While countrywide charging stations in the Philippines are in their infancy, specific locations provide charging facilities for electric car owners. These stations are often present in urban centers, shopping malls, and commercial areas.

 

The present and future state of charging stations in the Philippines looks bright thanks to ACMobility, the official distributor of BYD Philippines. The company has an aggressive growth plan to bolster holiday mobility with long-range EV models and charging hub infrastructure. Its charging network includes 48 EV charging stations in 23 sites.

 

These establishments also carry both AC and DC chargers with varying power capacities. AC chargers in these sites range from 7kW to 22kW, while the DC chargers have ranges of 60, 80, and even 120 kW, ensuring you have multiple options to power your electric car.

 

To make finding charging stations even easier, check out the EVRO App. This handy app provides users real-time information on nearby charging stations, including availability and pricing. With the app, you can reserve the station in advance and get updates on your battery’s status, making it a must-have if you’re frequently on the go.

 

Since there aren’t many charging stations in the country yet, and the majority are around Metro Manila, the most convenient way is still to charge your EV at home. 

 

To set up and charge your electric car at home efficiently, you must install a dedicated home charging point where you park. It also helps to have an electric vehicle system equipment (EVSE) supply cable for a 3-pin plug socket as backup. Dedicated points are ideal for quicker and safer charging.

 

Speaking of batteries, BYD's revolutionary ultra-safe Blade Battery technology offers a cutting-edge solution for home charging by providing enhanced safety, longevity, and energy density for your electric vehicle. 

 

Its design allows for more batteries, giving you more power and range. The battery uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as its cathode material. LFP is durable, cobalt-free, and possesses excellent thermal stability. All these features mean that it’s one of the safest batteries on the EV market.

 

 

It’s worth noting that there are different charging levels when it comes to powering up your electric car: Here are the three main levels of charging:
 

You may ask yourself how to charge an electric car at home. Level 1 is the answer.

 

This method involves plugging your electric car into a standard 120-volt household outlet. It's the most basic and accessible form of charging, requiring no special equipment other than the charging cable of your vehicle. 

 

While it's the slowest option, level 1 charging is perfect for overnight charging at home or when parking your vehicle for an extended period. Plug it in before bed and wake up to a fully-charged car.

 

If you’re looking for an electric car with a portable charger, BYD Cars Philippines offers a free portable charger that will allow you to plug your BYD vehicle into a standard household outlet. Not only do you get one of the best electric cars the market has to offer, but you can rest assured it will always be powered up before every road trip.

 

At this level, you may use a 240-volt outlet and need a dedicated charging station at home or a public facility. 

 

This mode is significantly faster than level 1, providing a full charge in a matter of hours instead of overnight. It’s perfect for daily charging needs, with a balance of speed and convenience for most electric car owners.

 

Fortunately, BYD, in partnership with ACMobility, offers a free 7kW charger. For a small one-time fee, you can have this charger installed in the comfort of your own home.

 

Alternatively referred to as DC fast charging, level 3 is lightning-fast. It uses high-powered, specialized charging stations capable of delivering a massive jolt of electricity to your car's battery. These chargers can provide an 80% charge in as few as 30 minutes, making them ideal for quick pit stops during long journeys or when you need to juice up quickly. 

 

However, remember that level 3 chargers are less common and typically found at dedicated charging stations along major highways or urban areas. 

 

 

The electric vehicle revolution includes various methods and infrastructure developments, leading the Philippines to a cleaner, greener future. From traditional plug-in methods to wireless technology, many options exist for powering up your electric car. Companies like ACMobility and BYD Pampanga lead the charge, making electric mobility more accessible and convenient.

 

Experience the benefits and advantages of BYD's EV technology for yourself. With our revolutionary Blade Battery technology and commitment to sustainable transportation, the future of mobility in the Philippines and elsewhere is within reach.

Get more information from our website and social media accounts, or drop by our showroom.