So which major electric cars are coming to the Philippines first? We list the down the very possible and confirmed EVs to hit the road first. The list includes the one previewed and announced this year as well as the top-selling EVs already available from China, USA, and Europe.
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With the Philippine government currently starting to exempt tariffs or giving big tax discounts for EVs and hybrids thru TRAIN law, more major car brands are now looking into launching their electric cars locally. More fuel or gasoline stations are also starting to install charging stations with a bigger expansion to start next year.
We list down the best and cheapest EVs or electrics that might be launched here in our country. There is no guarantee that each item will successfully become available except for models that are confirmed by their brands and already available like the BYD E6.
Please note that prices, charging time, and range may vary depending on the tax incentives, level and type of power supply, and condition you drive at, respectively.
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Nissan Leaf 2018 (2nd generation)
Since its introduction in 2010, the first generation Nissan Leaf in 2010 has become the most sold EV since to date. The second generation or the Nissan Leaf 2018 was introduced in Europe and North America this year and will soon hit the other countries including major Asian countries like China.
As for the Philippines release date, we expect that in 2019 the Japanese-company may give some hints on when the Nissan Leaf will arrive. Our estimate is that we will have a full government incentive on the purely electric Leaf and will get a price of about P1,500,000 to P1,800,000 Philippine pesos.
Nissan Sylphy ZE
Launched this year, the all-electric Sylphy is scheduled to arrive in China by early 2019 and could hit the road of other countries by the start of 2020. The sedan is based on Leaf with an estimated range of 338 kilometers on a single charge.
Hyundai Kona EV 2019
After launching in the USA and soon hitting retailers, the Hyundai Kona is a sub-compact crossover that will surely rival the Leaf and Chevy’s Bolt, thanks to its entry-level price but long-range output.
Hyundai Philippines has already launched the petrol or gas-powered Kona locally and we eventually see the electric or hybrid Kona by next year. If we’re lucky, we will get a base model with the same price as the Hyundai Ioniq electric for roughly P1,999,990 Philippine pesos SRP.
Hyundai Ioniq all-electric
After getting a P1,500,000 price confirmation for the hybrid Ioniq, Hyundai Philippines has given hints about the all-electric Ioniq. Starting this 2019, we may hear more details on when will the Ioniq EV will really arrive in our shore. For the meantime, Hyundai promises a competitive pricing for the EV due to government incentives covering electric and hybrid cars. The Ioniq is already rolling in the USA competing with Toyota Prius hybrid.
Chevrolet Bolt 2017
The second top-selling budget EV in the USA is from GM which is the Chevrolet Bolt. It has sold thousands of units in North America alone since its debut last year. The Bolt beats the Nissan Leaf in terms of range power but for the costs of a few thousand bucks. It just a matter of time before we may finally see an electrified Chevy in our country. Our guess is a 2020 launch, locally.
Honda Everus HR-V
Up until today, there is still no specific numbers on how the Honda’s first crossover electric vehicle or EV will perform. The only information we have is that it will follow the styling of the HR-V. It is set to be announced in China this year with other countries to follow.
Tesla Model 3 Standard
Undoubtedly, the most popular EV right now is a Tesla-made Model 3. The current Long range has been shipped already while the Standard, which is likely the one will be released here will start shipping in the USA by early next year. You can buy a Tesla from Hong Kong or Singapore and ship it here in the Philippines, but it will very expensive unless you are the likes of Manny V. Pangilinan, the CEO of PLDT.
BYD E6
BYD, a Chinese brand, has already launched an electric MPV / crossover last couple of years in the form of BYD E6. It is a 5-seater EV with a top speed of 140 kph and a range of 300km when the regenerative breaking is on. The only downside for the BYD E6 is the price, it is pegged at P4, 200, 000 when launched–this is the time before the TRAIN law was approved. Right now, we cannot verify if BYD has their tax-free pricing available.
Kia Soul EV
The first generation of the Kia Soul EV has been introduced last four years in the stateside. Now, the 2018 model is here and well-priced among the EV lineup in the market. If Kia will bring an EV first in the Philippines, probably it is the Soul EV or the Niro EV.
Kia Niro EV
Based on the Sportage exterior, the Niro EV is a step up from the Soul EV in terms of power and range capacity. The Niro is set to hit the road by early 2019 in the USA. Local Kia retailers may start introducing EVs by next year.
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Michael Fargas says:
Walang less than 1 million.
Gogobio says:
Puro conditional. Just wishful thinking on the authors part. Disappointing article.