Hybrids cars in the Philippines 2023 (Complete Buying Guide)

The popularity of hybrid cars has been growing all around the globe and this trend seems to continue over the next few years. According to JP Morgan's recent study, hybrid cars would account for a staggering 23% of all vehicles sold worldwide by 2025. Well, if you are new to the world of hybrid cars and looking for answers to your several queries regarding hybrid vehicles, here we bring all that you need to know.

This complete Hybrid cars buying guide is a basic primer that may help you decide whether choosing the hybrid car is right for you or not.

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

What is a Hybrid Car?

A hybrid car runs on a system which utilises two means of propulsion - an electric motor and a petrol/diesel engine. Both work together to spin the wheels, which leads to lesser petrol consumption leading to better fuel efficiency and lesser CO2 emissions. Also, the excess power produced by the combined powertrain during cruising or braking is used to charge the batteries, further aiding the fuel efficiency or range.

What are the key components of a hybrid car’s powertrain?

The key components of a hybrid car’s powertrain are an internal combustion engine, electric traction motor, electric generator, and traction battery pack.

What are the Types of Hybrid Cars?

The different types of hybrid cars available on the market are - 

• Parallel Hybrid: In a parallel hybrid system, the internal combustion engine and electric motor are combined through a shared transmission. The car is either directly powered by a gas engine, exclusively by an electric motor, or by a combination of both.
• Series Hybrid: In this type of hybrid powertrain, the petrol/diesel mill does not propel the car, rather it acts as a generator to produce electricity, which recharges the battery pack. The battery powers the available electric motors which in turn transmit power to the wheels. 
• Plug-in Hybrid: In PHEVs, the available battery pack can be recharged by using an external source of electricity.  It usually comes with a bigger battery that can offer a daily commute on electric power only. When the car's electric range is exhausted, it operates like a typical parallel hybrid
• Two-Mode Hybrid: This hybrid vehicle works in two distinct ways. In the first mode, it functions exactly like a standard hybrid car while in the second mode, the design can be changed as per the engine’s requirements to perform specific tasks
• Mild-Hybrid: A mild hybrid refers to a traditional gasoline or diesel engine equipped with a 48V battery and an electric motor. The electric motor primarily powers auxiliary components like the air conditioning and radio. During acceleration at low engine speeds, it can provide a small electric boost to assist the engine. However, unlike full hybrids, mild hybrids cannot operate solely on electric power, and they are unable to drive in zero-emissions mode.

Hybrid vs Electric Cars 

A hybrid vehicle combines an internal combustion engine and an electric motor(s) to power its wheels, while an electric motor(s) is the only source of power used by an electric car to move forward.

The latter are usually powered by big batteries, which enable them to go for at least 400 kilometres without stopping. Also, EVs are more environment-friendly than hybrid cars as they do not use gas engines. Pure EVs come at a higher upfront cost and need charging, unlike hybrid cars.

Hybrid Cars Price-list in the Philippines

Hybrid cars are usually more expensive than conventional ICE-powered cars as they come with innovative tech assisting to save fuel and keep the environment clean.

The price range of hybrid cars in the Philippines starts somewhere around ₱1.2 million and can go as much as ₱10 million (excluding some ultra-premium options available on the market).

Well, if you consider the savings you get on the running costs over time, you will find the hybrids cost-effective. 

List of Best Hybrid Cars in the Philippines

Some of the best-selling hybrid cars in the Philippines market are -

Toyota Corolla Altis Hybrid

Under the hood of the Corolla Altis Hybrid lies the same hybrid setup as the Prius. That’s a combination of a 1.8-litre gasoline engine and an electric motor, which is tuned to kick out a maximum power of 121 hp and a peak torque of 142 Nm. Sending power to the wheels is a Variable Speed CVT transmission. Toyota Philippines retails the Corolla Altis Hybrid at P1,595,000. 

Variant	Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8 GR-S HEV CVT
Engine	1598 cc - 1798 cc
Transmission Type	CVT
Power Output	119 hp and 153 Nm of torque 121 hp and 153 Nm of torque 97 hp and 142 Nm of torque
Fuel Type	Gasoline & Hybrid
Seating Capacity	5 seater

Toyota Corolla Cross

Alongside the Prius and Corolla Altis Hybrid, Toyota also offers the Corolla Cross Hybrid in the Philippines. The mechanical setup of the SUV mimics the one we can find on the hybrid sedan i,e. the combination of the 1.8-litre petrol mill and electric motor delivering 120 hp of power and 142 Nm of torque. The transmission duties are also handled by the same CVT gearbox. To take home the Corolla Cross Hybrid, Filipinos need to shell out P1,665,000.

Variant	Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 V Hybrid
Engine	1798 cc
Transmission Type	CVT
Power Output	138 hp and 172 Nm of torque 97 hp and 142 Nm of torque
Fuel Type	Gasoline & Hybrid
Seating Capacity	5 seater

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

This Japanese plug-in hybrid pickup carries 2.4-litre gasoline and twin electric motor system under the bonnet. The setup dishes out 126 hp of power and 199 Nm of torque, transmitting to the ground via a single-speed transmission. The Outlander PHEV price tag reads P2,998,000.

Variant	Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2.4L
Engine	2360 cc
Transmission Type	Automatic
Power Output	126 hp and 199 Nm of torque
Fuel Type	Gasoline & Hybrid
Drive Type	4WD
Seating Capacity	5 Seater

Geely Azkarra

Geely offers the Azkarra in two variants in the Philippines - Premium and Luxury. While the former takes energy from a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, the Luxury variant is powered by a mild-hybrid setup, which combines the same gasoline mill with a 48V mild-hybrid technology. The setup is capable of generating a maximum power of 190 hp of power and a peak torque of 300 Nm. Sending power to the ground is a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The SUV's price tag reads  P1,600,000.

Variant	Geely Azkarra Luxury
Engine	1477 cc
Transmission Type	Automatic
Power Output	190 hp and 300 Nm of torque
Fuel Type	Gasoline & Hybrid
Drive Type	4WD
Seating Capacity	5 Seater

Mazda 3 Hybrid

The Mazda 3 hybrid vehicle takes energy from the brand’s patented M Hybrid setup pairing the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine and a small Integrated Starter Generator. It is good for making 114 kW of max power and 200 Nm of peak torque. The power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda 3 Hybrid is priced at P1,495,000 in the local market.

Variant	Mazda 3 Sedan 2.0L M Hybrid
Engine	1998 cc
Transmission Type	Automatic
Power Output	152 hp and 200 Nm of torque 162 hp and 213 Nm of torque
Fuel Type	Gasoline & Hybrid
Drive Type	FWD
Seating Capacity	5 Seater

Geely Okavango

Touted as the “Wonderfully Distinct” vehicle, the Geely Okavango underpins the brand’s NL platform which is designed to meet the demands of smart customers looking for alternative energy sources. Just like the Azkarra, the Okavango also houses a combination of a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and a 48-volt hybrid system that makes 190 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch. Pricing for the Geely Okavango starts at P1,208,000.

Variant	Geely Okavango Comfort
Engine	1477 cc
Transmission Type	Automatic
Power Output	190 hp and 300 Nm of torque
Fuel Type	Gasoline & Hybrid
Drive Type	FWD
Seating Capacity	7 Seater

Nissan Kicks 

The Kicks e-Power solidifies Nissan Philippines’s position as a leader in the electrification segment. Priced at P1.209 million, the car is offered in three variants - EL, VE and VL, all equipped with the brand’s e-Power tech. That comprises a fully electric motor delivering a maximum power of 136 PS and a peak torque of 280 Nm. Also part of the setup is a 1.2-litre DOHC 12-valve, three-popper mill whose only purpose is to charge the car’s battery. The Nissan Kicks fuel consumption ranges between 22 kmpl and 25 kmpl, depending on the driving behaviour and traffic conditions. 

Variant	Nissan Kicks e-POWER 1.2L EL
Engine	1198 cc
Transmission Type	Automatic
Power Output	134 hp and 280 Nm of torque
Fuel Type	Gasoline & Hybrid
Drive Type	FWD
Seating Capacity	5 Seater

Chery Tiggo 8 Pro

Chery Tiggo 8 Pro has recently entered the local market and is offered in both pure ICE and hybrid guises. The latter consists of two propulsion options; the first is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers a max power of 155 PS and a torque of 230 Nm while the second has two permanent magnet synchronous motors (one on each axle) generating 87 PS and 150 Nm. Also part of the kit is a 19.27-kWh battery pack. The price of this Chinese 7-seater crossover begins at P1,645,00.

Variant	Chery Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV
Engine	1496 cc
Transmission Type	Automatic
Power Output	320 hp and 545 Nm of torque
Fuel Type	Gasoline & Hybrid
Drive Type	FWD
Seating Capacity	7 Seater

FAQs on Hybrid Cars in Philippines

How long does a hybrid vehicle battery last?

The battery in a hybrid vehicle lasts for a very long time. Several automakers give 80,000 to 100,000 miles or 8-10 years warranty (whichever comes early) on the hybrid batteries. And, if we see customer reviews, it is reported that with the right basic maintenance, it even lasts up to 150,000 miles.  

Do I need to charge a hybrid car’s battery?

Most hybrids come with self-charging batteries, which are powered by their gasoline mill’s regenerative braking. However, if you opt for a plug-in hybrid, you need to charge the battery via an external source. With the help of a standard charger, it usually takes four to eight hours.

Why should I buy a hybrid car?

 Here are the advantages of buying a hybrid car -

1. Emit fewer emissions - Hybrid cars do produce some emissions, which are significantly less than the cars powered by only internal combustion engines.
2. Fuel-efficient: Hybrid powertrains use both an internal combustion engine and electric motors, working together as needed and thus cutting down fuel consumption. 
3. Better performance: Since electric motors don't require a specific RPM to deliver power, they can deliver rapid torque during heavy acceleration circumstances. The system can generate the necessary power to move forward in many ideal situations, like overtaking on the freeway.
4. Highly Controlled NVH levels: In a hybrid powertrain, the engine does not require to reach high RPMs on pressing the throttle, thus there are no unwanted grunts, vibrations or noises from the engine.
5. No Range Anxiety: Another advantage of having a hybrid car is that you need to worry about its range, unlike pure-electric vehicles. Hybrid cars can drive on fuel alone if you run out of battery juice in any scenario.

Why shouldn’t I buy a hybrid car?

Here are the disadvantages of buying a hybrid car - 

1. Higher upfront costs: While the automakers are trying to offer hybrid cars at an affordable cost, these are still high-priced compared to ICE-powered cars. However, the decent fuel savings of the hybrid powertrain with time totally justify the higher price.
2. Less luggage space. Hybrid vehicles, especially plug-in hybrids, can have less interior space for luggage due to the presence of huge battery packs.
3. Maintenance can be expensive: The combination of an ICE and a battery pack/electric motor increases the likelihood that more things could go wrong with the hybrid car, which of course will raise the cost of repair. It is also important to be aware of the battery's deterioration over time, even though this often occurs over a number of years. 

What is the test-drive checklist for a hybrid car?

While taking the test drive of a hybrid car, keep the following things in mind -

• The powertrain transition between ICE and hybrid modes; it should not be rough
• Check the brake pedal's ease of use by pressing it
• Check if the brake energy regeneration is adjustable. A few automakers offer four levels allowing the driver to pick the desired strength
• The cargo space occupied by the battery pack
• Understand the Eco menus and gauges that will help you make the most out of the fuel 

Should I buy a hybrid car new or used? 

Technology is changing at a rapid pace. So if you are thinking of buying a used hybrid car, the chances are high that the existing technology could become obsolete within a couple of years. That means the newer the car you buy, the more up-to-date the battery chemistry and software it will have. Also, the newer models are expected to be more fuel-efficient.

On the other hand, the negative part of buying a new hybrid car is that its value will depreciate the second you will drive it home. So, if depreciation is your concern, you can consider a used vehicle. Just check out the car’s reliability ratings and its battery pack’s reliability. 

Is hybrid car exempted in coding Philippines?

Yes, the hybrid and electric cars are exempted from the MMDA number coding scheme as per the Republic Act No. 11697.

 

Also read: What could Kia Philippines have in store for PIMS 2022?