Top 7 Electric Cars in Philippines 2021

Electric Cars (EVs) in Philippines are not that popular yet despite the skyrocketing prices of fuel. For one, the country is still in the process of integrating public charging ports. Secondly, there is little to no marketing campaign regarding the benefits— both personal and environmental, in switching to an EV. But just because there is a lack of visibility does not mean these type of vehicles does not exist in our side of the shore.

Top Electric Vehicles in Philippines:

1. Hyundai Ioniq EV

The Hyundai Ioniq is a sleek-looking sedan you would not guess is a full EV. The Ioniq EV specs sheet is equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that delivers 118 hp of output and 295 Nm of torque. The Lithium-Ion Polymer battery has a capacity of 29 kWh and will provide a driving range of 200 km.

The Ioniq all-electric sedan can go from zero to 100 km/ h in just under 10 seconds. One full charging cycle can take up to five hours but quick charging can cut that time to just 20 minutes. Besides the fact that this Hyundai vehicle is fully electric, the Ioniq also boasts of lush interiors, great safety systems, and tech features. Most notable of which is the infotainment system with a navigation system that is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.

2. BYD E6

A less popular EV player in the country but is dishing out more electric options than the locally established car brands is the BYD with its E6 offering. The BYD E6 is a 5-seater crossover that runs on pure electric. The electric motor has a maximum output of 121 hp and a maximum torque of 450 Nm. It is fitted with a Lithium-Ion Iron Phosphate battery that has a driving range of 300 km in one full charge and consumes 25kWh per 100kms or 1.9 km/ kWh.

The BYD E6 specs sheet tells it has a top speed of 140 km/h and can go from zero to 100 km in a little over eight seconds. Charging time only takes two and a half hours to complete if using the fast charger or about 6 hours with a regular charger. What is interesting with the E6 is its quirky instrument cluster. Instead of the usual place of finding it behind the steering wheel, you’ll get a central multi-information display that spreads at the center of the dashboard.

3. Hyundai Kona EV

Another great EV from Hyundai is the Kona EV. You’ll somewhat guess that the Hyundai Kona EV is distinct from its siblings based on its unique exterior design. The lack of a traditional front grille is a dead giveaway that it runs on electric powertrain; while the separate daylight running light from the headlights adds a quirky design touch. The 17” exclusive allow rims with perforated design ties into the overall sporty look.

Under the hood, the Kona’s electric motor can deliver 201 Hp of power and 395 Nm of peak torque. This Hyundai crossover has a max speed of 167 km/ h and can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds. The Kona EV  specs sheet is equipped with Lithium-Ion Polymer battery which comes in two versions: the 39.2 kWh version with up to 312km driving range on a single charged based on the WLTP cycle (345km NEDC) and the 64 kWh version with up to 482km driving range based on the WLTP cycle (546km NEDC). Fast charging of the Kona will take about an hour while normal charging will last for about nine and a half hours.

4. Clima Mobility Genius EV

For some Pinoy pride, the last on our list is a homegrown, new player in the automotive industry, the Clima Mobility with its flagship car, Genius EV. The Genius EV is the brainchild of Engineer Adonis Lagangan, also the founder of Clima Mobility. The Genius EV is powered by a liquid-cooled 72 volts 10 KW motor that can deliver a top speed of 64 km/h and a driving range of 72 km.

It takes the Genius EV about four to five hours to be fully charged. According to Lagangan, the primary target market for the Genius are the local government units to be used as service vehicles or patrol cars but is made available upon order as the EVs are currently on a built-to-order basis. If you fancy a Filipino-made EV, This electric mini car in Philippines comes at an affordable price tag of Php 450,000 - 500,000.

5. Audi e-Tron

Caring for the environment does not mean compromising on luxury. The Audi e-Tron is just that, a sporty all-electric SUV that will surely appeal to Filipinos love for family vehicles. The e-Tron has a driving range of 417 km in one full charge. It also records a power consumption of 26.2-22.6 kWh per 100 km according to WLTP and 24.6-23.7 kWh per 100 km according to NEDC.

This Audi electric SUV has a maximum speed of 200 km/ h and can go from zero to 100 km in just 2.4 seconds, talk about power! Charging is not a problem with the e-Tron as it offers a range of options and a comprehensive range of digital services which gives you access to charging-specific information via the Audi virtual cockpit of the Audi e-Tron and on your smartphone in the myAudi app. And true to Audi style, it comes in a head-turning exterior, sophisticated luxury, and choke-full of tech to take you safely in almost any driving situation.

6. Nissan Leaf

Though technically not on our shores yet, the Nissan Leaf is an EV to watch out for. During the 2019 Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS), Nissan unveiled its fully electric vehicle for Pinoys to get up close and personal to drum up the hype for this EV. After all, this Nissan full EV has racked up rave reviews and is designed for maximum performance and power.

On average, the Nissan Leaf has a driving range of 311 kilometers which can take you as far as Baguio City with a distance of 245 kilometers, coming from Manila, without having to worry if you’ll lose battery along the way. City driving will be no sweat as the average driving range around the Metro is pegged at 13.2 kilometers per day. Charging can be done at home and will take between 12 to 15 hours. An installable wall box will cut the charging session by more than half— down to five to seven hours. Expect the Nissan Leaf together with another series of e-POWER models to arrive on our shores anytime this year.

Upcoming Cars to watch out for

If you find the available choices for electric cars a bit bland, don’t fret. Here are some EVs to watch out for that have been unveiled locally but has yet to make a showroom debut.

7. Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Also introduced during last year’s Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, together with the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV is 100 percent electric. This compact car powered by an 88-cell high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack has an impressive 160 km cruising range per charge. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV measures 3,475 mm long, 1,475 mm wide, and is 1,610 tall and can seat four passengers comfortably including the driver. Regular charging is between six to ten hours but quick charging can slash it to approximately 30 minutes.

As part of its demo, Mitsubishi Motors Corp (MMC) has been donating the i-MiEVs and Outlander PHEVs together with a quick charging station to various local government units through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as part of the company’s initiative to promote clean energy. And we’re pretty sure MMPC will also launch their EVs for retail soon.

Also Read: Volvo S90 plug-in hybrid launched in the Philippines, offers 43 kmpl