Astara Philippines, known for its portfolio of global automotive brands, is strengthening its budget EV portfolio with the launch of the JMC EV2 and EV3 – two subcompact battery-electric vehicles designed for daily practicality, urban convenience, and wallet-friendly ownership.
Unveiled by JMCand officially introduced to the local market through Astara, the EV2 and EV3 represent a growing shift toward affordable electrification, arriving with price points that undercut many conventional gas-powered subcompacts.
At just P668,000, the JMC EV2 enters as one of the most affordable full electric vehicles in the Philippines. It features a sleek hatchback design with an adequately spacious cabin and practical highlights like a 9-inch central touchscreen, 14-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and a full-glass tailgate that improves visibility and access to the rear.
On the safety front, the EV2 covers all the essentials: ABS with EBD, hill start assist, automatic locking, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Reinforced with front anti-collision beams, it delivers peace of mind in a lightweight and city-friendly package. The EV2 offers a 201 km range, enough for daily commutes and short out-of-town trips. Color options include Dynamic Green, Aurora White, and Future Cyan.
For those looking for something slightly bigger without breaking the bank, the EV3 is a compelling next step. Priced at just P788,000, it enhances passenger comfort with a wider body, and comes with better tech with a 10.1-inch HD touchscreen and dynamic grille lighting.
The EV3’s safety suite includes a 360-degree camera system, ISOFIX child seat anchors, seatbelt reminders, and high-strength structural reinforcements made with 1500 MPa thermal-formed steel, a material usually reserved for higher-end vehicles.
With a 330 km driving range, the EV3 comfortably extends the capabilities of an everyday EV. It comes in four standout colors: Dynamic Green, Aurora White, Cherry Blossom Pink, and Future Cyan.
Completing Astara’s Affordable EV Portfolio
Curiously, the JMC EV2 and EV3 position themselves as the new more affordable EV options for buyers, undercutting the JAC Ytterby – another budget EV that Astara also sells.
We asked Tonette Lee, JAC Motors Philippines brand head, about any impending rivalry within Astara’s ranks with these budget EVs, but she assured us that there isn’t any and that the JMC EVs are the entry-level models, while the JAC Ytterby stands as the more premium option.
Ms. Lee candidly added that the EV2 and EV3 offer a slightly lower range than the Ytterby, which currently has two variants with varying ranges: 405 and 505 kilometers. She added that a cheaper 300-km option was planned before, but canceled since it will overlap with the newly launched JMC EVs.
The JAC Ytterby Air 405 is priced at P1,195,000, while the top-spec Ytterby Pro 505 has a price tag of P1,320,000. That said, Astara’s budget-friend EV ensemble is complete, with the JMC EV2 and EV3 at the forefront as the entry-level offerings, and the JAC Ytterby models as the bigger, more feature-packed, and have higher ranges to match their price points.
