From niche to mainstream, electrified mobility isn’t the future anymore; it’s the present right here in the Philippines. With tariffs and taxes now favoring these low or zero emission vehicles, carmakers have responded by offering electrified vehicles in every conceivable body style—from super minis to full-sized SUVs to pickups.
Today, there are more than a hundred battery electric (BEV), hybrid electric (HEV), and plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) on the market. Ultimately, this gives the power of choice to the consumer, perhaps at the cost of buyer confusion as to which one to get.
Proving the breadth of choices now available, here’s a list of my 10 favorite electrified vehicles. My personal criteria are simple: one, they should be recognized by the Department of Energy as an electrified vehicle. This means sporting a green number plate, unlocking perks such as priority registration and exemption from the number coding scheme; second, I should have personally driven them—so carmakers who don’t give seat time (to me personally, at least), are automatically counted out.
Without further ado here are my 10 favorite electrified vehicles in the Philippines so far.
10. Seres Aito M9 RE-EV Ultra
From the best-selling luxury car brand in China, the M9 is Seres Aito’s flagship offering. A collaboration between tech giant Huawei and Seres Auto, the Aito M9 reinvents luxury as one that’s centered on technology. The exterior design is not only majestic, but the interior is equally impressive. This three-row SUV—available in both pure electric and range-extended electric (meaning it’s got a small on-board gas generator)—offers a plethora of screens, impressive all-wheel drive performance, and even Level 3 self-driving capability in the Philippines. Party tricks include being able to self-park, with or without the driver on-board, or even be summoned from a parking space to a pre-determined driveway.
9. Audi Q6 e-tron
Touted as the next-generation of mobility according to Audi, the Q6 e-tron sets the standards in range, efficiency, and user experience. The centerpiece here is the impressive Digital Stage wherein on-board tech has been seamlessly blended with traditional luxury elements. As an Audi, the Q6 e-tron doesn’t disappoint in terms of performance with its rear-mounted electric motor putting out 326 horsepower. Impressively, its large battery has enough range to cover 641 kilometers—enough to travel from Manila to Aparri—the northern-most tip of Luzon or to Matnog—the southern-most tip of Luzon with charge to spare.
8. BMW X5 xDrive 50e M Sport
The name, X5 xDrive 50e M Sport, is a mouthful, but what’s most important is that it plays like BMW’s greatest hits. The X5—the “OG” Sport Activity Vehicle—is already one stately vehicle, impressive in both design and stature. It builds on its class-leading handling with adaptive air suspension; increased levels of convenience and safety features also hitch along for the ride. Best of all, it pairs its renowned 3.0-liter inline-6 engine with an electric motor to deliver an impressive 489 horsepower. What’s more, a sizeable battery means daily trips can be done without the engine ever turning on. It’s like having your cake and being able to eat it too; all at a price that’s more affordable than the previous diesel-powered X5.
7. MG 3 HEV+
A great example of how electrified mobility is now available to the masses, the MG 3 HEV is the country’s first electrified sub-compact. The sharp looks play host to an interior filled with high levels of tech. It’s also spacious and solidly put together too. Its ace in the hole though is an impressively modern series-parallel hybrid powertrain that deliver a combined 194 horsepower and 250 Nm. For something that’s seen as an entry-level car, it can scare some sportscars with its 0-100 kph time of around 8 seconds. It also manages up to 22.7 km/L thanks to a sizeable lithium-ion battery.
6. Toyota Zenix 2.0 Q HEV
Normally, it’s hard to get excited about an MPV, but the fact of the matter is, it always gets the job done. Among the choices out there, the Zenix 2.0 Q HEV absolutely excels in this. It’s spacious enough to carry up to seven adults in comfort, but also does so in relative comfort and luxury (the second power adjustable second row seals the deal). Using a car-based platform not only gives this mid-sized MPV car-like handling and ride, but also makes it stable and quiet at speed. The self-charging hybrid may not have the strongest straight-line punch, but it makes up for it with easily attainable fuel economy figures close to 20 km/L.
5. Lexus LBX
The LBX is the smallest, most affordable model Lexus has come up with yet, and that means there’s so much riding on it. On paper, the LBX doesn’t seem all that impressive, but drive one and you’ll quickly see that it’s more than the sum of its parts. It looks great, is built-well (the interior materials are just so spot on), and the electrified 1.5-liter delivers enough grunt to dispatch 100 kph in just 9.2 seconds. And being a Lexus, there’s careful consideration done as it how it drives, rides, and handles.
4. Mazda CX-60 3.3 HEV Turbo-D Sport
New vehicles, especially those that cram a huge number of tech during its debut, are bound to run into issues and the CX-60 wasn’t immune to them. It might have been a fodder for consternation, but it’s also proof that Mazda’s taking the matter seriously rolling out updates to better their premium-positioned five-seater SUV. A year on, the CX-60 fulfills its promise of being a fully-loaded premium SUV at mainstream prices. Timelessly elegant looks, coupled with high levels of fit and finish make it a standout Equipped with a 3.3-liter inline-6 with Mazda’s M Hybrid Boost technology, it’s both punchy and efficient at the same time. So impressive are the changes done to the CX-60that there’s one sitting right now in my garage.
3. Honda CR-V RS e:HEV
One of the perennial favorites among Filipinos, the latest Honda CR-V is the best one yet. It sounds cliché, but it’s true. It’s smartly designed, has a solid equipment list, and is available with a cutting-edge powertrain. The two-motor e:HEV system is easily this generation’s trump card providing both a fun-to-drive experience, yet remaining frugal at the pump. Then, you’ve got on-road manners that manage to balance sportiness and comfort. The interior is solid and well-finished with the right level of tech.
2. BYD Seagull
Typically, your expectations can’t be high for any car priced below P 900,000; after all, those launched thus far don’t have any semblance of comfort or refinement. That is, before the arrival of the Seagull. The tale of the tape says it’s small, but because it’s built from the ground up as a BEV, it sports a generous wheelbase equating to ample seating for four adults. Even better, it schools every small hatchback, electric or otherwise, in handling and comfort. On the highways, it’s solid, through the twisties, it’s tossable and fun. The battery may be modestly sized, but it sips energy frugally enabling it to go more than 300 kilometers on a single charge.
1. Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N defies description. It’s a two-ton hatchback/SUV/crossover thing that can give a supercar a heart attack. It’s a battery electric vehicle that mixes in the engaging attributes of a combustion engine vehicle, albeit simulated ones. It reads like a car with an existential crisis, but scratch the surface and it’s a riot. It’s a multi-faceted high-performance car that explores the enthusiast possibilities that EVs offer. Imbued with Hyundai N DNA, it’s an EV that’s every bit as involving and entertaining as the best gas-powered sports or super car out there—it’s fast, it’s playful, it’s fun. And for its price, you won’t find a car in this price bracket that can match its abilities.
