Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
From October 23 to 25, 2025, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) mounted the 13th edition of the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS) at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. With the theme, “Charge Ahead, Ignite the EVolution!”, the 13th PEVS was presented with BYD Cars Philippines, Omoda & Jaecoo Motor Philippines Inc., United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI), GAC International Philippines, and the Department of Energy.
EVAP President Edmund Araga (center) led the ribbon cutting ceremony along with partners in the 13th PEVS at the SMX Convention Center on Ocober 23, 2025.
Despite challenges stemming from the calamities caused by multiple typhoons, floods and earthquakes from July to October 2025, as well as the flood control and corruption scandals, EVAP remains committed to promoting sustainable mobility and the increased adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Some of the long-time PEVS participants were visibly absent perhaps because of austerity measures after the calamities, but their slots were quickly filled up by new EV car brands such as the Radar pickup truck from UAAGI, and the AION EVs and GAC Hybrids from GAC International Philippines.
A Radar RD6 EMP electric pickup truck enhanced by Overland Kings and fitted with a Mammoth folding overhead tent, Momo wheels and other accessories got a lot of inquiries at the UAAGI pavilion.
Challenges and Promising Developments
“After having the Electric Vehicle Development Act (EVIDA) enacted into law in 2022, EVAP continues to lobby for the legislations and national policies that will continue to propel the growth of the local EV sector,” stated EVAP President Edmund Araga. “There’s still a lot of work to do – the establishment of more charging infrastructure nationwide, the development of more efficient and accessible battery technologies, and active participation of all stakeholders in the EV and renewable energy sector are just some of the challenges we have to negotiate,” Araga added.
Companies like Power Equipment & Supplies, Inc. (PESIN) E-Mobility Solutions offer a variety of EV charging systems for homes and commercial EVCS deployment.
There are promising developments to back up the EVAP President’s optimism. The Board of Investments (BoI) announced that a new Chinese delegation is exploring the possibility manufacturing EVs and renewable energy equipment in the country. The Department of Energy (DOE) has hinted that a group of private investors aim to roll out around 4,000 EV charging stations (EVCS) around the Philippines in a couple of years. Moreover, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) reportedly intends to infuse an additional P7 billion for EVs and renewable energy in the next five years.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) plans to infuse P7 Billion for EVs and renewable energy in 5 years.
More Companies Are Investing in Electrified Mobility
Araga shared that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) lobbied the new Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS), which could potentially generate up to P11.4 trillion in economic outputs and possibly create nearly 700,000 local jobs in EV assembly, battery production, EVCS installation, and maintenance services. The Asian Development Bank (ADB), through a financing arrangement with the Ayala Corporation and AC Mobility, has plans to infuse $100 Million (about P5.841 Billion) for the procurement of EVCS and more units for commercial distribution.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Ayala Corporation, thru its AC Mobility subsidiary, plans to put up more EVCS around the country to serve the growing number of EVs on the road.
Furthermore, Australia’s StB GIGA Factory in New Clark City, which is opened in September 2024 as first EV battery manufacturing facility in the Philippines, is now running to annually produce two gigawatt-hours (2 GWh) of batteries by 2030. This output can power up to 18,000 EVs with a significant portion allotted for possible export. All these investments and initiatives are aligned with the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI) that EVAP has tirelessly championed. CREVI aims to deploy up to 7,300 EVCS by 2028 and over 20,400 EVCS to service a projected 2.5 million EVs by 2040.
The StB GIGA EV battery factory in New Clark City will produce 2 GWh of batteries to power 18,000 EVs by 2030.
A Display of Continuous Commitment
These challenges and developments were placed in the spotlight during the 13th PEVS. Araga emphasized that the EV sector is a major factor in nation building through the influx of major investments, the creation of new jobs and its economic contribution while promoting a cleaner environment and efficient mobility, especially with unstable fuel prices. “Mounting the 13th PEVS despite calamities and challenges shows EVAP’s continuous commitment to the EV industry and our efforts to attract more partnerships with the private sector and potential investors, both foreign and domestic”, Araga emphasized.
(L to R) Omoda and Jaecoo Phils. Country Manager Marc Zhang; GAC International Phils. General Manager Calvin Cheng; EVAP President Edmund Araga; Department of Energy Director Patrick Aquino; UAAGI Vice President for Marketing Lyn Buena; and BYD Cars Phils. Managing Director Bob Palanca made an “E” symbol with their hands to signifiy “EVolution” after they marked the opening of the 13th PEVS.
The 13th PEVS panel were all smiles as they posed for a souvenir photo after the press conference held on the afternoon of the opening day. The panel was composed of Jetour Auto Phils. Managing Director Miguelito “Lito” Jose; Foton Motors Phils. General Manager Levy Santos; Chery & Radar Brand Head Franz Decloedt; EVAP President Edmund Araga; DOE Director Patrick Aquino; Omoda & Jaecoo Phils. Brand Director Joana Peng; and GAC International Phils. General Manager Calvin Cheng.
If you weren’t able to witness or go to the event, please read on and allow Power Wheels Magazine to take you around the halls of the SMX Convention Center to Charge Ahead and Ignite the EVolution at the 13th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit!
AC Mobility – BYD Cars Philippines
The BYD Cars pavilion was a flurry of activities for car enthusiasts who want to build their electric dreams.
BYD Cars Philippines Managing Director Bob Palanca introduced the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i with the Advance variant at P2,678,000 and Premium variant at P2,998,000.
Show goers immediately flocked to view the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i after its official debut.
A white BYD Shark 6 DMO pickup truck was also on display at the BYD Cars pavilion…
… as was a BYD eMAX 7 electrified MPV.
On display at the lobby was the BYD Tang DM-i PHEV SUV.
AC Mobility – Kia Philippines
AC Mobility seems to be strengthening their EV ecosystem with their Kia car brand and EV Charging Hub displayed in a pavilion next to their BYD Cars’.
Kia Philippines showcased the sporty black Kia EV9 GT-Line all-electric SUV…
… and EV5 all-electric midsize SUV.
GAC International Philippines
GAC International Philippines launched their AION V electric crossover SUV at the 13th PEVS…
… along with the GAC Hyptec HT luxury SUV with gullwing rear doors.
They also showcased their AION UT electric crossover that sold a million units worldwide.
GAC International Philippines also had an AION Y Plus on display at the SMX Lobby.
Omoda & Jaecoo Philippines
The spacious Omoda & Jaecoo display pavilion had an active theme.
The Omoda Jaecoo 7 SHS hybrid compact SUV with 1,488 km total range and over 100 km in electric-only mode.
Omoda E5 is a pure-electric SUV with 201 hp, 340 Nm torque, 0-100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, 430-km range, and 18-inch wheels.
This colorful Jaecoo EJ6 4WD electric SUV can be mistaken for a highly-modified Defender at first glance….
… especially at the back.
Another Omoda Jaecoo 7 SHS was displayed at the SMX lobby flaunting its 1,488-km combined hybrid/electric range.
United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI)
UAAGI displayed the best examples of their 6 car brands at their pavilion, with the Jetour T2 i-DM hybrid SUV…
… BAIC B60 Beaumont range extender electric SUV…
… the modified Radar RD6 EMP electric pickup truck…
… Foton Traveller Sierra electric luxury van…
… Chery Tiggo hybrid SUV…
… and Lynk & Co 08 EM-P premium electrified SUV.
At the lobby of the SMX, UAAGI also displayed their new Jetour T1 Lightning i-DM, which was launched just two days before the 13th PEVS.
Zeekr Philippines
The Autohub Group’s EV brand, Zeekr Philippines, had an impressive display pavilion.
Their lineup included the Zeekr X electric compact crossover SUV with 446-km range…
… Zeekr 7X electric midsize crossover SUV with 780-km range…
… Zeekr 009 electric luxury MPV with 822-km range…
… and Zeekr 001 AWD luxury shooting brake (wagon) with 7 driving modes, 0-100 km/h in 3.3 secs, and 750-km range.
Valenzuela City’s Electrified Public Service & Emergency Vehicles
Under the leadership of Mayor Wes Gatchalian, the City of Valenzuela deployed a fleet of BYD Dolphin EVs as police patrol cars….
… as official government service vehicles…
… and as Emergency Response Vehicles for their first responders and trained EMTs…
… complete with the necessary safety, rescue, first aid and life-saving equipment.
Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI)
Honda, the leading motorcycle brand with a commanding market share in the Philippines, led the way for electric motorcycle adoption with its latest EV models.
The Honda EM1-e retails for P94,900 but was offered with an extra battery worth P21,250 at a package price of only P115,000 just during the 13th PEVS…
…. while the Honda CUV-e retails for P152,900 but is offered with two extra batteries worth P44,000 (P22,000 each) and a spare P18,000 charger, all for an exclusive 13th PEVS package price of just P215,000.
NXT e-Bike Philippines
NXT e-Bike PH promotes its electric scooters as “trust driven mobility” and boldly claims that “gas is history”.
The NXT Dynamax can be ridden for 160 to 180 kms on a single charge. SRP is around P112,000.
The NXT Voltaris Pro S (left) has a top box, 95 km/h top speed, and 150-180-km range while the NXT Storm X (right) is an adventure bike-inspired e-scooter that has a 120 km/h top speed and 200-km range.
Nexty Electronics
A subsidiary of Toyota Industries Corporation, Nexty Electronics can supply components and the technology needed to assemble an EV or convert an ICE vehicle into an EV.
On display at the Nexty booth was the Elaia Green Vehicles EGV 5000 that can be had as a 3-row passenger e-trike, open bed pickup, or panel van, like this one.
This Assemble Point EV Mini Bus was converted into a Coffee Truck for the Nexty patrons and guests.
AFEVA International Pavilion
The Asian Federation of Electric Vehicle Associations (AFEVA), the current President of which is EVAP President Araga, mounted an international pavilion with participants from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
Malaysia highlighted their Pyrox Fire Suppression Systems, to allay fears of EV battery fires.
Indonesia showcased their Selis Pujasera 4 electric food cart and Eclimo ES-11 e-scooter.
Thailand displayed their Thunder and Vapor e-scooter brands.
The Philippines showed ther Assemble Point EV mini bus used by the Light and Science Park 1 as the employees’ shuttle bus.
The Assemble Point EV mini bus seems to be a highly-viable zero-emissions Modern PUV platform.
Other Interesting Electric Vehicle Displays
A Maxus electric truck is fitted with an insulated closed cargo box powered by a Carrier Pulsor electric refrigeration system, making it a 100% emissions-free fully-electric refrigerated van.
2GO Group Inc. employed a fleet of DongFeng EV delivery vans for their clean and green transportation and logistics solutions.
… and if you needed something delivered while you were at the 13th PEVS, or even afterwards, 2GO Group has a booth to book your logistics needs.
Colorful and designed to look like the ubiquitous jeepney, Basic Geep is a locally-assembled all-electric modern public utility vehicle (MPUV) alternative.
Tojo Motors Corporation promotes this all-electric pickup as “for the environment, for the Philippines, by Filipinos.”
The single cab seats 3 people while the long bed and electric power is ideal for efficent, emissions-free and quiet deliveries.
Tojo Motors Corporation also had an electric 3-wheeler displayed at their booth.
Motoposh Electric 3-wheel EV can be a viable, efficient, noise-free and emissions-free alternative to the common gas-powered tricycles and tuktuks.
This electric 3-wheeler features a safety body that can keep the passengers reasonably dry during rains, a roof rack for light cargo and bags, and, get this,… a spare tire!
Motoposh Electric is distributed by Exponent-Konka Group, Inc.
DECC showcased their sleek modern-looking e-J 5.0 Electric Mobility Interface (EMI) 3-wheeler as “the electric alternative to jeepneys”….
… and promoted their Vihari eTrike to Tricycle Owners & Drivers Associations (TODA) claiming that it can double their earnings while making it easier to ply their routes.
FinAsiaTech Corporation displayed their HIGO EV electric 3-wheeler that can be hailed via PickApp. They were also promoting the DITO Tracker fleet management system.
We can only guess that this EV replica of a 1955-1962 BMW Isetta from Austin-Pierre was still being detailed when it was placed on display on the 1st day of the 13th PEVS.
Without the benefit of a test drive, we can only guess that the 2 front wheels of this electric 3-wheeler from Austin-Pierre leans during turns like the Yamaha Tricity 300 and Piaggio MP3 scooters.
This green Cyclops-like 3-wheel e-scooter from Austin-Pierre eschews the front cargo box in lieu of an enclosed single passenger compartment.
Academe – De La Salle University / College of Saint Benilde
The black prototype EV serves as the “rolling laboratory” of De La Salle University (DLSU) Engineering students.
Scale model concept vehicles from the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde were displayed alongside other industrial design concepts.
Chargers, EV-Specific Parts, Insurance & Related Businesses
Maxxis and CST Tires highlighted tires that were developed specially for EVs.
Castrol Philippines showcased their oils and lubricants that are necessary to ensure the smooth, efficient and reliable operation of an EV’s mechanical parts.
Bosch Philippines heralded their Bosch Service technology and expertise to repair and maintain EVs.
Pioneer Insurance‘s pioneering electric vehicle insurance EV One is designed to match the advanced technology and unique needs of electric vehicles owners and offers benefits such as Range Anxiety Cover, Charger Cover and Enhanced Battery Protection.
Based in Biñan, Laguna, F.C.C. Philippines Corporation manufactures automotive clutch parts, assemblies and other engine parts.
F.C.C. makes components for electric vehicles like this EV motor with reduction gear.
Local start-up Nascent Technologies Corporation displayed their prototype Nova SLI sodium-ion battery that’s designed as a drop-in replacement for lead acid batteries for cars and trucks.
Power Equipment & Supplies, Inc. (PESIN) e-Mobility Solutions offered B2B (business-to-business) expertise for home and commercial EV charging needs.
PESIN offers Harmony Exicom EV commercial charging equipment as well as Spin Air compact chargers for home.
PESIN carries the Wall Box Pulsar line of home chargers that offers a complete solution for EV charging including hardware, software, and energy management systems.
PESIN also carries KemPower Movable Chargers when fixed EVCS and wall chargers won’t do.
The EMICOR Inc. display area exhibited EV chargers as well as the Bridgehill EV Fire Blanket….
… and highlighted the Rheidon Tech wall-mounted EV charger.
WeCharge Hyperfast’s network has been rapidly growing across the country with their range of portable chargers, EV power banks, Model H chargers, Model M chargers, and On-The-Go Charging.
InterCharge Corporation displayed their cutting-edge EV charging solutions from intelligent charging infrastructure to user-friendly interfaces, to make electric vehicle charging seamless, efficient and safe.
Supernova Innovation invited show goers and potential EVCS proprietors to “experience the future of EV charging”.
Sysnet Integrators offered e-mobility solutions and EV chargers as “new investment opportunities”.
Fine Eco Solution offered quick 10-minute charging systems and high rate batteries.
Their display booth may not look like much but Mobility Ventures Corporation promoted itself as a specialist in the sales, distribution and deployment of EVs, incluing electric buses, modern PUVs, passengers vans, etc.
There was also a booth promoting the Global Automotive and Technology Expo (GATE) 2025 on November 12-14 at the KL Convention Centre in Malaysia.
Manila Electric Company (MERALCO)
Did you know that MERALCO actually stands for Manila Electric Rail and Light Company when it was first established? The electric railway business is long gone and has now been replaced by supplying power to EVCS that charge EVs.
A Tesla Model Y was used to show MERALCO’s protocols for home chargers…
… while a BYD Dolphin was used to show their protocol for commercial chargers, such as EVCS.
Department of Energy (DOE)
The Department of Energy (DOE) charted the development and progress of EV adoption in the Philippines with the EVIDA Law, CREVI, BOI’s EVIS, and the latest ATOM Nuclear Energy Program to ensure that power generation will be sufficient to charge the growing EV population.
EVAP E-Mobility Awards at the 13th PEVS
The author was honored to be selected by EVAP as the 2025 e-Mobility Awardee for Media at the 13th PEVS. However, the projected media affiliations became a comedy of errors – Power Wheels Magazine was erroneously placed as “Power on Wheels” , which is AC Mobility’s mobile charging business, while The Philippine STAR was placed as the newspaper affiliation instead of Malaya Business Insight. Oh, well… At least, I had my 15 seconds of fame…
