Electric vehicle (EV) momentum is accelerating in the Philippines, with BYD Philippines doubling down on expansion as it banks on rising consumer interest, stronger sales and a cost-driven value proposition.
According to managing director Bob Palanca, the brand has deployed more than 30,000 vehicles on Philippine roads in just two years, climbing to become the country’s third-best-selling automotive brand—an early sign of growing acceptance of electrified mobility.
Palanca said the broader automotive market could still hit the 500,000-unit mark, but noted a clear transition is underway.
“There’s going to be a shift from ICE (internal combustion engine) to electrified mobility… it’s too early to say what the total percentage will be, but it is happening,” he said, pointing to a steady and inevitable change in consumer preferences.
To meet anticipated demand, BYD is ramping up inventory and leveraging its China-based supply chain to ensure faster deliveries. “We are prepared to provide all the vehicles the market requires… we can easily react,” Palanca said.
Central to the company’s pitch is cost efficiency. Palanca highlighted the savings potential for consumers, noting that electricity costs around P15 per kilowatt compared with roughly P150 worth of diesel to travel a similar seven-kilometer distance.
BYD is also expanding its lineup across segments, from subcompacts to multi-purpose vehicles, while keeping prices stable. In 2025, the Seagull emerged as its top-selling EV, while the Sealion 6 DM-i led hybrid sales.
At the Manila International Auto Show 2026, the company previewed the Atto 2 crossover and Sealion 7 SUV, both slated for release in the second half of the year, as it strengthens its foothold in the fast-evolving EV market.
