Chinese automaker GAC is stepping up its Philippine electric vehicle (EV) expansion with the launch of the AION UT, betting that affordability and advanced technology will help accelerate EV adoption beyond the premium segment.
The fully electric hatchback enters the local market as demand for cleaner mobility options gradually gains traction, supported by government incentives and growing consumer interest in lower operating costs.
The AION UT has emerged as one of GAC’s fastest-growing global EV models, recording sales of 3,331 units in May 2026, up 60 percent from the previous month. The model is now sold across Asia, Australia, Latin America and Europe, underscoring the Chinese automaker’s expanding international footprint.
Designed by GAC’s Milan Design Center, the AION UT features a 2,750-mm wheelbase, a spacious cabin and the company’s Magazine Battery 2.0 technology, which has maintained a zero spontaneous-combustion safety record. It has also received industry recognition, including awards from the Bangkok International Motor Show and Car of the Year 2026 in Thailand, as well as honors in Mexico.
“We are thrilled to bring another global hit from GAC’s line of innovations to the Philippines,” said Steven Wang, senior vice president of GAC International.
“We are confident that the AION UT will bolster dynamic, safe, and sustainable driving for Filipinos,” he added.
Priced from P998,000 with introductory discounts, the AION UT is among the few fully electric hatchbacks available below the P1-million mark, potentially lowering the cost barrier for first-time EV buyers.
Early owners cited its long driving range, spacious interior and lower operating costs compared with conventional vehicles and hybrids.
The launch reflects intensifying competition in the Philippine EV market, where Chinese brands are increasingly driving growth by introducing feature-packed models at more accessible price points, widening consumer choice as the country’s shift toward electric mobility gathers pace.
