TessDrive breaks down the frontiers of electrified mobility—from XPeng’s 1,017-km L03 REEV launch in Manila and Geely’s ecosystem trifecta of AI battery-preservation, NIO swap tie-ups, and desert-proven hybrid tech, to GAC’s 373-hp GN8 PHEV rolling lounge.
XPENG L03 REEV debuts: 1,017-km hybrid freedom at P1.598M
Addressing the dual demands of weekday zero-emission urban driving and spontaneous cross-country weekend getaways, XPeng has officially rolled out the XPeng L03 Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) in the Philippine market with a retail price of P1,598,000.
Series plug-in powertrain dynamics
The L03 REEV operates as a pure series hybrid. Propulsion is handled exclusively by a rear-mounted permanent-magnet electric motor delivering 234 hp (175 kW) and 280 Nm of torque, achieving a 0–100 kph acceleration time of 6.8 seconds. A front-mounted 1.5-liter gasoline combustion engine functions strictly as an onboard power generator to supply electricity to the battery and drive motor, with no direct mechanical connection to the driven wheels.
In-cabin intelligence, safety
The interior features a 15.6-inch high-resolution center touchscreen paired with an expansive 26.8-inch head-up display (HUD) spanning the driver’s windshield line of sight. Front passengers receive power-adjustable, ventilated seating, while the second row includes reclining backrests.
The intelligent driver assistance suite, XPilot Assist, provides Level 2 driving functions including adaptive cruise control, lane centering, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360-degree surround vision with automated and remote parking assist.
Ownership package: The P1.598-million SRP includes a 3.5kW portable emergency charging kit, 2-year free PMS, 5-year free roadside assistance, a 5-year vehicle warranty, and an 8-year warranty covering the traction battery and electric drive motor.
Public activations are running through late October at TriNoma (through Dec. 31), SM Megamall (Oct. 22–28), and through official dealerships in Makati, Greenhills, North EDSA, and Cebu with a P10,000 reservation fee.
Geely’s roadmap: AI charging, battery swapping, Monjaro EM-i
Geely Auto Group has unveiled a 3-pronged technological offensive uniting intelligent thermal algorithms, open-access public battery swapping, and record-shattering long-distance hybrid powertrains. While setting new benchmarks globally, these developments highlight the engineering pipeline heading to the Philippines through Geely Motor Philippines’ expanding electrified fleet (including the EX2, EX5, and EX5 EM-i).
AI-powered smart charging, lithium restoration
Jointly developed with AI firm StepFun and unveiled globally, Geely’s Xingrui PowerMind AI energy model shifts ultra-fast charging from brute power delivery to predictive battery preservation:
30-second temperature forecasting: The AI system predicts internal cell temperatures up to 30 seconds in advance, preemptively modulating current to maintain average charging temperatures below 55°C and capping peak spikes under 65°C—a critical thermal buffer for tropical climates like the Philippines.
5-point liquid-cooling loop: Active liquid thermal management envelopes the stationary grid battery, power dispenser pile, high-voltage liquid-cooled charging cable, vehicle port, and onboard battery pack.
Lithium-ion pulse restoration: By dispatching micro-pulse currents to re-dissolve lithium-ion dendrites accumulating at the negative graphite electrode during intense DC charging, the system restores cell efficiency and extends battery cycle life by up to 20%.
Mega-power benchmarks: The Gen-5 Geely Smart Station supports up to 2,250 kW peak dispensing, while the Shendun Golden Battery supports 12C charge multipliers (10% to 70% in 4 minutes, 30 seconds; 10% to 97% in 8 minutes, 40 seconds on Lynk & Co 10 and Zeekr 001 testbeds). Complementing this, Geely’s Next-Gen Ultra Short Blade Battery uses specialized laser welding to reduce internal charging heat generation by 10% under 6C loads.
Deepened NIO battery-swapping, energy network integration
Expanding the foundation laid in 2023, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH) and NIO Holding Co entered into an expanded strategic cooperation covering capital, technical architecture, and joint infrastructure:
Equity and asset swap: ZGH is investing in NIO Power via a 100% equity transfer of subsidiary Yiyi Internet Technology Co (Yiyi Power) plus RMB 640 million (approx. P5.2 billion) in cash, securing a 30% stake in NIO Power. Concurrently, NIO is acquiring a 10% stake in Geely’s Zhejiang Haohan Energy Technology Co.
Unified standards: The groups are co-developing unified battery-swapping standards for both commercial fleets and consumer-facing retail EVs, connecting their charging piles to create a single interoperable energy network.
Geely Holding Group chief executive officer Andy An Conghui noted: “Recharging networks are public infrastructure that serve society as a whole. They should be built together, shared openly, and connected across networks, so that users ultimately benefit the most.”
Geely Monjaro EM-i: World-record SUV heads to PH
Before its official Philippine launch, the Geely Monjaro EM-i completed a grueling endurance demonstration in Egypt, capturing a Guinness World Records title for the “Fastest crossing of Egypt’s Black and White Deserts in the Sahara by a plug-in hybrid powered production SUV.”
The Monjaro EM-i conquered an unbroken 188.6-km off-road desert trajectory in extreme heat, clearing rigorous cross-axle articulation, loose-sand hill climbs, and low-state-of-charge acceleration trials.
The powertrain: Features a 1.5-liter turbocharged hybrid engine matched with an intelligent electric all-wheel drive (e-AWD) architecture and continuous damping control (CDC) suspension, generating a combined system output of 250 kW (335 hp) and 667 Nm of torque.
Philippine arrival: Philippine automotive media will experience the Monjaro EM-i behind the wheel during a dedicated media test drive across Northern Luzon ahead of its national commercial release.
GAC GN8 PHEV Executive: The P3.388-M rolling VIP lounge
Positioned at the apex of GAC Philippines’ multi-tier luxury passenger van portfolio, the GAC GN8 PHEV Executive has entered local showrooms at an introductory price of P3,388,000 (valid for bookings placed through Dec. 31, 2026).
Drawing on over a decade of dedicated MPV manufacturing and more than 880,000 units delivered globally, GAC engineered the full-size, 7-seater GN8 Executive to serve as an ultra-refined mobile office for business leaders and families navigating dense city grids.
5 innovations defining the GN8 PHEV Executive
VIP 2nd-row airline sanctuary: The second row centers on twin captain’s chairs engineered with Zero Gravity articulation, one-touch spa mode, four-way power ottoman leg rests, position memory, heating, seat ventilation, and multi-program pneumatic massage.
Tropicalized zero-breeze climate and noise shield: Rather than directing harsh cold drafts at passengers, the zero breeze air conditioning system utilizes over 1,600 micro-vents across the cabin to softly disperse conditioned air, backed by tri-zone automatic climate control and a plasma air purifier. The cabin remains quiet using 6-directional seat vibration dampers and double-laminated, green-tinted acoustic glass windows. Passengers ingress smoothly using dual-height child- and executive-friendly B-pillar grab handles.
Mobile boardroom connectivity: Up front, drivers manage navigation on a 14.6-inch touchscreen interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Rear passengers have access to an overhead smart entertainment screen, dual fold-out business work trays, and a concert-grade 16-speaker Yamaha sound system.
Heavy-duty PHEV powertrain: Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged Miller-cycle combustion engine paired with a permanent-magnet synchronous motor and a 2-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). The combination generates 373 hp and 630 Nm of torque, delivering 120 km of pure-electric city range, allowing silent, zero-emission school runs and urban commutes, over 1,000 km of combined hybrid range, onboard 220V power outlets capable of running high-draw electronic equipment or laptops while parked, operating climate systems on battery power with zero engine idling vibrations or exhaust emissions, and 30% to 80% DC fast charging in 45 minutes.
Tropical weather engineering: The high-voltage battery casing and wiring harness feature sealed waterproof insulation to shield electrical components from heavy tropical downpours and street pooling. Active thermal management keeps cell chemistry stable under severe heatwaves, while stability is governed by electronic stability program (ESP), hill descent control, and traction control.
Warranty coverage: The GN8 PHEV Executive includes a 5-year or 150,000-km basic vehicle warranty, along with an 8-year or 150,000-km warranty covering the traction battery, drive motor, and motor control unit, supported by GAC’s 30-dealership Philippine retail network.
Explore further the new energy lineup of GAC Philippines at https://www.gacgroup.com/en-ph/test-drive.
