TessDrive brings you the latest developments across self-charging electrified powertrains, versatile cabin engineering, and the nationwide charging infrastructure enabling long-distance electric mobility across the Philippines.
GAC E8 HEV brings 1,000-km range and 18-way seating
GAC Philippines officially introduced the GAC E8 HEV, positioning the 7-seater self-charging hybrid as the sweet spot in its newly expanded MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) family alongside the gasoline-powered GN6 and the executive plug-in hybrid GN8. Engineered for active Filipino households seeking electrified efficiency without the lifestyle changes of plug-in charging, the E8 HEV delivers long-range travel security, flexible utility, and executive comfort.
5 standout features
Magic storage with 18 seating configurations: Accommodates changing cargo and passenger needs with ease. The third row folds completely flat into the luggage floor to expand cargo capacity from 345 liters up to 1,917 liters. The layout also features Tea Break Mode, flipping the third row into an outdoor-facing lounge for tailgates or roadside stops.
First-class cabin tech: The GX variant features second-row One-Touch Zero Gravity captain’s seats with integrated ventilation, massage functions, and powered leg rests on extended slide rails. The front cockpit integrates an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, supported by wireless charging and 7 dedicated USB ports across all three rows.
Smooth 2-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT): Paired with a front electric drive motor delivering 300 Nm of instant torque, the 2-speed DHT eliminates shift shock and excess engine revs, delivering smooth, car-like acceleration and a comfortable, motion-sickness-free ride.
1,000+ km range on a single tank: Powered by a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle hybrid gasoline engine combined with an electric motor producing a total system output of 182 PS. The powertrain delivers an exceptional fuel economy rating of 5.58 liters/100 km, or 17.9 km/liter, yielding over 1,000 km of driving range on its 60-liter tank without requiring external EV charging.
Effortless electrified living: Offers the financial savings and quiet cabin environment of low-speed EV commuting while retaining familiar, hassle-free gas station refueling routines.
Pricing and support:
Introductory pricing for the GAC E8 HEV starts at P1,778,000 for reservations placed until Sept. 30, 2026 (standard pricing from P1,858,000). Available exterior finishes include Crystal White and Elegant Black, matched to an all-black interior.
Ownership is backed by GAC’s nationwide network of 30 dealerships, a local spare parts warehouse, two years of free roadside assistance, a 5-year/150,000-km vehicle warranty, and an 8-year/150,000-km warranty covering the power battery, drive motor, and motor control unit.
Reserve units or book test drives via gacgroup.com/en-ph/test-drive or follow @gacmotorph on Facebook and Instagram.
ACMobility gets 45% share of PH public EV charging network
ACMobility, the Ayala Group’s end-to-end mobility arm, maintained its leadership in national electric vehicle charging infrastructure during the first half of 2026, capturing a dominant 45% market share of fixed, open-access public charging locations in the country.
Official Department of Energy (DOE) data as of end-June confirms that out of 492 registered public charging hubs nationwide, ACMobility accounts for 222 locations. Furthermore, of the country’s 1,246 operational public charge points, ACMobility operates 542 charge points (a 43.5% share), excluding standalone battery-swapping cabinets.
Nationwide spine and world-record drives
Strategic high-traffic sites: To counter fuel price volatility and ease range anxiety, ACMobility has scaled installations across its dealership networks, partner fuel stations, Ayala Malls, commercial office parks, restaurants, and retail destinations.
Guinness Record proof of concept: Earlier this year, ACMobility, alongside BYD and the Department of Tourism, completed the 3,500-km “Drive Electric, Love Pinas” road trip from Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte to General Santos City across 102 cities in 22 days—earning two Guinness World Records for the most cities visited in a continuous journey by a BEV and a PHEV.
Universal access via the Evro app: Offering both AC destination chargers and DC fast chargers, the network serves private EVs and commercial fleets across all brands. Motorists can check live station availability, monitor charge sessions, and pay cashless via GCash or credit card through the Evro partner app.
ACMobility head of mobility infrastructure Carla Buencamino stated: “Our goal at ACMobility is to help drive the Philippines’ shift to electric mobility by making EV charging accessible where people live, work, play and travel. Through the Philippine EV Spine, we are committed to connecting the archipelago with charging hubs that will enable Filipinos to charge anywhere, drive everywhere with EVs.
“By making EV charging accessible to owners of all vehicle brands and types, we are optimizing our infrastructure to power the country’s growing EV community. We hope to encourage more Filipinos to embrace electric mobility so they could enjoy a more cost-effective and sustainable transport option.”
View charging maps and technical specifications at acmobility.ph/ev-infrastructure.