TessDrive brings you the latest developments across regional electric mobility, highlighting hands-on multi-brand test drives at PEVS 2026 and how VinFast’s electric 7-seater MPV is proving its mettle from diplomatic motorcades to family budgets.
Test drive over 15 brands at 14th Philippine EV Summit
With local motorists grappling with pump price volatility, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) confirmed that over 15 automotive and light mobility brands will participate in the test-drive and display program of the 14th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS). Scheduled for Oct. 22 to 24 at the SMX Convention Center Manila (Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City), the 3-day gathering provides attendees with direct, side-by-side driving evaluations across every segment of electrified transport.
The test-drive and exhibition roster covers city commuters, multi-passenger family SUVs, premium and high-performance crossovers, light commercial logistics vehicles, and electric 2-wheelers. Confirmed participating brands include BYD, Kia, Toyota, Nissan, MG, Zeekr, Deepal, MINI, Lotus, Changan, Avatr, Dongfeng Motors, and Forland, alongside light e-mobility specialists NWOW and NXT.
EVAP president Willy Q. Tee Ten stated: “The best way to understand an EV is to drive one. At PEVS, you can try a family SUV in the morning, sit in a performance car after lunch, and test an e-motorcycle before you head home. That kind of side-by-side comparison helps people make a confident decision about which EV fits their lifestyle and budget.”
Carrying the theme “Driving Asean Forward: Building an Integrated Electric Mobility Ecosystem,” the summit aligns with the Philippines’ role as Asean Chair in 2026. Beyond the driving track, the event provides visitors direct access to home and commercial charging solutions, on-site banking and leasing calculators, insurance packages, and policy briefings led by the Department of Energy (DOE).
PEVS 2026 will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. General gate admission is P100, while students with valid school IDs enter free. Passes can be secured via evsummit.net.
VF MPV 7: Fleet for Asean Ministers; family savings champ
VinFast’s flagship 7-seater, the VF MPV 7, has taken center stage in the country’s electrified transport landscape—simultaneously serving as high-level diplomatic transport and demonstrating tangible household savings in the competitive multi-purpose vehicle segment.
Eleven units of the VF MPV 7 are being deployed as the official electric VIP transport for international delegates and dialogue partners attending the ongoing 44th Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM44) and its associated meetings held in Manila Oct. 5 to 8.
As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ premier ministerial platform for energy cooperation, AMEM brings together regional energy leaders to advance energy security, accelerate clean energy integration, and modernize power grids across Southeast Asia. The deployment placed the VF MPV 7 at the forefront of clean energy discussions and the concurrent Asean Energy Business Forum, highlighting battery electric vehicles as a practical, zero-emission mass transit solution for regional governments and corporate fleets.
Total cost of ownership: 22% savings
While the VF MPV 7 performs VIP duties, VinFast’s web-based Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculator highlighted the model’s economic advantages for Filipino households. In an AUV/MPV market that logged 43,706 unit sales from January to July 2026 (per Campi data), long-term operating costs have emerged as a deciding factor for car buyers.
Factoring in routine energy consumption, scheduled maintenance, and financing overhead over a 3-year period (based on a family driving 1,000 km per month):
Projected 3-year savings: The VF MPV 7 saves families P412,981 (a 22% reduction in overall costs) compared to a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) seven-seater;
3-year outlay: Total ownership costs for the MPV 7 (battery included) tally an estimated P1,502,167, compared to P1,915,148 for a comparable gasoline model—a difference roughly equivalent to an entire year’s average Filipino household income based on the Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES).
Real-world practicality, ecosystem support
Introduced locally in May 2026, the VF MPV 7 is built around everyday multi-generational needs.
It’s powered by a front-mounted 150-kW (201 hp) electric motor delivering 280 Nm of torque. Its 60.13-kWh battery pack provides up to 450 km of driving range (NEDC), while DC fast charging replenishes the pack from 10% to 70% in approximately 30 minutes.
It accommodates 3 seating rows with 126 liters of cargo space with all 7 seats deployed, expanding to 606 liters with the 3rd row stowed, and reaching 1,240 liters with all rear seats folded flat.
VF MPV 7 is equipped with rear air conditioning vents for both back rows, 4 USB charging ports, 4 airbags, 4 ADAS features, traction control, and Isofix child seat anchors.
The VF MPV 7 is backed by a 7-year vehicle warranty and a 10-year battery warranty, supported by free public charging at V-Green charging stations until March 2029, an optional battery subscription program, and VinFast’s Residual Value Guarantee (RVG) resale protection.