As imperfect as hybrids are, they offer a realistic and workable step forward in the Philippine context.
There’s been a lot of debate recently about whether plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and full hybrid vehicles are merely “half-baked” solutions or simply a slower path toward a cleaner future. And to be fair, critics aren’t wrong—hybrids are inherently more complex and can be harder to maintain over time compared to traditional cars or fully electric vehicles.
But here’s another truth, one we often overlook—especially in the Philippines (well, Manila to be specific): a full EV solution doesn’t work in all scenarios. In fact, it only works in a few.
Why It’s Not That Simple
Let’s start with this: if you’re the only one in your household with a car, you’re already at a disadvantage. Sure, EVs with ranges between 170km to 300km are more than enough for the average city commuter—if you can charge at home and if you rarely leave Metro Manila. In that situation, your transport costs plummet, and your only pitstop at a gas station might just be for a bathroom break. That’s ideal—if everything aligns.
But what if you live in a condominium? Or rent in a place with no charging access? What if your lifestyle involves frequent trips to nearby provinces like Pampanga, Laguna, or Batangas, regularly clocking 300 to 400 kilometers?
Or maybe you’re just like me, forgetful, too busy, and probably happy to get more than 20Km/L+ on a new car without compromise and not interesting thinking about where the next charging station is on a long drive (even though that only probably happens once a month)
Different people have different needs. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
The Inconvenience of Public Charging
Let’s be honest—nobody enjoys waiting. Topping up a gas tank takes five minutes. Waiting 15 minutes or more to get enough charge to get home isn’t exactly a lifestyle perk, even if there’s coffee involved.
Even with home charging, you might still need to upgrade your electrical system. And if you don’t have your own parking slot? Good luck.
An EV’s range limits your flexibility, while hybrids, at the very least, don’t. You can’t expect people to change habits overnight, especially when they’ve been accustomed to a five-minute fuel stop for decades.
Change will happen—but it takes time.
The Reality of PH’s Charging Infrastructure
I remember my first experience with paid charging while on a test run from Manila to Baguio in a BYD Atto 3. I paid around ₱38 per kWh—far from cheap. In the end, my EV “fuel” cost almost the same as a full tank of gas. I expected to pay maybe ₱500, but that wouldn’t have gotten me to Baguio and back.
Imagine the added difficulty if you live in Laguna or Batangas.
In contrast, on a trip to China, I saw how it could be done: an entire parking floor filled with 50+ fast chargers, sometimes even hundreds. That level of infrastructure support? We’re not even close.
And even when you do find a charger, reliability isn’t guaranteed. I got stuck with the MG Cyberster simply because it used the GBT standard, and the charging station I went to was down—for over two hours. That’s not an inconvenience most people are willing to live with.
Let’s Talk Price
Let’s cap the budget at ₱1 million. Why? Because if you look around, the most common cars on our roads are affordable ones: the Toyota Vios, Mitsubishi Mirage—reliable, fuel-efficient, and accessible.
At the time of writing, let’s be practical and choose cars that are sub-₱1M and that we can count on one hand:
- BYD Seagull
- Dongfeng Nanobox
- Bestune Pony
- VinFast VF3
These aren’t exactly design icons.
Looks-wise? I don’t think the Seagull or Nanobox will win against a Vios any time soon. I’m not exactly fond of the looks of the Mirage, but it’s reliable, and that’s what matters to a lot of buyers.
Sure, if you increase your budget, you unlock more EV choices with better range. But then again, if Toyota, undeniably the most popular brand of all time, is taking its time with EVs locally, that says something. For many, a Chinese car is already a tough sell, more so if it’s the only EV option. (btw I have two Chinese cars already, so calm down)
Let People Transition at Their Own Pace
There’s also been a growing number of EV advocates who seem to shame hybrid and ICE car owners. But the reality is this: “just-in-case” thinking is real—and it’s valid. Most people want to be greener and pay less for fuel, but they also want peace of mind and flexibility. And hybrids offer that middle ground.
Historically, slow and imperfect solutions are what most people adopt first. Like touchscreen smartphones, the iPhone was expensive when it first dropped, but people still held on to their BlackBerrys. Eventually, we got rid of the physical keyboard, which took time, though. Why can’t we just let drivers ease into electrification with hybrids, and don’t be surprised if their next vehicle is fully electric.
For the car manufacturers, they are simply responding to demand, and right now, the demand is for reliable, affordable, and versatile vehicles that fit Filipino lifestyles. If someone offered an EV that could do 1,000km on a full charge, cost under ₱1M, looked good, and came with a solid charging network, we’d have a winner.
But until that happens?
A half-baked loaf of bread is still better than one that looks good but leaves a bitter aftertaste you can’t ignore.
Bonus thought:
Sorry, but I still love my internal combustion engine. A V10 engine, quad exhausts, a rumbling diesel—those things have their place, and I can’t imagine a Sunday drive without them. One time I drove an EV with fake engine sounds coming out of the speakers was pretty funny. While the future is undoubtedly electric, for now, I’m fine with having all of those options.
