“EV”-ENGERS ASSEMBLE!
The 2026 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) is slated to happen from April 9 to 12.
Amid the ongoing fuel crisis and global tensions in the Middle East, organizers remain steadfast and adamant to pushing forward with the four-day affair at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
In a statement, organizers stated: “MIAS 2026 positions itself as a platform for industry resilience, underscoring the need for the automotive sector to adapt, innovate, and move forward amid uncertainty.”
At the event’s approximately 23,000-sqm show floor, expect the growing presence of of electrified vehicles and other new energy technologies, reflecting the dramatic pivot to more fuel-efficient and alternative-energy vehicles as we steer through the challenges of today’s skyrocketing fuel prices and other economic woes.
Aligning themselves with the show’s theme of: “Powering Mobility”, these players and their various powerful electric offerings take center stage.
UAAGI Ensemble
United Asia Automotive Group’s automotive troop is “set to command the show with unrivaled presence.” They take on the western flank, grabbing the spotlight of about 3,000 square meters of space for their display and dynamic test drive activities, making their footprint the largest occupied by a single entity at this year’s MIAS.
This includes the massive Foton Truck Pavilion—featuring an extensive lineup of electric light commercial and heavy-duty vehicles—and the UAAGI Performance Center, where test drives for distinct brands—BAIC, Chery, Foton, Jetour, Lynk & Co, and Radar EV Pickup are being held.
Specifically, the new BAIC B40e Trailmaster rEV is one of the “heroes” of this ensemble. With its advanced range-extended electric vehicle system, this plug-in hybrid vehicle can achieve a combined range of over 1,200+ km and run on pure electric power for up to 152 kilometers (CLTC).
This brute stays true to its off-road roots with its body-on-frame structure and 4WD system providing the strength needed for challenging terrain.
The BAIC B40e Trailmaster rEV is priced starting at P2,888,000.
For Jetour, expect its T2 five-seater rugged “Lightning i-DM” plug-in hybrid electric SUV and its other electrified models to be paraded there.
The Jetour T2 specifically sports a 1.5-L turbocharged engine and electric motor, with powers of 150hp and 221hp, respectively. It also has a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission, along with 23.7 kWh to 26.7 kWh lithium iron phosphate DC charging, which can power up from 30 percent to 80 percent in just 30 minutes.
This electrified sport-ute is priced at around P2.5M.
At the show, the brand aspires to put strong emphasis on its electrified innovation, featuring PHEV and EV models.
Meanwhile, another brand under UAAGI is Radar, which will have its iconic workhorse debut at the MIAS.
First introduced in October last year, Radar “brings a fresh perspective to the pickup segment, combining electric performance, a unibody ride comfort, and versatile functionality in one compelling package.”
“The Radar EV pickup’s first motorshow appearance at MIAS 2026 marks a meaningful step forward for pickup truck customers. The cost efficiencies of the PHEVs and BEVs matters now more than ever,” said brand head, Franz Decloedt.
“We’re proud to present a vehicle designed around what drivers truly need—strong performance, dependable utility, and everyday comfort—while using less fuel, for as low as P 2.64/km/day with the RD6 ECON (BEV),” he added.
According to him, with advanced technology and the capability to go further, it’s built to help Filipino motorists do more while spending less.
The Radar RD6 6 is available in two distinct powertrains: the pure electric (BEV) RD6 ECON and the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) RD6 EM-P 4WD.
The RD6 ECON is designed as a daily driver, delivering 243hp and up to 485N-m Torque, along with a pure electric driving range of up to 443 km through its 63kWh and 73kWh battery options.
On the other hand, for more oomph, the RD6 EM-P 4WD produces an impressive 461hp and 659N-m of torque. This PHEV variant offers a pure EV range of up to 82 km for short commutes and an expansive combined hybrid range exceeding more than 1,000 km.
To whet one’s appetite , UAAGI Auto Group has even curated a comprehensive and value-laden experience for MIAS attendees, such as: test drive offers, on-site trade-ins, same-day bank approvals and exclusive lucky draw cash discounts of up to P100,000.
Geely’s EV champion
Geely just recently launched its newest champion, the EX5 EM-i hybrid SUV, making its official debut in the Philippines. The MIAS 2026 will be its major public appearance as it flaunts its Guinness-proven safety and fuel-saving hybrid technology and world-record engineering.
At its heart lies a dedicated engine achieving an industry-leading 46.5-percent thermal efficiency-setting a new global benchmark for mass-produced engines.
The system combines an efficient 1.5L, 73kW engine with a powerful 160kW/262N·m electric motor for exceptional performance.
With 83 km of pure electric range (WLTP cycle), the Geely EX5 EM-i can reach a range of 943km.
The vehicle is priced from P1,288,000 to P1,468,000.
Aside from Geely’s hybrid SUV, it is said that the Chinese carmaker will also be presenting the EX2 subcompact electric hatchback. This award-winning critter features a 395-km NEDC range and a 113-hp motor, along with its torque of 150 N-m.
Deepal debut
Another force to be reckoned with is Deepal, the premium electrified brand under Changan Auto.
Through powerhouse Autohub Group, the newest Chinese player in the market makes its official debut in the country.
The brand aims to compete in the fast-growing electrified vehicle market in the country, offering premium yet affordable products for the Filipino motorist.
Deepal is sure to make its major public appearance at the upcoming show with its strong range-extended electric vehicle lineup of the S05, G318, and S07.
Jaecoo J5 “HEV”-ro
Heroes are more often than not celebrated, if not esteemed. And Omoda & Jaecoo Motor Philippines Inc. (OJPH) just announced on its digital platform that it will unveil its newest “hero”, the Jaecoo J5 hybrid electric vehicle at the show.
This HEV features a combined system output of 219 hp and 295 N-m of torque. It is capable of averaging 18.8 km/L while giving a range of over 1,000 km.
Reportedly, it is available in three variants: Comfort, Luxury and Premium.
Other EV exemplars
Other new EVs at the show which can ably save Filipinos during these trying times include BYD’s Sealion 7 battery electric vehicle (BEV), Sealion 8 DM-p and Ti7 plug-ins.
Denza’s B5, B8 and Z8 GT vehicles are said to also make their appearances.
GWM, along with Kia and MG, is said to display their electrified lineup, as well.
Expect more EVs at the four-day show.
These so-called “EVs” may not be birds or planes–but are joining forces in one show to swoop down, grab dreary hands and ably save the Filipino motorist from today’s depressing mobility plights.
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