The “Drive Electric. Love Pinas.” campaign by BYD Cars Philippines puts a spotlight on a key shift in local mobility: long-distance electric vehicle (EV) travel is now viable across the country. The 22-day journey covered more than 3,500 kilometers and passed through 102 cities and municipalities nationwide.
Conducted in partnership with ACMobility and the Department of Tourism, the initiative combined a cross-country drive with on-ground demonstrations, showing how EVs perform across varying terrain and infrastructure conditions.
A nationwide EV drive tests real-world readiness
Led by content creator Wil Dasovich, the convoy used BYD’s New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and DM-i plug-in hybrids to complete a full Luzon-to-Mindanao route.
More than a promotional road trip, the campaign functioned as a large-scale test of EV usability in the Philippines. It covered highways, provincial roads, and urban centers, reinforcing the idea that electrified transport can now handle everyday and long-haul travel scenarios.
Guinness World Records reinforce campaign impact
The campaign reached a milestone during the Manila International Auto Show, where BYD Cars Philippines secured two Guinness World Records.
These include:
- Most cities visited in a continuous journey by a battery electric vehicle, using the BYD eMAX 7
- Most cities visited in a continuous journey by a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, using the BYD Shark 6 DMO
While the records add global recognition, they also serve as measurable proof that EVs can sustain extended travel across multiple regions in the country.
Charging infrastructure emerges as a key enabler
Beyond the vehicles, the campaign highlighted the growing EV charging network nationwide. ACMobility reports over 160 charging points installed from Northern Luzon to Mindanao, many located in commercial and residential hubs.
Access to charging remains one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption in the Philippines. By mapping these locations through tools like the Evro App, the campaign shows that infrastructure is no longer as limited as it once was.
EV ecosystem development takes center stage
The campaign also aligns with ACMobility’s broader push to expand the Philippine EV Spine Network. Instead of focusing solely on vehicle sales, the strategy centers on building a full ecosystem—charging, services, and ownership support.
This reflects a wider industry trend: EV adoption depends not just on product availability, but on how seamless the ownership experience becomes.
What the campaign means for Philippine mobility
The “Drive Electric. Love Pinas.” run positions EVs as a practical option for Filipino drivers, not just an urban or niche alternative. By completing a full cross-country route, BYD demonstrates that the current mix of vehicles and infrastructure can already support long-distance travel.
As more players invest in charging networks and electrified fleets, the Philippines moves closer to a tipping point where EV adoption shifts from early adopters to mainstream users.
