Long-distance EV travel in the Philippines is becoming less theoretical as two GAC AION V owners put their vehicles through extended journeys across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, covering highway routes, ferry crossings, and areas where charging infrastructure remains limited.
GAC owners Romel Emperado and Rommel Laranjo used their AION V SUVs for trips that tested range, charging, efficiency, and everyday practicality beyond controlled driving conditions.
AION V covers 1,492 km across three island groups
Emperado’s journey covered 1,492 kilometers across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, taking him through Samar and Leyte, where public charging options are still developing.
Rather than treating the trip as an endurance challenge, Emperado planned around charging stops and used the vehicle’s efficiency features throughout the journey.
He drove at steady speeds of around 80–100 km/h, relied on single-pedal driving and regenerative braking, and used power-saving mode.
The result was an average energy consumption of 13.9 kWh/100 km, which he said beat conservative estimates by more than 20%.
“I wanted to share this with the EV community to banish fear and range anxiety,” Emperado said.
Instead of driving through the night to maximize travel time, he scheduled charging around stops at malls and overnight stays, allowing the vehicle to recharge while he and his companions rested.
Lower running costs add to the EV case
For Emperado, the trip also highlighted the potential savings of switching from diesel to electric.
He previously spent around ₱9,000–₱10,000 per month on diesel, while home and destination charging significantly reduced the cost of running his EVs.
His experience points to one of the major considerations for prospective EV owners in the Philippines: the economics can extend beyond fuel savings when home charging or solar power is available.
From Cebu to Mindanao with ferry crossings
Laranjo put the AION V through a different long-distance test, driving from Cebu to Mindanao with two Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ferry passages along the route.
The vehicle replaced a traditional diesel SUV that had been used for his 34-kilometer daily commute and family trips.
Laranjo said home charging, supplemented by his solar setup, significantly reduced his weekly fuel expenses. His previous vehicles could consume up to ₱3,000 a week in fuel, making the switch to an EV a practical financial decision.
The journey also gave him an opportunity to experience how an electric vehicle behaves during lengthy ferry queues and other extended stops.
Air conditioning remains practical during long waits
Unlike a conventional vehicle, the AION V does not need to keep an internal combustion engine running while stationary.
That allowed Laranjo and his family to remain inside the air-conditioned cabin during extended waits without producing engine exhaust.
After completing the journey, Laranjo said the vehicle still had 36% battery remaining, equivalent to around 183 kilometers of range, despite running the air conditioning throughout the day.
“As long as it fits your budget, an EV is just so practical,” Laranjo said.
He also highlighted the AION V’s smooth acceleration and responsiveness during the trip.
Real roads provide a different EV test
GAC International Chief Technology Officer Masato Katsumata said feedback from owners helps the company understand how its vehicles perform outside controlled testing environments.
The two journeys highlight several realities that Filipino EV drivers have to consider, including charging availability, highway speeds, ferry schedules, air-conditioning use, and the ability to plan around charging stops.
For Emperado and Laranjo, however, those considerations did not prevent them from completing long-distance journeys across the country.
Their experiences suggest that EV ownership in the Philippines is becoming increasingly viable for drivers willing to plan their routes around available charging infrastructure—and particularly for households with access to home or solar charging.
