Beyond the obvious benefit to the environment, new energy vehicles by BYD offer such advantages as increased convenience and significant savings on fuel and maintenance expenses.
Now a global leader in electric vehicles, BYD opened its first branch outside of Manila in Cebu with a fleet of state-of-the-art models, like the BYD Dolphin electric urban hatchback, BYD Atto 3 subcompact electric crossover, BYD Han flagship electric sports sedan, and the BYD Tang electric seven-seater SUV.
“BYD Cars Cebu is proud to deliver the latest in cutting-edge electric mobility to our beloved province,” said Edward Vincent Onglatco, President and CEO of Global Star Motors Corporation. He added that they are proud to be the official dealer of BYD electric passenger vehicles in Cebu.
At the media launch of the BYD Cars Cebu showroom on April 24, 2024 along AS Fortuna in Mandaue City, early users of BYD electric vehicles like entrepreneur Manuel “Bunny” Pages and spouses Dr. Henry Cañizares and Dr. Ianne Jireh Cañizares shared their experiences using BYD new energy vehicles.
As doctors who can rack up several kilometers of travel on a daily basis, the Cañizares couple said they used to spend P30,000 monthly on fuel using traditional vehicles but this has been reduced by 80 to 90 percent with BYD’s electric vehicles. With a rated range of 400-500 kilometers, BYD vehicles can travel long distances before they need to be recharged.
Mr. Pages said nothing can compare to the convenience of a BYD Han, which drives smoothly and quietly. Although there are several public charging stations for electric vehicles, he added that he prefers to recharge his car overnight in the comfort of his home.
With far fewer moving parts compared to cars with internal combustion engines, electric vehicles also require way less in maintenance expenses, explained Global Star Motors Corporation Chief Operating Officer Ritchell Selma.
BYD vehicles are also perfect for the metropolis that sometimes suffer from flash floods because they’re equipped with IP 68 batteries that are rated highest for dust and water proofing, according to Mr. Onglatco. Showing a video of a car still moving during the Dubai floods, Mr. Onglatco said it was a BYD Dolphin.
James Ng, General Manager for BYD Singapore, Brunei, and the Philippines, said the company is now the number one manufacturer of new energy vehicles in the world and already holds 55% market share of electric vehicles in the Philippines. The branch in Cebu is the sixth and first outside of Manila, he cited, adding that the plan is to open over 20 branches in the Philippines this year.
