In its commitment to be a top electronic vehicle (EV) platform in the Philippines, Ayala-led AC Motors is planning to put up 100 free charging EV stations across the country by next year, its Chairman Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala said Friday, Nov. 17.

The company launched the BYD’s first electric vehicle Atto 3 at Glorietta Mall in Makati last Friday where Zobel de Ayala said in his speech that they are “working on the development of the critical charging infrastructure and other lifestyle elements that support it to ensure that [their] customers can drive worry-free with their EVs.”

To date, AC Motors has 20 charging stations today across the National Capital Region such as in Vertis North, TriNoma, One Ayala, Greenbelt, and Seda BGC, among others.

Zobel de Ayala also emphasized that these charging stations will be free for EV owners for the rest of this year.

“We remain committed to our goal of becoming the leading EV platform in the Philippines, in support as well of the Philippine government's own ambition of transforming half of all cars on the roads into electric vehicles by 2040,” he said.

He added that the 100 charging stations “will grow every single month moving forward” and will be built in Ayala states and with select partners nationwide.

“This is just the start of the journey. We are committed to expanding this charging network, delivering more EV products, and of course, providing the best mobility experience for all,” the AC Motors official said.

The newly-launched Atto 3 – with a starting price of P1.598 million – is the first EV model of BYD which is built for modern Filipinos, particularly for young professionals, working adults, and “weekend warriors.”

“This trendy urban SUV, equipped with BYD exclusive e-platform 3.0, features safety, efficiency, intelligence, and aesthetics. It has a unique spotting interior design that brings a refreshing driving experience to consumers,” BYD Singapore Managing Director James Ng said.

Apart from bringing a technological transformation to the automotive industry, Ng said that BYD is “also committed to the sustainable development of the entire ecosystem.”

“[These include] the use of renewable energy, reducing the waste emissions in the production process, and also enhancing the overall environmental performance of our products,” Ng added.

In an interview, Zobel de Ayala said that they will ensure that every EV customer will have a charger at home, including a two-kilowatt charger – taking about 12 hours of charging; and a free seven-kilowatt charger – taking about 5-hour overnight charging.

As they aim to have a robust network that can provide after-sales support for customers, the AC Motors official said that they are planning to develop 13 of 14 dealerships across the country, starting in NCR while expanding in other major cities.

Meanwhile, AC Motors Automobile Group President Antonio 'Toti' Zara III added that they are expecting to have five operational outlets within this year, including four in Metro Manila and one in Pampanga.

Zara said that the company is looking forward to a total of 19 operational outlets by the end of next year in Metro Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and Davao.