A wave of coding-exempt cars under P1M

EDITORS DESK

When the first wave of electrified vehicles arrived in the country about a decade ago, it seemed like reducing one’s carbon footprint was a luxury only the wealthy could afford. Nevertheless, pioneering brands like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Hyundai persevered, and offered their hybrid and electric options, even if they were all approaching or above the ₱2 million mark.

This is quite a steep price to pay as, at the time, one of the most popular vehicle segments, the seven-seater SUV class, had nearly all their variants hovering between the ₱1.3 million to ₱1.6 million price range. For many, it’s practically a no-brainer to go for the larger, more practical Fortuner, Montero Sport, mu-X, or Terra.

A few years on, economics of scale, and favorable legislation have done wonders to make this shift more feasible for the average car buyer. In fact, besides reduced taxes (which mean lower prices), there’s even an added incentive to get one: number coding exemption.

We’re quite fortunate that there’s now a veritable buffet of electrified vehicles to choose from, making it not only financially viable to finally move to a hybrid or electric vehicle, but also a dizzying exercise thanks to the sheer variety.

As a reminder, coding exemption is given to full-hybrids (capable of pure EV mode) and fully electric vehicles. Mild-hybrids that have an electric motor to assist but cannot power the vehicle independently, sadly, do not qualify.

Hybrids
 

The shift to full electric may still be a leap too far for many. So for those that still prefer the peace of mind of being able to refuel at a gas station, there’s plenty of hybrids to choose from.

No doubt many are already aware of the popular sub-₱1.6 million choices from Toyota like the Corolla Cross, Yaris Cross, or Nissan Kicks e-Power. Though there are also some interesting and compelling peripheral options like the BYD Sealion 6 DM-I, GAC Emkoo Hybrid, BAIC B30e Dune, or Haval Jolion HEV, particularly because these are even larger SUVs within the same price range.

Most surprising of all is the fact that even buyers with less to spend can now enjoy the extended range, fuel savings, and coding-free perks of owning a hybrid. MG, for example, offers the MG3 HEV at just a hair above ₱1 million. Launched just a few weeks ago is the BYD Seal 5 DM-I which starts at ₱948,000.

Electric
 

For those willing to make the full leap to electric, there are even more choices. Bear in mind that these sub-₱1 million EVs have shorter ranges. However, if you have a garage with an outlet to charge the vehicle and plan to use them within the city, their range should be more than enough for the daily commute and errands.

Many are already aware of the Jetour Ice Cream EV, priced at ₱699,000. However, it now has plenty of competition in the form of the similarly-sized Wuling Bingo (₱863,000), Gameboy (₱833,000), Macaron (₱663,000), and VinFast’s VF3 (₱745K). Those looking for a four-door should check out the Dongfeng Nanobox EV (₱880,000), or BYD Seagull EV (₱898,000).

Can coding still reduce traffic?

For now, it seems not as many buyers have caught on to the fact that there are now so many deals and coding-exempt cars available. As part of legislation to encourage this shift to greener vehicles, the coding exemption for these cars should be valid for a few more years — up for debate or possible renewal by 2028 or later. I for one, am already saving for one of these sub-₱1 million electric cars. I can imagine many also see the possibility of fulfilling their personal mobility goals within closer reach.
It’s quite an exciting, but also anxious time. After all, with so many coding-exempt choices flooding the market, one can’t help but wonder, 'How long will number coding still be effective in restraining the number of vehicles on the road?' Will the Council of Mayors have to reconvene once again to debate on window hours, or implementation in more cities? I’m all for giving people easier access to cars, but I do believe that our roads can only take so much more. 
(Iñigo S. Roces is the Motoring Editor of Manila Bulletin)