Automotive personality Hans ‘King Panda’ Tan is hoping to dispel the myth that Chinese-made new energy vehicles are fragile and unreliable by putting them through the ultimate test: touring North Luzon. For his long drive, he drove two new energy vehicles (NEVs): the Rox 01 and Aito M9.

The multi-province road trip aimed to debunk long-standing skepticism about Chinese EVs' performance, endurance, and efficiency—especially when compared to their Japanese, American, and European counterparts.

Driving side-by-side with former COMELEC Commissioner, Atty. Gregorio Larazabal, King Panda braved the challenging terrain of a full loop around North Luzon, passing through Manila, Pangasinan, Vigan, Bangui, Aparri, Tuguegarao, Sagada, La Trinidad, and Baguio, before heading back to the capital. Despite the demanding route, each EV completed the journey with just a little over ₱5,000 in total energy expenses — while their diesel backup vehicle spent ₱14,000 on fuel alone.

For this drive, knowing that electric chargers would be few and far between, King Panda used two of the latest range-extended electric vehicles (REEV), also called plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV). These vehicles have both an electric battery and electrified powertrain but also have an onboard internal combustion engine (ICE) that can turn on automatically and charge the batteries while the vehicle is in motion. With the benefit of both kinds of powertrains, these vehicles feature driving ranges that far exceed those of conventional ICEs and EVs. In fact, they don't need EV charging stations at all and can continue to run as long as there is gasoline in the tank.

The Rox 01 is an electric vehicle with a range extender it is primarily an electric vehicle (with an electric powertrain) but has an onboard petrol-powered generator that can charge the batteries when the charge runs out. As such, it is no longer limited by its electric battery’s range, but can continue to move thanks to its range extender. In addition, the onboard batteries can still be charged by plugging it in. This essentially makes it a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

Powering the Rox 01 is an electric drive system with front and rear electric motors. It’s powered by a 56.01-kWh ternary lithium battery that gives up to 235-km of electric driving range using the WLTC cycle. It can be recharged with a GBT charging plug. Its range extender/generator is a 1.5L four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine with a 70-liter fuel tank. Combined, the two powerplants produce 476-PS and 740-Nm of torque. This also allows the Rox 01 to drive as far as 1,115 km when both power sources are full (100% battery, full tank of fuel).

Inside, the Rox is offered with a choice of tan, black, or white Nappa leather upholstery. The seats are designed to reduce fatigue on long drives. Captain chairs are also fitted in the middle row as standard. The dashboard features a large 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 15.7-inch central infotainment touchscreen, as well as a 9-inch monitor at the second row.

The Rox 01 is a capable 4x4. It comes with a terrain management system, variable damping shock absorbers, an advanced off-road cruise mode, and an intelligent water-crossing system. It has a rated towing capacity of 750 kg. It also comes with a standard suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

The Rox 01 SUV is available in two variants: the 6-seater Luxury priced at ₱4.288 million and the 7-seater Sport at ₱4.388 million. The Rox 01 is distributed by Transcorp, Inc. with a showroom at 88 West Service Road, Valenzuela City. Transcorp is also the distributor of Hycan EVs and Sinotruck.

For more information about the Rox 01, click here.

This full-size luxury vehicle, developed in collaboration with Huawei and Seres, combines advanced technology with elegant design, offering a glimpse into the future of electric mobility.

The Aito M9 is a range-extended-range electric vehicle (REEV) variant of the M9 EV, driven by a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined 496-PS. The front motor delivers 224-PS and 315-Nm of torque, while the rear motor produces 270-PS and 360-Nm of torque. 1.5-liter engine produces 160-PS. The 52-kWh battery offers a revised all-electric range of 266–290 km, while the total driving range is 1,417–1,474 km, depending on configuration. The 52-kWh battery is rated for 275-km of pure electric driving range. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 4.9 seconds.

Inside, the M9 EV boasts a technologically advanced cabin featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch central infotainment screen, and a 16-inch front passenger display, all powered by Huawei's HarmonyOS intelligent cockpit. An optional retractable 32-inch screen and laser projector enhance the in-car entertainment experience, providing passengers with a cinema-like environment. Safety is also a priority, with the inclusion of Huawei's ADS 2.0 system, which utilizes multiple sensors and cameras to support advanced autonomous driving capabilities.

The Aito M9 REEV is priced at ₱5,757,000. The Aito M9 is distributed by QSJ Motors, distributor of Seres and Aito cars with a showroom at Primex Tower along EDSA, Greenhills. For more information about the Aito M9 REEV, click here.

“This tour is my answer to all those who doubt the capabilities of Chinese EVs,” King Panda stated. “Not only did they keep up with the terrain—they were efficient, comfortable, and reliable from start to finish. I hope this inspires more Filipinos to explore electric mobility as a viable and cost-saving option.”

To document the journey and further educate the public, King Panda will soon release a YouTube docu-series titled “King Panda Presents: North Luzon EVenture.” The series will chronicle the five-day expedition, highlight the vehicles’ performance, and offer firsthand insights into the evolving world of electric travel in the Philippines.