BYD backs DoT’s electric road trip

BYD Cars Philippines has teamed up with the Department of Tourism (DoT) and ACMobility for a nationwide electric drive that aims to show travelers they can go far without burning fuel.

The campaign, called “Drive Electric. Love Pinas.,” was formally launched during a contract signing at BYD Manila Bay on 20 February.

Executives from ACMobility, BYD Cars Philippines, and the DoT attended the event, including ACMobility CEO Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

A convoy of BYD electric vehicles will travel from the northern tip of Luzon down to Mindanao. The route runs along ACMobility’s Philippine EV Spine, a growing network of charging stations that now connects key areas from Pagudpud to General Santos City.

Organizers say the idea is to prove that long drives across the country are possible in an electric vehicle, as long as the charging network is in place. The campaign also ties into the DoT’s tourism push, encouraging Filipinos to rediscover destinations using cleaner transport.

Zobel de Ayala described the partnership as a step toward changing how people move around the country. He said tourism and mobility can work together, especially as more drivers consider electric vehicles.

The DoT sees it as part of a wider shift. Frasco said the campaign supports efforts to align tourism growth with sustainability goals. She noted that as the industry continues to recover, environmental responsibility remains part of the agenda.

The road trip will be led by Filipino American travel vlogger Wil Dasovich, who was introduced as the campaign’s lead navigator. He is set to begin the journey in the first quarter of 2026. Along the way, he will document local culture, food, and landmarks while driving an electric vehicle.

BYD Cars Philippines managing director Bob Palanca said the campaign is also meant to show that electric cars are not limited to short city runs. He said the company wants more Filipinos to see that long-distance travel can work with the right support system in place.

The campaign will also make use of tourist rest areas under the DoT. Charging stations along these routes are expected to help travelers combine rest stops with recharging time, both for themselves and their vehicles.

Behind the project is Mobility Access Philippines Ventures Inc., the official distributor of BYD passenger cars in the country under ACMobility. 

The company currently operates dealerships in areas such as Quezon Avenue, Makati, Bonifacio Global City, Cebu, Davao, Pampanga, Alabang and several other cities.

ACMobility, part of the Ayala Group, has been expanding its EV charging network since 2023. It manages charging hubs across Luzon, with sites in the Visayas and Mindanao. The company is also developing digital tools to help drivers locate chargers and service centers more easily.

The campaign will serve as a rolling test for BYD and its partners. If the convoy completes the north to south drive without major issues, it could ease doubts among motorists who still worry about range and charging access.