In a testament to grit and a shared vision for the future of Philippine mobility, prominent automotive content creator Hans Tan, better known as King Panda, alongside former COMELEC Commissioner Gregorio “Goyo” Larazabal, embarked on an extraordinary expedition: conquering the daunting mountain passes of Sagada at the wheel of Chinese-made electric vehicles. Their journey, featuring vehicles distributed by Rox Motor Philippines and Aito Philippines, was more than an adventure; it was a powerful statement on the capabilities of electric mobility in the most challenging Philippine terrains.
The duo spearheaded a five-vehicle convoy, featuring the robust Rox 01 and the advanced Aito M9 extended-range electric vehicles, navigating some of the nation's highest and most perilous roads. These routes, notorious for their razor-sharp turns, dizzying drops, and unpredictable weather shifts, pushed the EVs to their limits, showcasing their remarkable power, endurance, and the immense potential of electric vehicles in extreme conditions rarely associated with sustainable transport.
"We almost died," King Panda candidly confessed in a live video that quickly captivated his online audience. "But we had to summon the courage to reach the top. We couldn't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to document the beauty and challenges of our country, and to show what these EVs are truly capable of." His raw honesty underscored the magnitude of the challenge, yet also highlighted the determination that fueled their ascent.
Larazabal echoed the sentiment, elaborating on the treacherous path. "The roads were tight, muddy, and filled with rocks. One of our vehicles even took a hit from falling debris," he recounted, detailing the very real dangers they faced. "But we pressed on, confident in the vehicles and our mission." Their joint resolve painted a vivid picture of a journey fraught with peril but ultimately driven by a desire to push boundaries.
Despite the punishing journey, which spanned over 1,300 kilometers, a striking revelation emerged: each electric vehicle completed the entire circuit with a meager total energy expenditure of just ₱5,000. This astounding cost-efficiency further solidified the compelling case for Chinese EV technology, expertly brought to the Philippine market by Rox Motor Philippines and Aito Philippines. The expedition served as tangible proof that electric vehicles are not just for urban commutes but are viable, economical, and resilient options for extensive, demanding road travel.
The full saga of their electrifying adventure is set to be unveiled in an upcoming YouTube docu-series, "King Panda Presents: North Luzon EVenture." Viewers will gain an exclusive, firsthand look at how King Panda and Goyo Larazabal are leading the charge, proving that electric vehicles are not merely a trend, but a revolutionary force poised to redefine road travel across the breathtaking, yet challenging, landscapes of the Philippines.