Solar Transport and Automotive Resources (STAR) Corporation, the exclusive distributor of BYD vehicles in the Philippines takes full advantage of the TRAIN Law by announcing a move towards an electrified vehicle lineup in the country. This announcement was made as BYD bids to launch a multi-layered electric transportation solution.
Leading the charge, so to speak, is the new 7-seater BYD Tang plug-in hybrid electric executive SUV. Named after the Tang Dynasty, this SUV has two 150hp electric motors offering an 80km range in pure electric mode. Once its charge is depleted, it switches to a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that eliminates any range anxiety. It’s also equipped with BYD’s second-generation Dual Mode (DM) system, which allows it to switch to hybrid electric mode pushing out a total of 505hp. You go 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds while top speed is rated at 180km/h.
The bestselling plug-in hybrid in China, the Tang is more than just about raw power. It can be charged from a conventional 220V socket to top up its 18.4kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack. It also offers a rated fuel economy of 50km/L. And because it can operate in pure EV mode, it offers zero emissions, zero noise, and zero vibration during these times.
These comfort-oriented characteristics are backed up by its solid list of standard features such as a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, a 10.1-inch Android-based infotainment system, and an air purification system.
Plus, the Tang can actually do V2L or Vehicle to Load. This allows Tang owners to use the vehicle as a power source when they’re off the grid. It can power a coffee machine or electric stove in a camping setup, among many others.
The Tang is now available for orders at authorized BYD dealerships in two colors: Timo White and Chocolate Brown. The suggested retail price is currently pegged at P3,288,000.
Later in the year, the Tang will be joined by the BYD e5, a 5-seater electric sedan with a cruising range of 300km and a maximum speed of 130km/h as well as the e6, an electric MPV that can go 400km on a single charge.
Aside from the Tang plug-in hybrid, BYD Philippines also showed off its electric forklift. Also using a lithium iron phosphate battery, it’s designed to last 10 years (4,000 cycles), reducing operating cost by 50-percent compared to lead-acid battery electric forklifts and a whopping 80-percent compared to diesel-powered ones.
Furthermore, BYD also announced their partnership with the local governments of Iloilo and Bataan for the development of their Skyrail system.
“Since BYD’s inception in the Philippines, we have been preparing for the day that the Philippines will be ready for Electric Cars. That day is today. When we started in the Philippines, we launched our e6 and became the first to bring in an electric vehicle in the Philippines. We worked with government and various stakeholders and shared with them the astounding benefits of electric vehicles not only to the environment, but also to the economy and its owners. Today, with the TRAIN law, the leadership in Philippine government recognized the benefits of electric cars and granted tax zero excise taxes for electric cars,” said Mark Andrew Tieng, president of STAR Corporation.
“We move ahead into changing the game in transportation, guided by our mission, to be the leading mobility solutions provider, built on excellence in technological innovations, committed to environmental sustainability, and delivering the best brand ownership experience by a team of passionate individuals,” he added.
