MANILA, Philippines — ACMobility, the automotive division of Ayala Corporation, has projected a significant shift in the Philippine automotive landscape, estimating that electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids will account for nearly 50 percent of new car sales by 2030. This rapid transition is being fueled by an ongoing global oil crisis and rising fuel prices, which are driving consumers toward more sustainable and cost-effective alternatives.
During the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting, ACMobility CEO Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala noted that the shift is already underway, with internal data showing EV penetration reaching over 20 percent in early 2026.
The primary catalyst for the surge in interest is the stark contrast in operating costs between internal combustion engines and electrified powertrains:
- Gasoline Sedan: Costs approximately ₱7 per kilometer to operate.
- Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV): Costs roughly ₱2 per kilometer when charged at home.
- Total Savings: Consumers can realize up to 70% in savings on fuel and maintenance, making EVs an increasingly attractive urban mobility solution.
Zobel de Ayala highlighted a dramatic spike in consumer engagement across the group’s portfolio:
- Search Volume: Key brands like BYD have seen a nearly 200 percent increase in online search volume and showroom visits.
- Current Penetration: March and April 2026 data suggest that electrified vehicles already represent between 20 percent and 23 percent of new vehicle sales.
- Portfolio Shift: Global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are aggressively retooling their offerings, moving away from traditional engines to focus almost exclusively on new energy technology.
ACMobility aims to solidify its leadership in this transition through its core brands, including BYD and Kia:
- Consolidated Market Share: The company is targeting a 12-percent share of the total Philippine automotive market in 2026.
- Ecosystem Investment: Beyond selling vehicles, ACMobility is leveraging Ayala’s broader ecosystem to expand charging infrastructure and EV support services.
- Affordability: The entry of more competitively priced models is expected to further accelerate mass-market adoption in the coming years.
The forecast comes at a time when the war in the Middle East has strained energy markets, leading to volatile fuel prices across the country. While the environment is described by Ayala executives as “challenging,” they remain constructive on the long-term viability of the EV market as the country’s best defense against external oil shocks.
