By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Senior Reporter
CHINESE electric carmaker BYD Cars Philippines is ramping up inventory in anticipation of stronger electric vehicle (EV) demand within the country, as rising oil prices are expected to push more consumers to shift to EVs.
Global oil prices have risen in recent weeks, with Brent crude averaging around $100.75 per barrel as of April 12, driven by disruptions brought on by tensions within the Middle East.
Within the Philippines, pump prices have increased by a cumulative P52.30 per liter for gasoline and P100.50 for diesel since Feb. 28, based on Department of Energy (DoE) data.
Higher fuel prices are likely to raise the operating cost of conventional vehicles, which can make electric vehicles a more cost-efficient option over time.
“We didn’t know that this may be happening in our country, but we had the inventory available,” BYD Cars Philippines Executive Director Bob Palanca told reporters on the sidelines of the Manila International Auto Show last week.
“We will easily react because our manufacturing plant is just two hours away from the Philippines, so it will be very easy for us to access vehicles,” he added.
Mr. Palanca said all BYD vehicles are sourced from China and sold within the Philippines by Ayala-led AC Mobility Holdings, Inc., its official distributor.
He said the Philippine team is preparing for a possible increase in EV demand amid the continued oil crisis.
“We’re prepared to supply all of the vehicles the market requires, irrespective of how huge that’s.”
The corporate has sold greater than 30,000 EV units within the Philippines to date.
Mr. Palanca said demand varies by location. Subcompact EVs are more popular in Metro Manila, while electric pickup trucks see stronger demand in provincial markets.
BYD Cars Philippines reported a 446% increase in retail sales to 26,122 units in 2025.
Electric vehicles still account for a small share of total vehicle sales within the Philippines, estimated at 7.25% as of end-February, but adoption has been step by step increasing, in line with a joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association.
Industry players have noted that rising fuel costs can influence consumer interest in alternative mobility options, including electric vehicles.
Mr. Palanca said the corporate is preparing for an additional vehicle launch this 12 months but didn’t provide further details.
He said the planned launch had been set before the recent increase in EV demand.
“We’d like to make sure that now we have the complete lineup for the Philippine market. We’d wish to cater to each need of the Filipino — from a reasonable vehicle, subcompact, hatchback, all of the option to our pickups,” Mr. Palanca noted.
The corporate currently has 79 dealerships nationwide, he said.
“I believe that’s sufficient enough to support all our UIOs or units in operation in addition to the services that we are able to cater to the shoppers,” Mr. Palanca said.
Nevertheless, wider EV adoption within the Philippines continues to face challenges similar to high vehicle prices and limited charging infrastructure, in line with industry players.
Mr. Palanca said retail prices of BYD vehicles remain regular, but he didn’t indicate whether adjustments could also be made.