EV Love: PHEVs from Chevy, Chery, Dongfeng, Aito, DFSK, Mercedes-Benz

To continue the EV Love series, Zigwheels Philippines is listing all plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models from Chevrolet, Chery, Dongfeng, and DFSK recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE). 

Likewise included in this iteration of EV Love is a DOE-certified PHEV nameplate from Mercedes-Benz. Notably, the list also includes DOE-certified PHEV units that are yet to be launched locally. 

Dongfeng

Dongfeng Motors Philippines’ sole model in DOE’s list of certified PHEV models is the Forthing V9 - a three-row multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that is yet to see an official local launch.

Via the government agency’s website, the Dongfeng Forthing V9 is shown to have a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine paired with an electric motor. At maximum, this setup can generate up to 306 horsepower (hp) and 540 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

The vehicle also has direct current (DC) charging capability and an electric-only range of 160 kilometers (km) according to the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC). 

Chery

Chery Auto Philippines’ Tiggo range extended vehicle (ReV) is recognized by the DOE as a PHEV nameplate. 

Propelling the locally available Chery Tiggo ReV is a 1.5-liter mill that’s linked to a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). In total, this PHEV setup can churn out 201 hp and 310 Nm of torque. 

Chevrolet

According to the DOE, Chevrolet Philippines’ upcoming PHEV model is the electrified version of the Captiva. According to the government agency's specs sheet, the model is a three-row sport utility vehicle (SUV) seating up to five. 

Propelling the Chevrolet Captiva PHEV is a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and a PMSM that can provide a combined output of 201 hp and 310 Nm of torque. Per the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), this nameplate has a total range of more than 1,000 km. 

Buick

Interestingly, the Buick brand under Stellantis isn’t sold locally, but DOE’s database includes the GL8 “Lu Shang.” Further research by Zigwheels Philippines reveals that this is a Chinese-made model through the American brand’s partner, SAIC Motor Corporation. 

It isn’t clear yet if this will enter here under Morris Garages (MG) Motor Philippines, but be aware that MG’s local arm is owned and operated by SAIC Motor Philippines Incorporated - a subsidiary of SAIC Motor Corporation. 

Specs-wise, the Chinese-market version of the Buick GL8 uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with a single PMSM. In total, this setup can generate up to 391 hp and 580 Nm of torque. It also has a total driving range of 1,420 km, according to the CLTC. 

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DFSK

Another Chinese brand with a DOE-certified PHEV model is DFSK. Specifically, it lists the E5 crossover under the M1 category. Currently, the said model is sold with a starting price of P1.58 million. 

For the uninitiated, DFSK is known in China as Dongfeng Sokon Automobile. It is a joint venture formed between Seres Group and Dongfeng Motor. 

With regard to the car itself, its Chinese-spec model comes with a 1.5-liter mill and a single PMSM. Together, the said setup can produce up to 214 hp and 330 Nm of torque. It also has a total advertised range of 1,150 km. 

Mercedes-benz

Mercedes-Benz Philippines, under Inchcape Philippines, currently offers the GLE 400e as a DOE-certified PHEV model. 

The electrified luxury crossover retails at P5.79 million, and it uses a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor setup that can deliver up to 252 hp and 400 Nm of torque. It also has an electric-only range of 100 km. 

Aito

Another PHEV model that has gained DOE certification is the Aito M7. It is a midsize crossover with a starting price of P3.557 million. 

Under the hood of the Aito M7 is a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and an electric motor. This setup can deliver up to 443 hp and 664 Nm of torque, and it has a claimed total range of more than 1,100 km. 

Final thoughts

So, there you have it; the last list of locally available DOE-certified PHEV models. Be aware, though, that DOE’s new energy vehicle (NEV) list is ever-changing and is constantly receiving updates. As such, any missing cars that are known to be PHEVs could receive an update.

For the next part of Zigwheels Philippines’ EV Love series, we are listing down all the DOE-certified battery electric vehicles (BEV), so stay tuned. 

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