The trending car technologies pacing up in the Philippines

How many seaters is it? What are the safety features? Is it fuel efficient?

These are just some of the questions you have to ask when buying a vehicle. As a future car owner, you want to be absolutely sure that you’re making the right choice. So you have to spend time comparing specs from different brands and models.

One of the most important factors to consider is the technology that goes into a car. They are innovative features that can help with safety, performance, fuel economy, driving experience, and so much more!

Here are the top trending car technologies in the Philippines.

1. Electric vehicles

You may not know it, but we are already in the fourth and final phase of the Motor Vehicle Development Program. It is a government effort that aims for the “full integration” of electric cars by 2023.

Many major cities and tourist sites across the country now have electric jeepneys (e-jeeps) and electric tricycles (e-trikes). These electric vehicles are strictly for public use, but there are commercial models already available on the market – like Hyundai Kona EV, Hyundai Ioniq EV, and BYD E6.

Nissan Leaf is another e-vehicle that is slated for its Philippine arrival this 2020. The five-seat hatchback blew Tesla Model S out of the waters when it took its place as the best-selling EV of 2018.

Why it matters

Electric cars are great for environmentally-conscious buyers. Unlike your average car, they don’t have combustion engines. Instead, they run on electric motors and are powered by rechargeable batteries.

Since they don’t need the fuel of any sort, they likewise do not produce carbon dioxide – a by-product of combustion. Scientists propose that shifting to EVs will significantly reduce emissions and consequently, their effects on global warming. Their batteries can also be recycled to reduce the need for mining new materials as well as battery production.

The best part about it is you can get it up and running by charging it at home or at a dedicated stopover. The main downside to this car technology is that it’s expensive. Electric cars in the Philippines currently sell for anywhere between Php 2.05M to Php 4.2M. Even the upcoming Nissan Leaf is expected to be within this price range.

2. Hybrid cars

If you’re not ready for an electric car, or if you find them too expensive, hybrid vehicles are the next best thing to have. Hybrids have engines that run on fuel as well as electric motors that run on battery. Depending on its configuration, a hybrid car can be powered by either or both at the same time.

Chinese automaker Geely will introduce its first hybrid to the Philippines this 2020. Toyota Motors previously announced that they aim to offer an electric or hybrid variant of every single model in their line-up by 2025. Honda CR-V Hybrid debuted in the United States last September, and we’re expecting it to arrive here.

Why it matters

Compared to fuel-only counterparts, they are more eco-friendly since they produce fewer carbon emissions. Furthermore, they provide a better fuel economy since they don’t completely rely on gas or diesel.

Hybrid cars are also cheaper than electric-only models. Take Hyundai Ioniq for example. The EV variant of Ioniq has a starting price of Php 2.05 million. However, you can buy the Hybrid variant of Hyundai Ioniq for Php 1.55 million.

3. Self-driving vehicles

What if you could place your car on auto-pilot? Soon, you may not have to ask this question. Just last year, COAST Autonomous signed an agreement with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority to bring in self-driving cars into New Clark City. Athletes and visitors of the 30th SEA Games were able to ride these automated vehicles.

The trend doesn’t seem to be limited to passenger cars. When Isuzu unveiled their FL IR truck at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, one of its key features was self-driving capability. Self-driving cars can detect motorists, people, and other objects in their immediate surroundings with the help of sensor devices. These sensors are then paired to a CPU which controls the vehicle’s movements in response to the environment.

Why it matters

Cars with auto-driving features provide numerous advantages. The most important of which is safety since they can help you avoid collisions, both on the road or when parking your vehicle. Self-driving cars are also more fuel-efficient and thus, more eco-friendly.

Another advantage of self-driving function is convenience and ease of use. You can literally let go of the steering wheel and not have to worry about getting into an accident straight out of a Final Destination movie.

Before you buy a car, make sure to compare its specs and features with other brands. If you chance upon a vehicle with these aforementioned features, it’s a sure win – but only if you are willing to pay the price. After all, hybrids, electric vehicles, and self-driving cars are the future of the automotive industry.

Also read: 7 Smart tips to extend your EVs battery life