EXCLUSIVE: Too early to bring in plug-in hybrid EV models locally -- Mazda Philippines

From Audi to Weltmeister, it seems that every major carmaker is offering a battery-electric vehicle (EV) in the Philippines.

Of course, these companies are taking advantage of the zero duties on imported EVs and parts, which has led to huge price drops for many EV models like the Nissan LEAF.

There’s also Republic Act 11697 or the “Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act,” which not only offers non-financial incentives for EV owners, but also provides a roadmap for infrastructure like charging stations and EV parking slots.

The Energy Department is also targeting the sale of only brand-new EVs in the Philippines by 2040.

But for Mazda Philippines, it’s too soon to ride the electric bandwagon.

“Although there’s government incentive, and I think government incentive is important to support and promote more electrification, there’s also a point in time when certain technology are more suitable or more appropriate for a certain timeframe,” said Mazda Philippines president and CEO Steven Tan at the launch on the Mazda CX-60 luxury crossover.

“For example, we’re talking about charging infrastructure, available energy sources,” he added. “At this point in time, we cannot speculate and we will not speculate on how far we go on EV. But at this time, we think that the most suitable technology is what we offer today in terms of a hybrid product.”

No plug-in hybrid

The recently launched Mazda CX-60 comes with a pair of mild-hybrid 3.3-liter powertrains, fueled by either gasoline or diesel.

The luxury crossover gets financial incentives under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement. This applies to vehicles manufactured in Japan with a displacement of at least 3000 cc.

The CX-60 is also available in other markets as a plug-in hybrid. It is powered by a 2.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine mated to an electric motor with a 17.8-kWh battery pack.

Combined output is 328 PS and 500 Nm of torque, with a claimed maximum EV range of 60 km.

However, Tan said the company has no plans to bring in the plug-in hybrid yet.

“Different solutions are available to different markets and countries, with their regulations,” he said. “After going through the requirements and regulations for the Philippines, we have come to the conclusion that the most appropriate or suitable powertrain for the Philippines is the 3.3-liter gasoline and 3.3-liter diesel.”

Mazda Philippines also offers the Mazda3 and the CX-30 with mild-hybrid powertrains, with the upcoming Mazda CX-90 also expected to have electrified engines.

Battery EVs by 2028

On November 2022, Mazda announced its plans to transition to electrification, with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

The company also announced that all of its models will be electrified by 2030 and that it will start selling battery EVs by 2028. Mazda expects EVs to make up 25 to 40 percent of its global sales by 2030.

This is an apparent departure from its previous hard stance on harnessing the potential of internal combustion engines through technical development and the use of synthetic fuels. 

Reports claim that the company will significantly divert new investment from gasoline and diesel models to electric vehicle technologies. However, it maintains its approach to provide multiple solutions in its product portfolio to achieve its carbon neutrality goals. 

This ranges from continuing to produce internal combustion engines, hybrids, rotary engine electrification and full battery EV development.

When do you think the Philippines will get a plug-in hybrid and battery-electric Mazdas?

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