PGA Cars may be renowned for high-performance brands like Porsche, Lamborghini and Bentley, but it also has a bevy of luxurious battery-electric vehicles (EV).

And out of the 300 or so EVs that the company has sold in the last two years, over 200 are from Audi’s e-tron range. It has even reached the point that Audi’s EV models are outselling its internal-combustion engine (ICE) cars.

“Some of our clients are more into the conservation of the environment, so they're more into sustainability,” said Audi Philippines EV sales specialist Alex Pamplona in an exclusive interview at the local launch of the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron crossover.

“One of our clients has actually sold all of his ICEs and then converted to all-electric cars,” he added. “And then, his power source is actually solar, so totally free for the battery.”

What range anxiety?

Pamplona said the popularity of PGA’s EVs is also down to the greater accessibility to charging stations.

PGA’s charging network, comprising 70 stations nationwide as of press time, is a result of investments by the company itself and strategic partnerships with major malls and hotels.

“In case you are out of town, you have several destinations where you can charge your car,” Pamplona said. “Most of our clients, of course, we've convinced them to go electric because we have given the solutions for charging.”

However, Pamplona noted that PGA currently does not have plans to invest in charging stations outside of its showrooms, which includes a 180-kW fast charger at PGA Greenhills on EDSA.

And aside from a home charger, all Audi EVs also come with a portable charger that can be plugged into a regular 220-volt socket should owners be unable to immediately access a charging station.

Zero-emission motoring for less

Pamplona said government incentives for EV owners have also boosted demand, even in the high-end market.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed an executive order on January 2023 that lifted duties on EVs and spare parts until 2028. This has allowed manufacturers to substantially slash prices on their battery EVs.

Indeed, PGA said the Audi Q8 e-tron now costs less than the ICE Audi Q8 models.

Do you think EVs will eventually outsell ICE vehicles in the lower end of the market?

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