Autocar Philippines’ Editor in Chief, Ira Panganiban, had a chance to speak with Bob Palanca, the Managing Director of BYD Cars Philippines. The agenda was for the local media outlet’s latest episode of Executive Drive, a segment where people of positions in the Philippine auto industry are highlighted, letting viewers know more about their rise through the ranks, as well as the stories behind the brands they represent.
One of the topics briefly discussed in the episode is all about BYD Cars Philippines’ highlight achievement early this year — an endeavor called “Drive Electric. Love Pinas,” a nationwide road trip in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT). It featured BYD’s latest electrified models, with a mission to showcase vehicle capability, versatility, and to show that range anxiety is a thing of the past.
Led by Filipino-American travel personality Wil Dasovich, the expedition traveled from Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, to General Santos City, crossing Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. The campaign describes the journey as covering more than 3,500 km over 22 days, while Guinness World Records documented the official record journey from February 24 to March 15, 2026.
The expedition visited 102 cities and municipalities and required three ferry crossings between the country’s major island groups. Rather than simply following a highway route, the journey was divided into three major sections: a 1,154-km Northern Passage, a 640-km Visayas Loop, and a 1,024-km Mindanao Adventure.
The vehicles used during the expedition included the BYD eMAX 7 battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and the BYD Shark 6 DMO plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Their participation ultimately resulted in two Guinness World Records.
The eMAX 7 established the record for the most cities visited in a continuous journey by a battery electric vehicle, while the Shark 6 DMO secured the corresponding record for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Guinness recorded the PHEV journey at 3,454.7 km.
The campaign also put considerable emphasis on charging infrastructure. ACMobility supported the expedition through its Philippine EV Spine, with 20 charging stations positioned along the route and more than 160 ACMobility EV charging hubs cited as supporting the wider journey.
That infrastructure was an important part of the campaign’s message. Instead of presenting electric vehicles only in the context of daily urban driving, the expedition was intended to demonstrate how electrified vehicles could be used for longer intercity and inter-island travel.
The Shark 6 also demonstrated vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability during the journey. Campaign activities included using the vehicle to provide electrical power for equipment, including a DJ setup in Cebu.
The tourism side of the expedition was equally prominent. The convoy made stops at destinations and attractions across the country, incorporating local food, culture, outdoor activities, and regional experiences into the route. Stops and activities included the La Paz Sand Dunes in Ilocos Norte, Baguio, Pampanga, Cebu, Moalboal, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, and Davao.
For BYD and ACMobility, the expedition provided a high-profile demonstration of their vehicles and charging network. For the DOT, meanwhile, it offered another way of promoting domestic tourism by linking travel experiences with emerging transportation technology.
The journey does not, by itself, establish that charging access is equally convenient throughout the Philippines. However, it provides a documented example of BEV and PHEV travel across the country‘s three major island groups, while highlighting the infrastructure and planning required for such trips.
With its combination of tourism, electrified vehicles, charging infrastructure, and two Guinness records, “Drive Electric. Love Pinas.” turned a cross-country road trip into a demonstration of how electric mobility is beginning to fit into Philippine travel.
Autocar’s Take
What makes “Drive Electric. Love Pinas.” interesting is that it goes beyond the usual EV range discussion. A 3,500-km journey across Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao gives us something tangible to consider, particularly in a country where geography makes long-distance travel complicated.
The two Guinness World Records add attention, but the more useful takeaway is the journey itself. Crossing three major island groups requires planning, charging stops, ferry schedules, and patience. It does not prove that Philippine EV infrastructure is already comprehensive. What it does show is that electric travel across the country is becoming increasingly achievable with proper planning and infrastructure.
You can watch the full episode of Autocar Philippines’ Executive Drive, featuring Bob Palanca of BYD Cars Philippines, on its official Facebook page.
