BYD Cars Philippines has expanded its electrified vehicle lineup with the launch of two affordably priced models: the all-new BYD Atto 2 SUV and the BYD Seal 5 DM-i sedan. The introduction of these vehicles is intended to support the Philippines' ongoing transition toward electric mobility, a push bolstered by the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), signed into law in 2022, which provides fiscal incentives and establishes a national policy framework for EV adoption.

"Whether you want to go full electric or extend your range with a plug-in hybrid model built on BYD's Super DM-i technology, [these offerings] make the switch to go electric easy, whichever they choose," said BYD Cars Philippines Managing Director Bob Palanca in a statement.

"At ACMobility (the mobility arm of Ayala Corp.), we've always been focused on making electric mobility more accessible and practical," said ACMobility CEO Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala during his speech at the launch. "As of June this year alone, NEVs (new energy vehicles) — whether full electric or hybrid — captured an impressive 22.3% share of all new vehicle sales in the Philippine market. This is a clear sign that more Filipinos are ready to make the switch to a smarter, more efficient way of moving every day."

The launches come as BYD, already the world's largest NEV manufacturer by sales volume, intensifies its push across Southeast Asia, where plug-in hybrids are gaining traction as a practical bridge technology in markets where public charging infrastructure remains limited.

BYD Atto 2: Two Powertrain Options

The BYD Atto 2 is offered in two powertrain configurations. As a battery electric vehicle (BEV), it delivers up to 380 kilometers of pure electric range. Alternatively, buyers can opt for the DM-i hybrid technology, available in Dynamic and Premium variants, which provide an electric-only range of up to 45 km and a combined range of up to 1,340 km. Both configurations are equipped with BYD's proprietary Blade Battery.

The Atto 2 DM-i Premium variant is equipped with DiPilot advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), offering a comprehensive suite of comfort and convenience features. Like the Dynamic variant, it includes a 10.1-inch display with smartphone connectivity. The EV variant features a 12.8-inch touchscreen and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing owners to power external equipment such as appliances and electronics directly from the vehicle.

BYD Seal 5 DM-i: Up to 2,181 km Combined Range

The BYD Seal 5 DM-i sedan is powered by the fifth generation of BYD's Super DM-i technology. According to local testing, it achieves a combined driving range of up to 2,181 km.

The sedan is available in two variants. The Essential variant offers a pure-electric range of up to 55 km from its 7.42-kWh battery, while the Dynamic variant provides an electric range of 115 km from an 18.3-kWh battery.

Safety features across the Seal 5 DM-i include rear parking sensors, multiple airbags, cruise control, a tire pressure monitoring system, vehicle dynamic control, hill hold control, and automatic vehicle hold. The interior is equipped with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. Additional features include automatic climate control with rear air vents, multiple USB charging ports, and a 522-liter trunk that expands to 1,295 liters with the rear seats folded.

Inventory, Charging Infrastructure, and Government Support

"Not everybody would want to go full electric," Mr. Palanca noted. "That's why we have the DM-i offering. I would like to encourage the market to experience the vehicles and decide what to get. BYD has the units. We have the inventory. We've always believed that making the switch shouldn't feel complicated. It should feel practical and accessible."

Mr. Palanca highlighted that BYD currently operates 81 dealerships and over 200 charging stations nationwide. The brand targets increasing its charging points to 500 by the end of the year.

"In his State of the Nation Address, the President actually encouraged the market [to go electric]," Mr. Palanca recalled. "That is positive feedback for us in the NEV space. I think the government should participate in expanding the EV infrastructure. At the same time, [it] should be able to assist companies like ACMobility in fast-tracking our permitting with certain LGUs so we can set up the charging infrastructure."

Pricing and Availability

The Atto 2 EV variant is available in Breeze Green, while the DM-i variant is offered in Harbour Grey, Midnight Blue, Ski White, and Cosmos Black. Introductory prices, valid until August 31, are as follows: P1.288 million for the EV, P1.208 million for the Premium, and P998,000 for the Dynamic. Starting September 1, the official suggested retail prices will be P1.338 million for the EV, P1.258 million for the Premium, and P1.048 million for the Dynamic.

The BYD Seal 5 DM-i Essential variant is priced at P898,000 until August 31, with the Dynamic variant at P998,000. After the promotional period, prices will be P948,000 for the Essential and P1.048 million for the Dynamic. The Seal 5 DM-i is available in four colors: Deep Sea Blue, Cosmos Black, Atlantis Grey, and Harbour Grey.

Each purchase includes an eight-year drive unit warranty, a six-year or 160,000-km bumper-to-bumper warranty, and an eight-year/160,000-km warranty on the BYD Blade Battery.

"Mobility is changing," BYD Country Head Adam Wu told guests at the launch. "Our mission is about developing technologies that improve people's lives and help reduce the world's reliance on fossil fuels."