Tag: EV

  • Hyundai Palisade, Santa Fe and IONIQ 5 Named to Kelley Blue Book’s 2026 Best Family Cars List

    Hyundai Palisade, Santa Fe and IONIQ 5 Named to Kelley Blue Book’s 2026 Best Family Cars List

    The 2026 Hyundai SANTA FE is photographed near California City, Calif., on Feb. 24, 2025.
    The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is photographed in Palm Springs, Calif., on Feb. 24, 2025.

    2026 PALISADE, SANTA FE, and IONIQ 5 recognized for delivering where it matters most to families, from safety to everyday usability

    Hyundai continues to stand out with family buyers, with three models, PALISADE, SANTA FE, and IONIQ 5, named to Kelley Blue Book’s 2026 Best Family Cars list, an annual recognition of vehicles that deliver for families. Evaluated against factors such as safety, reliability, efficiency and overall value, the recognition underscores Hyundai’s focus on building vehicles around what families prioritize every day, from peace of mind to real-world usability. The three Hyundai models represent a quarter of the vehicles recognized by KBB as the best for families.

    “At Hyundai, families do not have to choose between flexibility, technology and efficiency, whether it is the ease of managing a full day in a three-row SUV or the quiet simplicity of driving an all-electric IONIQ 5, our vehicles are designed to support the way families move through real life, without compromise.”

    Ricky Lao, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor North America.

    Vehicles Designed for Family Life

    Recognized for delivering on the everyday needs of families, PALISADE, SANTA FE, and IONIQ 5 each bring a unique combination of space, comfort, safety and flexibility. From PALISADE’s spacious three-row interior and thoughtfully designed storage to SANTA FE’s versatile layout that adapts between passenger and cargo needs, and IONIQ 5’s open, tech-forward cabin that makes daily driving easier, each vehicle is designed to simplify family life. Together, they reflect Hyundai’s focus on creating vehicles that support everything from daily routines to longer road trips with confidence and ease.

    The 2026 Hyundai PALISADE is photographed in Sonoma County, Calif., on Aug. 5, 2025.
  • Spec Check: Tesla Model Y L Arrives in the Philippines: Is ₱2.849 Million Too Good To Be True?

    Spec Check: Tesla Model Y L Arrives in the Philippines: Is ₱2.849 Million Too Good To Be True?

    Tesla’s expansion in the Philippines continues to gather momentum, and this time, it’s bringing something many Filipino families have been waiting for.

    During the recently concluded Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) 2026, Tesla Philippines showcased the new Model Y L, a longer-wheelbase and six-seat version of its best-selling electric crossover. While the standard Model Y has already established itself as one of the most recognizable EVs on local roads, the Model Y L introduces something entirely new to the equation: genuine family-focused practicality.

    More importantly, Tesla Philippines has already listed the Model Y L on its local configurator with a starting price of ₱2.849 million.

    A Bigger Model Y for Growing Families

    At first glance, the Model Y L looks familiar. The minimalist styling, clean body lines, and unmistakable Tesla silhouette remain intact. However, the biggest changes lie beneath the surface.

    The “L” stands for long-wheelbase, and the vehicle benefits from a stretched platform designed to accommodate a six-seat interior configuration. Instead of a traditional second-row bench seat, the Model Y L features individual captain’s chairs, creating a more premium cabin experience while improving access to the third row.

    For Filipino buyers accustomed to seven-seat SUVs and MPVs, the additional passenger capacity could make the Model Y L significantly more appealing than the standard five-seat Model Y.

    Video : Tesla Philippines

    More Than Just Extra Seats

    International specifications suggest the Model Y L receives more than just an extended body.

    The vehicle is equipped with a larger battery pack, dual-motor all-wheel drive, and a combined output of approximately 457 horsepower. Tesla also claims a driving range of up to 681 kilometers under the CLTC testing cycle.

    While real-world Philippine driving conditions will likely result in lower figures, the numbers remain impressive. For many owners, that could mean several days—or even an entire week—of commuting before needing to recharge.

    In a market where range anxiety remains one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption, the Model Y L’s claimed range could become one of its strongest selling points.

    Photo : Tesla Philippines
    Photo : Tesla Philippines

    The Cabin Could Be the Real Story

    The Model Y L’s biggest advantage may not be its range or performance. It may be its interior.

    Tesla’s six-seat layout transforms the cabin into something that feels noticeably more premium than the standard Model Y. The second-row captain’s chairs create a more executive atmosphere, while the extended wheelbase provides additional legroom for rear passengers.

    For families who frequently travel between Metro Manila, Tagaytay, Clark, or nearby provinces, the additional comfort could prove more valuable than outright performance figures.

    Tesla Philippines also recently announced the rollout of Grok AI integration to eligible vehicles, further strengthening the brand’s reputation as a software-driven automaker rather than a traditional car company.

    Video : Tesla Philippines

    A Different Kind of Family Vehicle

    Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the Model Y L is how it challenges conventional thinking.

    For decades, Filipino families looking for three-row practicality typically gravitated toward MPVs, midsize SUVs, or pickup-based vehicles.

    Tesla is proposing something different.

    The Model Y L offers three-row seating without sacrificing the driving characteristics of a crossover. It combines family-friendly practicality with sports sedan-like acceleration, advanced technology, and the benefits of electric mobility.

    Whether local buyers are ready to embrace that formula remains to be seen.

    Is ₱2.849 Million Actually Competitive?

    This is the question that could ultimately determine the Model Y L’s success in the Philippines.

    At ₱2.849 million, the Model Y L positions itself above the standard Model Y variants while remaining surprisingly close in price to some premium hybrid and electrified SUVs currently available in the market.

    When you consider the six-seat configuration, dual-motor all-wheel drive system, extended range, and Tesla’s software ecosystem, the price begins to look more competitive than many might initially expect.

    Of course, pricing is only one piece of the puzzle.

    Charging infrastructure, ownership experience, aftersales support, and long-term resale value will all play a role in shaping buyer decisions.

    Tesla has already proven that there is demand for electric vehicles in the Philippines. But as the Model Y L begins appearing in more showrooms and eventually on Philippine roads, one question remains: Is ₱2.849 million simply the beginning of Tesla’s next chapter in the Philippines—or is it the price point that finally convinces more Filipino families to make the switch to electric mobility?

    Video : Tesla Philippines

    About the Author

    Kevin Peters

    Kevin, or Kev, is the Founder & Editor of Road Spec PH, a passion project born from a lifelong love of cars and automotive culture.

    Long before working in the Philippine automotive industry, Kevin was already the kid who collected toy cars, spent countless hours playing Gran Turismo, and proudly told anyone who would listen that he wanted to be a race car driver when he grew up. While that racing career never quite happened, the passion for cars never went away.

    When he’s not writing for Road Spec PH, you’ll probably find him playing racing simulators, adding to his die-cast car collection, or spending time with his 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer EX.

  • Road Forecast: Nissan Primera Coming to the Philippines – Here’s What We Could Expect Based on the Nissan N7

    Road Forecast: Nissan Primera Coming to the Philippines – Here’s What We Could Expect Based on the Nissan N7

    The Nissan Primera is officially making a comeback in the Philippines. Nissan Philippines pulled the wraps off the revived nameplate during the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) 2026, giving local enthusiasts their first glimpse of what could become the brand’s next-generation electric sedan.

    While Nissan has yet to disclose full Philippine specifications, all signs point to the new Primera being based on the Nissan N7 sold in China. And if that vehicle is any indication, Filipino buyers may soon be looking at a sleek electric sedan packed with cutting-edge technology, impressive range figures, and a level of sophistication rarely associated with previous generations of the Primera.

    A Modern Interpretation of the Sedan

    The Nissan N7 is a midsize electric sedan measuring approximately 4,930 mm long, 1,895 mm wide, and 1,484 mm tall, giving it a footprint comparable to larger executive sedans rather than traditional compact four-doors. Its sleek silhouette is designed with aerodynamics in mind, boasting an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.208.

    Unlike the crossovers and SUVs that currently dominate local showrooms, the N7 embraces the traditional sedan formula while incorporating modern EV proportions. The result is a vehicle that looks considerably more premium than many would expect from a mainstream Nissan sedan.

    Photo : Kevin Peters / Road Spec PH
    Photo : Kevin Peters / Road Spec PH

    Technology Takes Center Stage

    One of the N7’s biggest highlights is its technology package.

    In China, the cabin is dominated by a large 15.6-inch 2.5K touchscreen running Nissan OS. Depending on the variant, the system is powered by either a Snapdragon 8155 or the more powerful Snapdragon 8295P chipset. Higher-end models also feature advanced driver assistance systems developed in partnership with autonomous driving specialist Momenta.

    Should the vehicle arrive in the Philippines as the Nissan Primera, we expect Nissan Philippines to retain the large infotainment display and most of the digital cabin experience. However, some of the more advanced autonomous functions may be revised or simplified depending on local regulations and market positioning.

    Photo : Nissan

    A Cabin Designed Around Comfort

    Beyond the large touchscreen and digital features, the Nissan N7 places significant emphasis on passenger comfort. One of the sedan’s standout features in China is its so-called “AI Zero-Pressure” seating system, designed to reduce fatigue during long drives and daily commuting. This is especially important for drivers and passengers in Philippine roads with a not-so comfortable driving experience.

    If the Philippine-market Primera inherits these comfort-focused features, it could become one of the most sophisticated cabins Nissan has ever offered locally. Whether Nissan Philippines chooses to retain the full suite of seat technology or reserve it for higher variants remains to be seen, but it would undoubtedly add another layer of appeal to an already technology-packed EV sedan.

    Photo : Nissan

    Battery and Performance

    The Chinese-market N7 is offered with two battery configurations.

    The entry-level variant utilizes a 58 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery paired with a front-mounted electric motor producing 160 kW, or approximately 215 horsepower. Higher-spec models receive a larger 73 kWh battery and a more powerful 200 kW motor generating around 268 horsepower.

    Range figures are particularly impressive. Depending on battery size and specification, the N7 is rated for between 510 and 635 kilometers under the CLTC testing cycle. While real-world Philippine driving conditions would likely result in lower numbers, even a conservative estimate suggests that the N7 could comfortably handle several days of Metro Manila commuting on a single charge.

    Fast charging is another strong point. Reports indicate that the larger battery variant can charge from 30 to 80 percent in as little as 14 minutes under ideal DC fast-charging conditions.

    Photo : Nissan

    Could the Philippine Model Be Different?

    While the Chinese-market N7 provides a strong indication of what Nissan’s upcoming EV sedan is capable of, it is unlikely that every specification will be carried over unchanged.

    If the vehicle indeed arrives as the Nissan Primera, Nissan Philippines could potentially:

    • Simplify the trim lineup
    • Offer only the larger battery variant
    • Adjust ADAS features for local requirements
    • Revise charging hardware specifications
    • Reposition the vehicle as a premium mainstream EV sedan

    There is also the possibility that Nissan could tailor suspension tuning, software calibration, and feature packaging specifically for Southeast Asian markets.

    Photo : Nissan
    Photo : Nissan

    The Biggest Question: Pricing

    Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the rumored Nissan Primera isn’t its technology, performance, or design.

    It’s the price.

    The N7 has been positioned aggressively in China, offering impressive specifications for its segment. However, Philippine pricing will ultimately depend on import costs, taxation, battery specifications, and Nissan Philippines’ intended market position.

    Will Nissan price it as an attainable alternative to premium EV sedans? Or will it sit closer to established executive electric vehicles?

    At this point, we’re simply speculating.

    For now, we’ll be watching closely at Nissan Philippines’ electrifying launch of one of its most recognizable sedan nameplates.