US EV maker Tesla Inc. officially launched its first showroom in the Philippines, last November 8, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward electrified mobility.
“Tesla is officially in this country, supporting our customers, our partners,” said Tesla Regional Director Isabel Fan during the launch. Kevin Tan, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Megaworld Corp. was present alongside government officials led by Secretary Frederick Go of the Office of the Special Assistant for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA). Tesla will be operated from its regional office after setting up a local team to run sales and service.
Ferdinand Raquelsantos, chairman of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines, said another EV brand like Tesla, “will entice some people to shift to EV and likewise adopt to this current technology.”
Tesla Inc. released the Model Y and Model 3, both of which are now available for order. The Model Y, priced at P2.369M for the rear-wheel-drive variant, and spacious interiors with up to 2.1 cubic meters of cargo space. There are two more variants: the P2.689M ‘Long Range’ which can go up to 533 kms. on a single charge, and the ‘Performance’ which can hit 0-100 kms/hr. in a mere 3.7 seconds because of its ultra-responsive dual motors
The Model 3, starting at P2.109 million, offers an aerodynamic design at 513kms range. The ‘Long Range’ variant costs P2.489M and an extended range of 629 km (WLTP) while the blazing fast ‘Performance’ Model 3 variant can hit 100 kms from a standing start in just 3.1 seconds.
Tesla also launched the Tesla Experience Center, its first showroom located at Uptown Parade in Taguig, offers a seamless, one-stop solution for every aspect of EV ownership, including sales, service, and delivery.
In addition to the showroom, Tesla has launched its Design Studio in the Philippines, allowing buyers to customize their vehicles’ exteriors, interiors, and features. “It’s the most affordable. I don’t see any car in this range or this pedigree with this kind of pricing. It’s going to wow the market,” said Fan.
Tesla has also announced the opening of the first indoor supercharger station at Uptown Mall, with a full charge costing around P1,140.
Kevin Tan, chief executive officer of Alliance Global Group, on the sidelines of the opening of the event said the company will open Supercharger stations for Tesla across Megaworld properties such as malls, hotels and townships
“Tesla Superchargers will be located all over our malls and our properties,” said Tan during a brief interview with journalists. The supercharging service will be available on a pay-per-use basis at P19 per kilowatt-hour. Currently, 4 superchargers are being installed in the Basement 2 parking of Uptown Mall. Due to charger port compatibility, these can only be used exclusively for Teslas.
The National Development Company, an attached agency of DTI, welcomes Tesla’s arrival in the country. “A brand like Tesla, that’s good for the Filipino consumers,” said Usec. Antonilo Mauricio, General Manager of the National Development Company. “The price range of (its) EVs, I think, is one of the lowest in the market, if not the lowest, compared to current offerings.”
“The personification of good quality vehicles is still biased to American cars,” says Raquelsantos echoing the sentiment of Mauricio. “It’s about time there is a non Chinese electric vehicle around,” commented one lifestyle blogger. Vehicles to be imported to the country will be sourced from Tesla’s GigaFactory Shanghai.
The first deliveries of the Model 3 and Model Y are set for early 2025, bringing the promise of Tesla ownership closer to Philippine consumers. “Tesla has a presence in about 50 countries around the world. We pick our preferences. So, I pick the Philippines as the next new market in the world,” Fan explained.
Tesla’s entry into the Philippine market is expected to boost the electric vehicle (EV) industry and promote a zero-emission lifestyle.
“Tesla is not only redefining the automotive experience but is also intensifying competition in the EV sector, where Chinese brands have already established a strong presence,” Fan said during the brand introduction. – Irma Isip
