My recent trip to Manila has really made me think a lot about going green by getting rid of gasoline.
We were in Manila from November to February and even though we stayed in a pretty good neighborhood, it still didn’t shield us from the ugly fact that the Philippines is so polluted.
Although we stayed indoors most of the time and were kind of insulated against too much pollution in Eastwood, venturing out revealed smoke, garbage, and other forms of pollution.
We also had a Toyota Altis for the better part of our stay but eventually opted to return it because the only use it was getting was getting driven to transfer it from one parking lot to another.
Which made me think about how we use our vehicle here in Davao. Aside from grocery runs and driving our son to school, we rarely use it.
So, did we have a wasteful asset in our hands and was it time to change our perspective on owning a vehicle?
Was it time to go green with an EV (electric vehicle)? We arrived on the first week of February and I’ve managed to visit the local NWOW store near us and tried out a few of their vehicles.
Now I just needed to find a strong reason why we should take the plunge towards getting an EV. So here I am evaluating my options.
Will you help me choose which one to go with?
Ok, so Here are the Benefits of Choosing an Electric Vehicle Over an Internal Combustion Vehicle in the Philippines
Opting for an EV in the Philippines offers several advantages over traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles:
- Environmental Benefits: EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, leading to improved air quality and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This is particularly beneficial in urban areas like Davao City, where air pollution is a concern.
- Cost Savings: While the initial purchase price of EVs can be higher, they often have lower operating and maintenance costs. Electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline, and EVs have fewer moving parts, resulting in reduced maintenance expenses over time.
- Government Incentives: The Philippine government offers various incentives to promote EV adoption, such as exemptions from excise taxes and import tariffs. These incentives make EVs more affordable and encourage consumers to make the switch.
- Energy Efficiency: EVs are more energy-efficient than ICE vehicles, converting a higher percentage of energy from the grid to power at the wheels. This efficiency translates to better performance and lower energy consumption. It’s just like when I switched from gas stoves to induction stoves.
Those are the only reasons I can think of right now. I’m sure there’ll be more down the line. Or maybe you have ideas? Send me an email or comment below.
Okay so here’s what I have in terms of information about EVs that I’m considering on getting.
Wowed by the NWOW ERV2
Let’s start with the NWOW. Specifically the NWOW ERV2.
Now mind you, the ERV2 wasn’t my first choice. I wanted the basic ERV because it looked like a fun trike to tool around with in the city.
The NWOW ERV2 is an electric tricycle designed to meet the daily commuting needs of urban residents, particularly in cities like Davao. Its compact size, efficient performance, and charming design make it an appealing choice for those seeking an eco-friendly and practical mode of transportation.
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: 1655 mm (length) x 605 mm (width) x 1720 mm (height)
- Battery: Lead-Acid Battery, 48V/20Ah
- Power: 350W Differential Motor
- Maximum Speed: 24-30 km/h
- Range per Charge: 60-70 km
- Charging Time: 6-8 hours
- Load Capacity: 200 kg
- Total Unit Weight: 132 kg
These specifications highlight the ERV2’s suitability for short-distance travel and its capacity to carry moderate loads, making it ideal for daily errands and city commuting.
The ERV2 is Cute!
Like I said, I was already set on getting the old basic ERV. That quickly changed when I saw the ERV2.
It was just so cute.
Yes, I said cute.
Just look at it.
And, the NWOW ERV2 boasts a delightful and compact design that adds a touch of charm to your daily rides. Its sleek lines and thoughtful aesthetics make it stand out on the streets, appealing to those who appreciate both form and function in their vehicles.
It’s just so danged cute.
Stronger Reasons Why You Should Choose the NWOW ERV2 in Davao:
- Eco-Friendly Transportation: As an electric vehicle, the ERV2 produces zero emissions, contributing to cleaner air in Davao City.
- Cost-Effective: With lower operating and maintenance costs compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, the ERV2 offers significant savings over time.
- Compact and Maneuverable: Its compact dimensions make it easy to navigate through Davao’s busy streets and find parking in tight spaces.
- Adequate Range: A single charge provides a range of up to 70 km, sufficient for most daily commutes and errands within the city.
- Local Availability: NWOW has a presence in Davao, making it convenient for residents to purchase and service the ERV2. For instance, There’s an NWOW Dealership near me that’s located at Door 4 & 5 KLAM Bldg., R. Castillo St., Agdao, Davao City.
In summary, the NWOW ERV2 combines practicality, efficiency, and a charming design, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious commuters in Davao City.
The ERV2 sells for Php 44, 800.00 cash. There’s an installment plan where you place a Php 10,000.00 downpayment and choose how many months from 6, 12 or 18 months.
Oh yeah, I forget the ERV2 is available in several attractive color combinations, including:
- White
- Light blue
- Maroon
- Pink
These options allow riders to choose a style that best suits their personal preferences. Me, I want the pink one.
Just embrace the cuteness and go for the pink one.
Side note:
I also checked out the NWOW GC10, which is a two-wheeled electric bicycle designed to cater to the daily commuting needs. The small size seems perfect for urban residents and teenagers.
Its compact design, efficient performance, and user-friendly features make it an ideal choice for navigating city streets like those in Davao.
Technical Specifications:
- Dimensions: 1500 mm (length) x 640 mm (width) x 1080 mm (height)
- Wheelbase: 1030 mm
- Motor Power: 350W
- Battery: 48V 12Ah lead-acid battery
- Charging Time: 6-8 hours
- Maximum Speed: Up to 30 km/h
- Range per Charge: Approximately 40 km
- Load Capacity: 100 kg
These specifications ensure that the GC10 is well-suited for short-distance travel, making it ideal for daily errands and city commutes.
At first I thought it wouldn’t be able to handle me but they let me do a test drive and it managed to take me around the parking lot just fine.
Zippy little machine.
Price?
Php 20,800.00! If you want an installment plan, you just place a Php 5,000.00 downpayment and choose either 6 to 12 months.
After my visit to the dealership, I went on a nice trip down Facebook and signed up for all the groups and pages that featured EVs. I just wanted to get as much info as I could before I put down any of my hard-earned money for an EV.
Even if it may seem inexpensive on paper, that’s still at least Php 20,000.00 leaving my wallet.
Facebook’s algorithm decided to bring me down the path of other, more expensive electric vehicles. Until I saw the Dongfeng Nanobox promo.
Dongfeng Nanobox
For those who don’t know what it is, the Dongfeng Nanobox is a compact electric vehicle (EV) designed to meet the demands of urban commuting, offering a blend of efficiency, style, and eco-friendliness.
Before the Nanobox, all of the inexpensive EV cars I’ve seen looked ugly. I mean ugly in a conventional sense.
I’m all for unique looks and all that but sometimes design does put off the buyer and instead of producing ugly EVs, manufacturers should do what Dongfeng did and come up with something like the Nanobox.
At first glance, you wouldn’t even think it was an EV. Upon deeper inspection, I find out that the Nanobox uses the same platform as the Renault Kwid.
Because it barely looks like what you’d expect in an EV, the Nanobox’s modern design and practical features make it an attractive option for city dwellers seeking sustainable transportation solutions.
Technical Specifications:
- Dimensions: 3732 mm (length) x 1579 mm (width) x 1515 mm (height)
- Wheelbase: 2423 mm
- Ground Clearance: 150 mm
- Torque: 125 Nm
- Battery Capacity: 28.9 kWh Lithium-Ion
- Driving Range: Up to 351 km on a full charge
- Charging Time:
- AC Charging (0-100%): Approximately 4 hours
- DC Fast Charging (30-80%): Approximately 30 minutes
- Cargo Volume: 300 liters
These specifications highlight the Nanobox’s capability to handle daily commutes and errands efficiently, providing ample space for passengers and cargo.
You Wouldn’t Believe it was an EV
The Dongfeng Nanobox features a sleek and contemporary design, with smooth lines and a compact silhouette that exudes a youthful and dynamic appeal. Its modern aesthetics make it a standout choice for those who value both form and function in their vehicle.
Available Colors:
The Nanobox is available in a variety of vibrant colors, allowing buyers to select a hue that best reflects their personal style. These color options enhance the vehicle’s visual appeal and offer a personalized touch to suit individual preferences.
And yes… I chose the color pink again.
Php 1,000.00 Downpayment!
I contacted the dealer and found out that the downpayment was at Php 1,000 only. Anyone would jump at that price right? Yeah, I would.
But, just remember that that’s only the downpayment.
The monthly payments would cost you Php 17,000.00 per month for 6 years, bringing the total amount of the vehicle to Php 1,200,000.00.
Final Verdict
In summary, both the NWOW ERV2 and the Dongfeng Nanobox offer practical and efficient solutions for urban transportation in the Philippines, each catering to different mobility needs and preferences.
One thing you also have to remember is that these EVs are made in China. So, quality may not be at its highest but oh man do they have a lot of EVs to offer. I went down a rabbit hole for you guys and found out one of the biggest sources of EV information. Here you go.
Although, I’m kind of set on getting an electric vehicle, my mind was swayed a bit when I saw that Motortrade had a promo for the Honda Click.
I went to visit to check out there repo units but kind of fell in love with the Honda BeAT instead. I’ll write something about that next.
In the meantime, please send me your comments or email me your thoughts about the vehicles I talked about especially if you’re a Honda BeAT, Honda Click, or NWOW ERV2 user/owner.
Oh and Happy Valentine’s Day Y’all!
