Automotive
Xiaomi EV spotted in China
Named Modena
How do new cars get their first test runs on real roads? Common in the automotive space, prerelease vehicles often go on extensive tests on actual roads while disguised with non-revealing designs. As vehicles, electric vehicles are no different. A year ahead of their projected release date, Xiaomi and its first electric car have made surprise appearances in Chinese roads for test drives.
Reported by CarNewsChina (via ArenaEV), Xiaomi has reportedly unleased its unreleased electric vehicle in China. The timing of the tests foretell important tests for winter conditions, an important metric for vehicles in a country that gets its fair share of icy weather. Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun reportedly participated in the tests himself.
All of the test vehicles were clothed in black fabric to obscure the final design. Spotters won’t be able to deduce much except from the outline. Speculations are already out and about, though.
The vehicle, codenamed Modena, will come with a variety of battery options including one from Chinese EV mainstay BYD. The battery will supposedly charge from empty to around 80 percent in just 15 minutes. It will also reportedly come with an unreleased automotive chipset from Qualcomm. It might ship with a price tag hovering between RMB 260,000 to RMB 350,000.
As with their first announcement back in 2021, Xiaomi is expected to launch the Modena sometime in 2024. Besides the first vehicle, the company is also working on another vehicle codenamed Lemans.
SEE ALSO: First Xiaomi car set for a 2024 launch
Automotive
Psst! You can test drive BYD and DENZA EVs for free this week, but not for long
Four days of EV displays, test drives, and a first look at the DENZA Z9 GT.
BYD Cars Philippines and DENZA Philippines are opening Super Experience Week to the public starting October 8, 2026.
The event runs until October 11 and gives visitors a hands-on look at the brands’ latest EVs and plug-in hybrids, along with test drives and a few previews. Admission is free.
BYD brings its plug-in hybrids and safety program
BYD’s showcase at the BGC Amphitheater will feature the Sealion 6 DM-i and the Tang DM-i. The brand’s full lineup will be on display at the BGC Garden, where visitors can also take the cars out for test drives.
BYD is also running its “Drive Electric, EV Safety Program” at the event. It’s aimed at helping new and prospective owners learn more about EV use as the community in the Philippines continues to grow. BYD says visitors can also get exclusive offers on all of its models, but only during Super Experience Week.
DENZA shows its premium lineup and a first look at the Z9 GT
DENZA is the centerpiece of the event. The brand is displaying its D9, B5, and B8, positioned as premium smart mobility with an emphasis on design, in-car tech, electrified performance, and comfort.
The main draw is an exclusive preview of the DENZA Z9 GT. The Philippine launch is targeted for the first quarter of 2027, and reservations are already open for customers who want to register their interest before it arrives.
The weekend moves to 5th Avenue
On October 10 and 11, the event expands to 5th Avenue, which will host a dedicated performance and advanced mobility showcase. A special exhibition will feature YANGWANG models, BYD’s ultra-luxury new energy vehicles.
The DENZA B5, DENZA B8, and BYD Shark 6 DMO will also be on show in a street exhibition throughout the weekend.
Test drives across both the BYD and DENZA lineups will be available for the duration of the event, so visitors can check out the tech, performance, and comfort of each model firsthand.
Automotive
Electric luxury reimagined: XPENG launches next-gen EV lineup
XPENG’s PH lineup spans the X9 MPV and the L03, with prices starting at PhP 1,548,000
XPENG has officially entered the Philippine EV market. Over 3,000 guests attended the brand’s grand local debut. During the launch event, the automaker introduced a six-variant lineup.
The lineup features the flagship X9 MPV and the sleek L03 SUV Coupé. Prices start at an accessible PhP 1,548,000.
Brand ambassador Anne Curtis joined the celebration on stage, while XPENG showcased its X2 Flying Car and IRON Humanoid Robot. These futuristic displays highlighted the company’s “Physical AI” vision.
XPENG X9: First-class travel for seven
The XPENG X9 serves as the brand’s flagship seven-seater MPV.
It turns luxury mobility into a private lounge experience. Buyers can choose between two Long Range variants. The base X9 Long Range costs PhP 3,858,000. It features zero-gravity second-row seats with a central aisle. This layout ensures quick access to the third row. The Premium Seat Package costs PhP 4,058,000.
It upgrades the middle row to individual captain’s chairs. These chairs feature four-way powered headrests and 16-point massage.
Both variants share identical mechanical hardware. A front-wheel-drive motor produces 235 kW and 450 Nm of torque. A massive 110 kWh battery provides up to 615 km of range.
A compatible DC fast charger boosts power from 10 to 80 percent in 12 minutes. Active rear-wheel steering delivers a tight 5.4-meter turning radius. Dual-chamber air suspension ensures maximum ride comfort.
A powered third row folds completely flat beneath the floor. Color options include Midnight Black, Arctic White, Matte Gray, and Silver Frost. Inside, buyers can select Meteorite Black or Coffee.
XPENG L03: Sleek versatility meets electric freedom
The L03 SUV Coupé blends striking aesthetics with daily utility. XPENG offers four distinct variants. Three models use pure battery-electric powertrains. One model features a range-extended electric setup (REEV).
The L03 EV Standard Range costs PhP 1,548,000. Its 58.3 kWh battery delivers up to 445 km of range. The L03 EV Long Range costs PhP 1,698,000 and offers up to 520 km.
The top-tier Long Range Ultra costs PhP 2,058,000 with 480 km of range. This Ultra trim adds front-seat massage, upgraded audio, and intelligent driving tech.
The L03 REEV costs PhP 1,598,000. It uses an onboard gas engine as an electric generator. Its 37.2 kWh battery delivers 215 km of pure electric driving. Total WLTP combined range reaches up to 1,017 km.
All L03 models feature rear-wheel drive. Fast charging takes roughly 20 minutes to reach 80 percent. Every model includes a 15.6-inch touchscreen and 539 liters of cargo space.
Available colors include Arctic White, Midnight Black, Rock Gray, Silver Frost, and Phantom Purple.
Ownership packages, reservation details
XPENG pairs each model with generous ownership perks. X9 buyers receive five years of free preventive maintenance. The package includes five years of roadside assistance.
XPENG adds a five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. An eight-year warranty covers the battery and motor. X9 buyers also receive a complimentary 7kW wall charger.
L03 buyers receive two years of free preventive maintenance. The L03 includes identical roadside, bumper-to-bumper, and battery warranties. L03 EV buyers get a 7kW wall charger. The REEV variant comes with a 3.5 kW portable charger.
Reservations cost PhP 25,000 for the X9 and PhP 10,000 for the L03. Buyers can reserve through @xpengphilippines on social media.
XPENG showrooms in Greenhills, Makati, North EDSA, and Cebu are accepting reservations now. Local customer deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter.
Automotive
BYD says that way better EV batteries are coming next year
Solid-state batteries will debut with higher-end models in 2027.
With gas prices reaching the edges of believability, electric and hybrid vehicles are turning into worthy upgrades. That said, the more casual consumer still has a lot of questions about going electric, primarily about the durability of the battery and range anxiety. Well, a major battery technology upgrade is coming in the next few years, and BYD has just committed to it for next year.
Via the Spanish outlet Carwow, BYD EVP Stella Li confirmed that the company will launch its first vehicle with a solid-state battery in 2027. Now, if you’re a regular consumer, a solid-state battery probably doesn’t make much sense to you. But here’s the basics: it’s smaller, safer, and can last longer on a single charge.
If you’re fine with technical explanations, a solid-state battery uses more solid components, as opposed to the liquid solution used by the current standard of lithium-ion batteries. Because it’s more solid, it has better energy density. Higher energy density means a smaller size is needed to achieve the same battery capacity as modern batteries. In turn, this means that a vehicle can pack more batteries inside, allowing for better capacity. Oh, and let’s not forget that these batteries are generally safer and less prone to incidents.
In the same interview, BYD says that the first model will arrive next year. Unfortunately, because of the battery’s cost to produce, the component will likely debut with the company’s higher-end models. Still, it’s an exciting sight to behold. The electric and hybrid market is already quite the temptation for users, so an even better battery will further push the segment to better heights.
SEE ALSO: BYD adds the facelifted Seal 5 DM-i to its hybrid sedan lineup
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