Automotive

What it’s like to spend a day at BYD’s All-Terrain Circuit

It’s a showcase of extremes and a reminder that driving dreams evolve with technology.

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I never realized I’d love learning and testing cars, at least not until a rally driver sat beside me during a slalom run, speaking words that would calm even the most restless heart.

“Don’t worry about the cones,” he said as I wobbled through my first lap. And when I drifted into something close to perfection, he whispered “you’re good” more times than I deserved.

Those words stuck more than the speed, and definitely more than the skid marks.

This wasn’t in my bingo card. After winning at the 24th Henry Ford Awards, I thought I’d already said my parting words to automotive coverage.

I poured myself into a passion project tied to my life as an endurance athlete, and when that wrapped, I thought I’d simply move on.

Yet here I was, in Zhengzhou, China — invited by ACMobility — to witness BYD’s first all-terrain circuit, one of the first in the country built exclusively for new energy vehicles.

Arriving at a playground built for new energy vehicles

It was a cold Thursday morning when I boarded a bus to the circuit. The ride stretched over an hour, the kind that lulls you into a half-sleep, half-reverie.

My head bobbed against the window, eyes occasionally opening to marvel at the changing landscape outside. Blue skies meeting industrial romance.

When we finally arrived, I was greeted not just by the sheer expanse of the All-Terrain Circuit but also by the stars of the day: the BYD eMax 9 and Sealion 8, parked like models awaiting their cue.

Before diving into the schedule, I warmed myself with a familiar oatmilk latte from the BYD Café and gawked at the base version of the Yangwang U9 — one of the world’s fastest production car — gleaming under the lights as if to remind us that speed, too, can be art.

We were told the facility housed eight experience zones, each a playground for machines and a test of our courage. And with that, the adventure began.

The world’s tallest artificial dune, now a test track

The first stop was the Indoor Sand Dune, a 29.6-meter vertical drop with a 28-degree slope, certified by Guinness World Records as the highest and largest dune-climbing facility in existence.

Constructed with 6,200 tons of sand, it was designed to mimic the Alxa Desert. Watching the Yangwang U8 command the terrain was nothing short of cinematic. Its wheels tore through the sand with authority, moving like a predator that knew no fear.

We didn’t get to try it ourselves, but my mind drifted to the dunes of Ilocos back home. I wondered how it would feel to tame our own desert with a machine like this, if the U8 ever makes its way to Philippine shores.

What driving through water looks like in the future

The Yangwang U8 returned to center stage at the Wading Pool, a 70-meter stretch of water that felt more like a flood zone than a testing ground.

Through the underwater glass, we watched the vehicle maneuver forward, reverse, and even turn while afloat, all thanks to BYD’s E4 platform.

It was an eerie yet comforting sight, technology meeting something similar to a calamity head-on. In a country like ours, where typhoons strike as often as heartbreaks, such a feature could be a lifeline.

For a moment, I wasn’t just watching a demo; I was imagining families safe inside, crossing flooded streets with grace instead of fear.

Riding shotgun in one of the fastest production cars in the world

Then, came the Yangwang U9. On paper, it’s a beast with 1,290 horsepower and 960 kilowatts. In reality, it was an experience that rewrote my understanding of speed.

I strapped myself in, buff and helmet in place, choosing the Moonlight Stone colorway with interiors in regal purple, which perfectly matched my lavender Nike jacket.

The acceleration was like a trail run on steroids. The heartbeat I feel when descending a mountain trail — reckless yet alive — was the same beat that coursed through me as the U9 devoured the 1,758-meter track with its nine curves and long straight stretch.

The seats hugged me like a co-conspirator, keeping me steady even as the world outside blurred. I didn’t even realize how fast we were going until I glanced at the dashboard.

Fear and euphoria danced together in my chest. Now, I get the high and adrenaline from racing cars.

Learning to let go while machines take over

The off-road testing area spanned 27 scenarios, though time only allowed us to try the Fangchengbao Bao 5 in the junior section.

Still, it was enough to excite me. The car climbed 27-degree slopes, crawled down stairways (and not feel anything), and tiptoed over rocks as if they were pebbles.

I had to fight the instinct to control everything. But these machines were designed to carry you safely even when your nerves frayed.

It was a strange kind of intimacy and learning to surrender. I realized that sometimes, letting go is the only way forward.

Drifting in circles I had no business being in

At the heart of the circuit lay a 15,300-square-meter dynamic paddock, our next stop.

The Kick-Plate simulated icy roads, throwing the car into sudden skids while professional drivers demonstrated how NEV safety systems took over with precision.

It was held in a controlled emergency situation, simulating scenarios we pray never happen but feel grateful to be prepared for.

Later, I took the Denza Z9 GT onto the Low Friction Circle, a 44-meter-diameter track laid with 30,000 basalt bricks covered in water. I had no business drifting — let alone in front of a crowd of seasoned drivers — but BYD’s millisecond-level control and Drift Mode made it possible.

For a few seconds, I found flow, spinning in rhythm with the machine. Until the instructor told me to “maintain,” and pressure snapped me out of it, spinning me like I was in a film getting in an accident.

My knees were shaking when I stepped out, equal parts embarrassed and exhilarated.

How a slalom course became my favorite part

What surprised me most was how much I loved the slalom. Maybe it’s because obstacles have always defined my life, on and off the Spartan course.

Driving the BYD Seal EV through cones and curves felt oddly personal. I wasn’t the best.

I hit cones and I apologized to the rally driver guiding me. Yet when I drifted through U-turns and roundabouts, something familiar sparked in me.

It reminded me of growing up on highways filled with those very curves, sneaking in practice at midnight when no one was watching.

This time, though, the sun was setting, and the moment felt bigger. The course ended not just with applause but with reflection. Life, like a slalom, is about moving through obstacles with grace, even when you stumble

The bigger dream behind the Zhengzhou circuit

The BYD Zhengzhou All-Terrain Circuit is more than a playground. It’s a vision of what driving could become in an age of new energy vehicles.

It democratizes technology, making once-distant innovations something you can touch, feel, and experience.

Soon, another BYD circuit will rise in Shaoxing, with a sprawling off-road area set 500 meters above sea level.

Alongside CAMF, BYD is also launching the “New Track Scheme,” a program meant to cultivate 100 professional racers and introduce racing culture to more people.

As I left the circuit, lavender jacket still smelling faintly of rubber and adrenaline, I realized that this wasn’t about cars alone.

It was about rediscovering joy in places I never thought I’d find it. Maybe that’s what the road ahead is about. Not just speed or power, but new ways of dreaming.

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Computex 2026

Acer introduces new e-bikers, e-scooters at COMPUTEX 2026

Acer expands into smart e-mobility solutions

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June 1, 2026

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Acer is showcasing its new range of e-bikes and e-scooters at COMPUTEX 2026, as part of its expansion into smart e-mobility solutions.

These offerings are powered by integrated software to deliver connected and intuitive riding experiences for evolving urban mobility needs.

Part of the new lineup are the Acer Nitro eCity Plus (e-bike) and Acer ES Series 3 Select (e-scooter). Both designed for urban commuting, these products feature versatile configurations, optimized performance, and enhanced portability for everyday use.

The Nitro eCity Plus comes with multiple riding modes and responsive power delivery for a smooth and stable ride. It also has a removable battery design for convenient charging.

Meanwhile, the ES Series 3 Select is about portability and efficiency. It has features for daily urban travel, and is lightweight, compact, and foldable.

It likewise boasts of multiple riding modes and comes with optimized braking and lighting systems.

Both of these electric mobility solutions can be controlled via the Acer eMobility app. Riders can check battery status and control lighting easily on the go with voice controls.

The app also provides a unified interface for e-bikes and e-scooters across Acer’s portfolio. It allows users to monitor vehicle status, battery levels, and riding data. Riders can also access functions like lighting control, device settings adjustment, riding history, and performance insights.

For peace of mind, several security features are also integrated. For instance, riders can activate an e-lock function via voice commands on compatible e-scooters. On e-bikes, the app also provides alert-based anti-theft notifications.

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Automotive

This premium electric SUV doubles as a massive power bank

The BYD Sealion 7 packs 530 horsepower and a clever battery that can run your household appliances.

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May 31, 2026

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BYD has officially unleashed the Sealion 7, an all-electric SUV that bridges the gap between high-performance engineering and everyday utility.

The Sealion 7 serves as a practical, high-end tool for the modern lifestyle, taking the sophisticated foundations of a luxury sedan and expanding them into a spacious, high-riding crossover designed for the demands of daily life.

Battery built for safety and distance

The core of any electric vehicle lies in its battery, and the Sealion 7 utilizes BYD’s signature Blade Battery technology. This system features an incredibly slim and structurally sound design that discards the bulk of traditional battery packs.

The battery aced extreme safety tests that standard units often fail, which translates to total peace of mind and an impressive range of 542 kilometers on a single charge.

The Sealion 7 also functions as a massive power bank. Equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, the car lets you plug standard household appliances directly into the vehicle.

This feature offers a reliable backup power source during unexpected outages and provides a significant advantage for those who enjoy outdoor activities.

A digital sanctuary

Inside, the cabin offers a clean, uncluttered experience. A 15.6-inch touchscreen serves as the centerpiece, rotating between landscape and portrait modes to allow users to customize the interface for navigation or entertainment.

To keep things safe, the DiPilot system uses a network of sensors to act as a digital co-pilot. This setup includes a 360-degree camera that provides a clear view around and even “under” the car for easier parking. Sensors also monitor driver fatigue to ensure safety on longer journeys.

Uncompromising performance

While the Sealion 7 excels as a practical family vehicle, it also ranks as one of the most powerful SUVs in its class.

Dual electric motors power an All-Wheel Drive system that produces an equivalent of 530 horsepower. This setup launches the SUV from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.

The motors deliver this power near-silently and instantaneously, providing a level of responsiveness that gas-powered engines struggle to match. It offers the speed of a sports car with the poise and stability of a large SUV.

Price, availability in the Philippines

The BYD Sealion 7 AWD carries a price tag of PhP 2,588,000. Beyond the initial investment, the Sealion 7 promises a significantly more affordable ownership experience than a traditional luxury SUV.

Because the vehicle uses fewer moving parts and a simplified mechanical layout, it requires only one service visit per year. Owners can expect maintenance savings of up to 50 percent compared to fuel-powered rivals.

A comprehensive six-year or 160,000 km bumper-to-bumper warranty and an eight-year warranty on the battery support this reliability, ensuring the technology remains an asset for years to come.

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Automotive

GAC Aion UT brings big car energy to the compact segment

This stylish electric hatchback defies its size with a lounge-like interior and an attractive price tag.

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May 21, 2026

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GAC Philippines is pivoting its electric strategy toward the urban enthusiast with the debut of the Aion UT.

This EV hatchback arrives with a proven track record in Europe and Australia and Latin America. It flaunts with a “Milanese” design aesthetic that feels more like a fashion statement than a utility vehicle.

By utilizing a dedicated EV platform rather than a converted internal combustion chassis, the Aion UT maximizes its footprint to deliver what the brand calls “big car energy.”

Spatial engineering and urban utility

The Aion UT effectively flips the script on the compact segment by offering a class leading 2,750mm wheelbase.

Consequently, the interior feels more like a chic lounge than a traditional car because it provides a massive 905mm of rear legroom.

This smart layout means three adults can actually hang out in the back without rubbing knees or feeling cramped.

Beyond just passenger comfort, the cabin handles the daily hustle with ease. It offers 24 different storage cubbies for your essentials plus 440 liters of boot space for your gear.

Furthermore, the car features Vehicle-to-Load technology, which literally turns the vehicle into a giant mobile battery for your gear when you are away from an outlet.

Real world power and the magazine battery

The Elite variant runs on a 100 kW motor that delivers instant punch for weaving through city traffic with 180 Nm of torque.

While the technical side involves a 47.1 kWh battery, you should think of the Magazine Battery tech as a specialized safety vault for your energy.

GAC builds these batteries to resist heat and pressure, which gives you total confidence while driving in tropical weather. When you eventually run low, a DC Fast Charger gets the car from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, the car acts as a second set of eyes with an advanced safety suite. This system handles the heavy lifting by providing Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning and a 360-degree surround view camera and a system that prevents you from accidentally accelerating in the wrong direction.

A tech forward digital cockpit

The interior features a massive 14.6 inch central touchscreen alongside a sleek 8.88 inch digital instrument cluster.

This system acts as the brain of the car and handles all your media through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Everything feels intuitive and fast because the software mirrors the responsiveness of a premium smartphone. To match this digital vibe, the car comes in gemstone inspired colors like Emerald Green and Seine Silver and Champs Elysees Beige and Rococo White.

Price, availability in the Philippines

GAC is currently offering the Aion UT Elite FWD with a retail price of PhP 1,068,000 for the Philippine market.

However, early adopters can take advantage of an introductory price of PhP 998,000 if they reserve by June 30 2026.

This special offer includes an initial discount of PhP 50,000 plus an extra PhP 20,000 reduction for the first 400 units sold.

Every unit comes with a sleek black interior and a black ceiling to maintain that premium feel. Owners also get total peace of mind through an 8 year or 200,000 km warranty on the core electric system and two years of free roadside assistance.

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