Automotive

Inside the BYD Di-Space Museum

I unearthed my inner science geek at BYD’s first new energy vehicle museum!

Published

October 21, 2025

MJ Jucutan

Going to Zhengzhou felt like slipping into the past version of me. The nerdy, excitable kid who used to memorize science books like bedtime stories. Except, I never looked like a nerd. I had no braces or oversized glasses.

I grew up looking like a himbo (still do, if you ask me), yet my brain has always been wired to understand the language of technology better than most.

So when ACMobility, the distributor of BYD cars in the Philippines, invited me to the BYD Di-Space Museum in Zhengzhou, it felt like a homecoming staged on glossy floors and wheels powered by the future.

It’s BYD’s first national new energy vehicle (NEV) science museum, designed to immerse visitors in the world of clean mobility, design, and technology.

For the first time in my life, I got ridiculously excited about a museum. Me? Geeking out? Maybe I’ve been hiding my true self all along.

First encounters

The museum sits in Zhengzhou’s Erqi District, about 30 minutes by bus from the InterContinental Zhengzhou Zhengdong, where I stayed like a king for nearly a week.

It sprawls across 15,000 square meters, with another 8,500 outside for supporting facilities. It’s divided by four floors, each one like a chapter of a novel about energy and innovation.

The first floor welcomed me with a story: the evolution of transportation energy. From fossil-fueled beginnings to the clean energy of electric vehicles, the narrative unfolded like a history lesson I didn’t want to skip.

Then came the rise of BYD Auto itself, tracing its journey from battery maker to global NEV leader.

Of course, no museum would be complete without a brand culture space. There were plenty of BYD merchandise and accessories to choose from.

And there’s a café where I could buy an Oatmilk Latte with AliPay via my GCash QR code. Though, when I asked Google Translate to decode the Chinese characters, it told me my drink was “poison milk.”

And you know what? Maybe it was right. Oatmilk is my poison, one I’ll gladly sip until my final breath.

The heart of innovation

The second and third floors were the real showstoppers. Here, BYD peeled back the curtain to reveal how design, engineering, and experimentation transform into actual cars.

It’s like watching haute couture get stitched together, except instead of gowns, you get vehicles meant to save the planet.

READ: 4 electric car myths, debunked

Every corner flaunted BYD’s core technologies. First was the Blade Battery. It’s a slim, elongated battery designed not just for power, but for safety. It’s called the Blade because of its shape and also its resilience.

Engineers literally put it through nail penetration tests and crush tests to prove it won’t explode. Although, I already saw this part when I visited the BYD Headquarters in Shenzhen, where the nail penetration test was full-on display.

Then came the E4 Platform. Think of it as BYD’s secret stage for performance. With motors on each wheel, the system allows precise control and hair-raising acceleration, making NEVs not only efficient but exhilarating.

On another side, there was the Yun Nian System. This is where BYD gets poetic. Yun Nian, meaning “cloud chariot,” is a suspension technology that reads the road like it’s fluent in empathy, smoothing out bumps and keeping rides graceful even on unforgiving terrain.

Then, there was the fifth-generation of DM Hybrid Technology. It’s BYD’s latest dual-mode hybrid tech that blends electric power with gasoline efficiency. It’s proof that clean energy doesn’t mean compromise, it just means extending choice and control.

On another wall, you will find the Patent Waterfall, a massive installation housing over 35,000 patents BYD has earned over the years. Yes! Thirty. Five. Thousand. Patents.

More than a museum

The Di-Space Museum isn’t just a shrine to BYD. It’s a stage for the public to fall in love with the future of mobility and to understand clean energy without needing an engineering degree. It’s a way to imagine what a green society could look like.

And here’s the part that got me a little sentimental: I wish we had something like this in Manila. A place where science feels cinematic, and where sustainability is presented not as sacrifice but as lifestyle. I want a place where kids — and grown-up kids like me — can dream.

Because this museum is more than a milestone for China’s NEV industry. It’s a promise. A powerful declaration that the future is electric, and it’s dazzling.

P.S. I filmed a full video tour using my favorite toys: the DJI Osmo Nano, Insta360 X5, and my iPhone 16 Pro. The future is green and it looks even better on screen.

@gadgetmatch We went on a tour at BYD’s Science Museum in Zhengzhou, China! #BYD #Zhengzhou #China ♬ original sound – GadgetMatch

Automotive

Luxury you can ride: The Vespa 180cc Collection

Piaggio Philippines unveils the Vespa Sprint and Primavera collection at Makina Moto 2026!

Published

April 17, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Elegance is not about being noticed; it is about being remembered. In Italy, a Vespa serves as a statement of style rather than a mere tool for transportation. This philosophy treats every journey as an opportunity to approach life with beauty.

At Makina Moto 2026, Piaggio Philippines brought this ideal to life when it unveiled the new Vespa Sprint and Primavera 180cc collections.

Continuation of heritage

The legacy of Vespa exists somewhere between art and architecture, and this new generation continues that story for the local market.

These new models arrive as a living continuation of heritage, designed for the local rider who refuses to settle for the anonymous. To own a Vespa is to acquire a piece of culture as refined as a bespoke suit.

The Vespa Primavera 180cc carries the warmth of a tradition that celebrates beauty. It features a signature silhouette elevated by newly designed rims and a redesigned speedometer. This model balances heritage aesthetics with modern clarity.

For those who prefer a sharper edge, the Vespa Sprint 180cc speaks a contemporary vocabulary through sculpted lines and a high-definition dashboard that acts as a digital heart within its classic frame.

Technology meets style

The 180cc engine enhances the riding experience by providing a smooth, resonant power delivery that matches the visual poise of the bike.

Meanwhile, the Keyless Start system offers a fluid transition from standing to riding. Advanced ABS brakes secure this sense of effortless luxury. It provides a composed stop that mirrors the agile nature of the machine.

The Vespa Primavera 180cc starts at PhP 218,000 for the Standard variant and reaches PhP 268,000 for the Primavera Tech.

Simultaneously, the Sprint lineup begins at PhP 238,000 and extends to PhP 288,000 for the Tech variant.

Automotive

Changan hits full throttle with aggressive new models, technology

At MIAS 2026, Changan showcases its most diverse vehicle portfolio.

Published

April 15, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Inchcape Philippines, the official distributor of Changan in the local market, pulled the covers off its highly anticipated exhibit at the 2026 Manila International Auto Show.

Throughout the event, the brand showcased a formidable lineup that bridged the gap between traditional combustion and electric mobility.

Changan also gave visitors a hands-on experience through a comprehensive test drive lineup featuring the All-New Changan Eado Plus, the All-New Changan CS35 Max, and the electrified Nevo series.

A new era for the All-New Changan CS35 Max

The All-New Changan CS35 Max headlined the new releases as a sportier, more aggressive evolution of the brand’s consistent best-seller.

Changan designed this upgraded crossover for the on-the-go professional, stretching the wheelbase by 115 mm to create a more commanding presence and a spacious interior.

On the outside, elegant red accents and a sophisticated LED lighting system define the aesthetic, while the cabin features superior ergonomics and premium materials.

Under the hood, a 1.5L Turbocharged Bluecore engine delivers a punchy 180hp and 300 Nm of torque, while a 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission manages the power with precision.

The All-New Changan Eado Plus

Changan also made a serious play for the sedan market with the debut of the All-New Eado Plus.

After dominating as a top-selling gasoline sedan in China, this model arrived in the Philippines to redefine everyday driving.

It pairs a sophisticated aesthetic with a value-packed feature set, positioning it as a primary volume driver for the brand this year.

While the show has concluded, Changan continues to celebrate the launch by offering special introductory pricing through April 30, giving commuters a compelling, tech-forward option for their daily drive.

Pioneering the NEV Frontier

The exhibit highlighted Changan’s leadership in New Energy Vehicles (NEVs).

The Nevo Hunter K50 made history at the show as the world’s first Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) pickup, delivering a massive 1,031-kilometer comprehensive range and 4×4 capability.

Joining the fleet was the Nevo Q05, a plug-in hybrid SUV that boasts a class-leading 1,215-kilometer total range and three distinct electric driving modes.

For city dwellers, the Changan Lumin BEV remained a standout choice, offering a fun, compact electric solution with the largest dimensions and highest battery capacity in the micro-BEV segment.

Changan rounded out the display with a preview of the New Changan CS55 Plus. The brand expects to launch it officially in the second half of 2026 as its flagship PHEV.

Automotive

BYD Previews Atto 2 EV, Sealion 7 at MIAS 2026

And sharing a milestone of two Guinness World Records!

Published

April 14, 2026

MJ Jucutan

The Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) 2026 marks a significant shift in how we view the Philippine drive.

This year, BYD’s exhibit is their largest to date, moving away from purely technical explanations to show how technology lives inside our routines. It’s a showcase of a complete ecosystem — from city crossovers to rugged pickups — designed to prove that the electric transition is no longer a concept, but a proven reality for all Filipinos.

New companions for the modern routine

Among the highlights are two highly anticipated previews that feel like natural extensions of a modern lifestyle.

For instance, the BYD Atto 2 EV is a smart, stylish urban crossover built for the family. It successfully balances everyday utility with a chic, contemporary design.

Meanwhile, for those who seek a more performance-led experience, the BYD Sealion 7 merges a bold aesthetic with a sophisticated All-Wheel Drive system. It also features a tech-forward cabin that serves as a sanctuary on the road.

This shift toward electric mobility is backed by a journey that goes far beyond the showroom floor. Through the “Drive Electric. Love Pinas.” campaign, a convoy of 20 electrified vehicles recently traveled from Northern Luzon to Mindanao.

As a result of this 102-city stress test, BYD earned two Guinness World Records for the eMAX 7 and the Shark 6 DMO. These achievements demonstrate that these vehicles are truly ready for the complexities of the Philippine landscape.

A high-tech future on the road

Consequently, supporting this movement is the “Philippine EV Spine,” which is a network of over 160 charging locations nationwide. This network is built specifically to eliminate range anxiety and ensures that drivers stay powered and connected for the road ahead.

Adding a human resonance to this technological shift, Multimedia Star Alden Richards has joined the brand as its newest advocate. His role reflects a shared goal of inspiring Filipinos to embrace a high-tech and sustainable future.