Automotive

Gogoro introduces their smart e-scooters in the Philippines

The company’s first grand launch outside Taiwan

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With the rising demand for EVs (electric vehicles) in the Philippines, now is the best time for Gogoro to finally introduce their smart e-scooters in the country.

Smart and Sexy

Gogoro Taiwan has officially introduced four of their e-scooters to the Philippine market.

Gogoro SuperSport

The SuperSport is their top-class model with speeds reaching as fast as 96km/h. A representative even told me that it can exceed as much as 100-120km/h if the user permits to reach its exceeding potential.

This e-scooter has three different shades: Arctic Gray, Aura Blue, and Polar Green.

The Gogoro S1 looks pretty much like the SuperSport but with a chassis crafted from racing-grade aluminum.

Gogoro Delight

Designed by four women from the Gogoro Taiwan team, Delight is meant for any woman (or basically anyone regardless of gender) who wants a lighter and more comfortable e-scooter without actually sacrificing its max speed potential.

This model comes in three colors: Beryl Green, Gem Blue, and Pearl Gold.

No driver’s license? No problem! The Gogoro Viva is the best bet for you. Despite its quirky and chic-looking design, this e-scooter doesn’t compromise its potential and reaches speeds of up to 50km/h.

This fun-looking scooter is available in louder-looking Pomegranate Red and Wasabi Yellow, plus pastel-coded hues in Mint Blue and Seasalt White.

What makes all of these scooters smart is the ability to wireless connect them through Gogoro’s app.

No live demonstration was presented to us but several smart connectivity features should be expected such as displaying one’s exact parking location, identifying potential issues in the scooter, keyless unlocking via the app, and even additional security using Touch or Face ID in iPhones.

The Gogoro Super App also enables any user to customize some of the scooter’s function as well as updating several features over the air if possible.

Safe and (No) Sound

Gogoro e-scooters have fail-safe features that prevent the user from being prone to accidents and other mishaps.

Aside from a keyless entry via the app, it can also be unlocked by using the dedicated smart keycard with iQ System. While it may display the massive oval LED display, it doesn’t mean the e-scooter is ready to go.

Another step should be made in order to fully start-up the e-scooter. By pressing the “Go” button, it would then activate its motors and brakes so any user/rider is set and settled before they actually go with their EV companion. This is also to avoid having stolen bikes by unwanted thieves.

Just in case the e-scooter falls by itself (or even while you are riding), it automatically stops all of the EV’s functions to avoid unwanted speeding and acceleration.

Also, this is already given for any EV but, you won’t hear any sound from these e-scooters simply because they are full-on electric.

Swappable and Sustainable

Usual e-scooters are all being charged via plug outlets in EV stations, homes, and apartments. But with the growing population who rely on renting along crammed urban “spaces”, it’s more convenient, reliable, sustainable, and safer to just hot-swap the batteries through their dedicated “Gogoro Network” swapping stations.

Through the use of the Gogoro app, it can tell you whether one of the batteries (or both) needed to be replaced.

Swapping out can be done by anyone (again, regardless of gender) in less than a minute. Though it is said that each battery pod weighs 20 kilograms, with the right handling, you can easily swap one in no time.

As of this writing, there are five existing stations wherein prospective users can easily hot-swap their batteries whenever they needed to be replaced. There’s vague information stated by a representative but as far as I remember, there’s one in Dela Rosa Carpark in Makati, another in BGC, plus Phoenix Gas Station in Parañaque.

With less reliance to power electricity, this also means it’s more sustainable in the long run as it doesn’t harness much of the energy that produce greenhouse gases — which in return harms our only livable planet.

No further information on how it can be bought and accessed but a store rep answered me that it will be subscription-based and can be paid through Gcash, the country’s leading cashless payment system.

Test To Witness

After the official launch announcement, Gogoro Philippines has also prepared a mini testing track at the very heart of Greenbelt 5 for peeps to actually try out the newly-launched two-wheeled EVs.

As I already spoiled it at the very beginning, Gogoro’s first three e-scooters require you a driver license before you can ride and use one. Unfortunately, your in-house writer never applied for one. Thus, the clout-chasing photo above with Gogoro’s top-class e-scooter among the bunch.

Nevertheless, it never stopped people with no license to try one. Individuals who are well-versed in riding motorcycles wouldn’t have a hard time adjusting and actually moving into using one of these e-scooters.

Others with less knowledge but have overflowing braveness literally did their “ride or die” journey. Personally, I just chose to watch fellow media friends ride and enjoy these new two-wheeled EVs.

Exhilirating Experience

The Gogoro Experience Center (GEC) is now open for everyone to visit. It can be found at the 2nd floor of Greenbelt 3 (across H&M) where the Greenbelt branch of Globe used to be located. The first experience store of the scooter company was built with Greenbelt in mind as one of the greenest spots across Makati.

Aside from witnessing all the present e-scooters in their full glory, you can also experience the utmost mobility and comfort of these scooters. Moreover, practicing how to operate the scooters and actually swapping out the batteries before you do it in the real world.

You can even talk to Gogoro representatives and experts your inquiries and curiosities about their products and the how the whole Gogoro ecosystem works.

Greater EV future

This promised partnership came through Globe and Gogoro’s long time of hardships and utmost patience. It actually took seven years for the two companies to bring next-level EV mobility in the Philippines.

Both Globe Group’s President and CEO Ernest Cu and Gogoro’s Founder, Taiwan CEO and Chairman of the Board Horace Luke shared how they connected with each other in sharing the same vision to the country — bringing the carbon footprint lower by promoting electric vehicles as the next main mode of transportation in the Filipino scene.

And with Ayala’s Jaime Alfonso stepping into the scene and having the same sentiments as Luke achieving a “net zero by 2050”, the conglomerate is committed to continuously promote green and sustainability.

No wonder why most Gogoro Network stations stated earlier are either located near an Ayala Mall or a related business/establishment. Expect these will expand further as we head towards an EV future.

Pricing and Availability

Gogoro Philippines hasn’t announced official pricing for these e-scooters but they are promising it will be announced by December 2023. More models will soon be revealed by 2024.

Custom accessories and parts will also be available in order for future users to make better styles for their bikes as well as their overall rider look.

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Automotive

VinFast VF MPV 7 positioned as practical choice for families

Strong performance, lower maintenance costs, comfortable driving experience

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May 7, 2026

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VinFast is pushing its all-electric seven-seater SUV, the VF MPV 7, as family-centric choice for modern practicality.

The EV manufacturer has just launched the EV in the Philippines, one of its key markets, as it continues to push for more accessible electric mobility.

Locally, the VinFast VF MPV 7 is priced starting at PhP 1,239,000 (~ US$ 20,096) if you avail of the flexible battery subscription program.

Alternatively, customers can get it for PhP 1,518,000 (US$ 24,621.27) if they opt for the battery-included model.

The launch comes at the heels of VinFast being the top battery EV brand in the market as of early 2026. The Vietnam-based manufacturer also projects that EV penetration will double by the second quarter of the year.

Among the VF MPV 7’s features are:

  • 19-inch alloy wheels
  • VinFast signature V-shaped LED daytime running lights
  • R-cut wrapped steering wheel
  • 10.1-inch display
  • USB-A and USB-C ports
  • Automatic climate control
  • PM2.5 air filter
  • Rear air vents
  • Up to 1,240 liters cargo capacity
  • 150 kW power, 280 Nm torque

Owners are promised up to 450 kilometers of range on a full charge. The VF MPV 7 has a 60.13kWh battery which can charge from 10% to 70% in just 30 minutes via 80kW fast charging.

VinFast is also throwing in either a 7-year/160,000-km or 10-year/200,000-km battery warranty for those who avail of the EV. Owners can also charge for free at V-Green stations nationwide through March 2029.

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Automotive

The VinFast VF6 is perfect for urban travelers

It can handle a Caloocan-Laguna trip easily.

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April 30, 2026

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The photo above shows a VinFast VF6 in Mint Green. Today, if you hear about the VinFast brand, you might be more familiar with a different shade of green: the striking turquoise of Green GSM, a local electric taxi-hailing app that primarily uses vehicles from VinFast. But did you know that VinFast offers more than just taxi cars?

The VinFast VF6 is a midsize crossover electric SUV perfect for urban travelers. One look at the car is enough to tell you that it means business. The car’s front profile looks simple enough but still exudes that premium feeling. The rear is just as sharp as the front with strong horizontal lines that give that feeling of width on the road.

A short drive to Laguna

It’s not just pure looks, either. To test out the VF6, we took the crossover for a spin from VinFast Caloocan to Lakehall in Laguna. The 60km trip felt like a breeze with the 210hp electric engine. Add to that, the trip lasted from morning to late afternoon, giving the best of smooth highways and adverse traffic conditions.

The power felt just enough to soldier through the long drive, regardless of the condition. Handling was smooth. It has just enough give for maximum control when turning through tough Metro Manila traffic. But the acceleration unleashed the beast inside for those long and smooth straights.

Range anxiety is also a thing of the past. Despite being a long drive, the engine consumed only 15 percent of the battery each way. In total, the battery can supposedly last 480 kilometers on a full charge, and the results prove it.

Even if you get caught out with a low battery, the VinFast VF6 can juice up to 70 percent (from 10 percent) in only 25 minutes. With gas prices still wreaking havoc on every fuel powered car owner’s budgets, having a vehicle that can charge up at a cheaper price per kilowatt and at a quicker rate is an absolute must.

Driving in comfort

Inside, the VinFast VF6 offers a spacious cabin for driver and passenger alike. Both trips going to and from were luxurious.

First of all, the air-conditioning system hid an insane amount of power behind the car’s vents. Being under the sun, the car was naturally hot before use. However, after only being on for a few minutes, the air-conditioning cooled this inferno to much more comfortable levels. By the end, my companion and I were freezing.

Both the front and backseats had enough legroom to help drivers and passengers stretch out their legs. I didn’t feel the crippling claustrophobia of staying inside a car for hours.

The car also had a sizable 12.9-inch infotainment system angled towards the driver. Though the angle seemed too obtrusive if you’re a passenger princess, the system itself connected seamlessly to our phones for that entertainment so crucial to long drives.

Keeping safe in dangerous streets

Comfort should go hand in hand with safety. True enough, the VinFast VF6 comes with a vast suite of ADAS conveniences for safer trips. Of course, you’re getting the standard fixings present every car today, including airbags, but the beauty also lies in those tech-infused features.

First up: cruise control. Normally, I don’t use cruise control because I prefer having maximum control over a drive. However, the VF6’s system is easy to use even when on the go.

For lengthy highways drives, it also has lane departure warnings, which can jerk you back to the right lane if you drift too much onto the next lane. Forward collision warnings and automatic emergency braking keeps your car safe from accidentally rear-ending cars in front.

Finally, the VF6 can automatically detect if you’re too drowsy or tired to drive. The system detects both your behavior inside the cabin and how you drive. For example, if you’re starting to drive erratically, the car will sound an alarm to hopefully prod you for a driver change or a short nap. Thankfully, we didn’t need this feature during our trip, but it’s nice to have.

Price, availability

The VinFast VF6 does not cost too much. The Plus version, which comes with 150kW of max power, sells for only PhP 1,699,000. Meanwhile, a competitively priced Eco version, which has 130kW of max power, sells for PhP 1,499,00.

Both models will come in Jet Black, Infinity Blanc, and Crimson Red.

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Automotive

DENZA expands the electrified market with the all-new B5 and B8

Redefining the SUV experience through refined comfort.

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April 28, 2026

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Following a successful preview at the Manila International Auto Show 2026, DENZA Philippines has officially launched the all-new DENZA B5 and B8.

These electrified SUVs represent a significant step in the brand’s expansion, offering modern drivers a blend of efficiency and real-world capability designed for the complexities of modern life.

DENZA B5

The DENZA B5 is a midsize plug-in hybrid that addresses the common anxieties of transitioning to electrified driving.

It utilizes DMO Super Hybrid technology, pairing a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a dual-motor system. This setup delivers 425 kW and 760 Nm of torque, providing plenty of power for both city streets and open highways.

Range is often a concern but the B5 offers a combined NEDC range of up to 975 kilometers. This capacity allows for a full week of commuting without the constant need to recharge or refuel.

Inside, the cabin serves as a sanctuary, featuring massage and ventilated seats. It also has a panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree camera system that makes navigating tight spaces feel intuitive and safe.

DENZA B8

For those who require more presence and capability, the DENZA B8 arrives as a full-size SUV available in Dynamic and Premium variants.

It’s built for extended journeys, offering a combined NEDC range of up to 1,040 kilometers. This allows drivers to focus on the road ahead rather than the nearest charging station.

The standout feature of the B8 is the DiSus-P Intelligent Damping Suspension. This system continuously monitors the road and adjusts the stiffness of the ride in real time.

The technology works in the background to ensure the ride remains composed and stable.

Inside, the B8 leans into luxury with dual wireless chargers and a built-in refrigerator.

Confidence across any terrain

Both the B5 and B8 are engineered for real-world off-road capability.

They feature four-wheel drive and front and rear electronically controlled locking differentials. Specialized modes for mud, sand, rock, and water wading give drivers the confidence to handle unpredictable conditions.

The inclusion of “Leopard Turn” technology allows for sharper maneuvering in narrow trails or tight U-turns.

The experience is completed by the DENZA App. This tool allows owners to monitor fuel levels, charging status, and location from their smartphones, ensuring that the vehicle is always ready for the next adventure.

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