Automotive
A startup develops world’s first flying all-electric speedboat
Of all the things you’ve read today, this is probably the first time you’re going to hear about the world’s first flying all-electric speedboat. In Sweden, a tech startup has already developed and launched the landmark sea vehicle. Recently, they received significant funding from one of the biggest names in infotainment, to boot.
The Swedish startup Candela Speed Boat AB started planning the product in 2015. Despite the multiyear journey, the startup finished the speedboat and started selling final products last year.
Now, after a year in production, Candela Speed Boat AB announced a monumental financial backing from Chris Anderson, the curator of TED Conferences. Though the company did not announce the exact numbers, the financial support is enough to fund a new round of research and development for the company.
Currently, the Candela Seven boasts up to 50 nautical miles of range at 20 knots. However, the speedboat can punch it even further up to 30 knots. More remarkably, it does the work using an all-electric motor. The battery charges for only 12 hours and comes with a nine-year warranty.
Of course, that’s all under-the-hood talk. You might be asking, what about the flying part?
Well, the Candela Seven has built-in, retractable hydrofoils underneath the main body. Fully unfurled, the speedboat towers above the water, preventing waves from slapping the fore. Besides the smoother tide, the hydrofoils provide a much quieter ride, allowing passengers to enjoy each other’s company in serenity.
The Candela Seven ships in nine different colors (with blue, white, and gray as the default options). Interested customers can inquire about the boat on Candela Speed Boat AB’s website.
SEE ALSO: 24 hours in Caramoan
Computex 2026
Acer introduces new e-bikers, e-scooters at COMPUTEX 2026
Acer expands into smart e-mobility solutions
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.
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.
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.
Automotive
VinFast VF MPV 7 positioned as practical choice for families
Strong performance, lower maintenance costs, comfortable driving experience
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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