A Wishlist Of EVs At The 125th New York International Auto Show That I’d Like To See In Asia

Sign up for CleanTechnica’s Weekly Substack for Zach and Scott’s in-depth analyses and high level summaries, sign up for our daily newsletter, and/or follow us on Google News!

There is usually little speculation about cars displayed at motor shows in Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai, and Tokyo coming the Philippines. For vehicles showcased at the European and North American shows, automotive soothsayers become more careful, outright skeptical in their forecasts. For this article I made a wishlist of EVs I saw at the 125^th New York International Auto Show (NYIAS 2025), with the sole objective of encouraging the brands who might read this to make these wishes come true.

I’d Mostly Like To See Them In The Philippines

Here are six, listed in alphabetical order, of among 70 other vehicles displayed at the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan which captured my imagination, sparking thoughts of their potential on Southeast Asian — but heck, mostly Philippine roads — where the shift towards electrification is gaining momentum. I personally felt like tangible promises of what’s to come, with their innovations hinting at a thrilling electric era for our local automotive scene.

Dodge Charger Daytona: No other American muscle car is appropriately named and ready for a battery pack than the Dodge Charger. In this particular version, Daytona is not the dual electric motors, delivering standard all-wheel drive — with the R/T boasting 370 kW (496 hp), and the Scat Pack Stage 2, unleashing a staggering 500 kW (670 hp divided equally front and back) — it is the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system. This wasn’t the silent glide we’ve come to expect from EVs, it is instead an innovative amplifier and tuning chamber working to create artificial exhaust notes, and a deliberate echo of the Charger’s nostalgic roar. I rode shotgun twice around the EV test track in the basement of the Javits Center. Forget the acceleration and the tight handling and squealing tires. That is all expected. Burning rubber can be done at a stomp on the pedal. And there’s a volume slider to manage just how much roar one gets.

Powering this icon of American muscle car is a substantial 100.5 kWh battery, targeting a driving range that could comfortably cover distances between Manila and, say, Baguio on a single charge (approximately 418 to 507 kilometers, or 260 to 315 miles, depending on the model and how heavy your foot is). The performance numbers are as expected. The Scat Pack claims 0 to 96 km/h (0-60 mph) in around 3.3 seconds. Definitely a car for the Filipino car enthusiasts who appreciate heritage but are looking towards a high-performance electric future with a strong personality and an audacious roar.

Ford F-150 Lightning: Though the Ford F-150 Lightning wasn’t a completely new face at the NYIAS, having been introduced earlier and even driven ex-POTUS Joe Biden, Ford’s bid at electrifying its best-selling workhorse is truly successful. Built on a sturdy frame specifically adapted for its battery pack and electric motors, the Lightning felt like a testament to rugged capability going green. Two battery options are on offer: a standard-range aiming for around 370 kilometers (230 miles) and an extended-range targeting approximately 515 kilometers (320 miles). Imagine the possibilities for businesses and adventurers alike, potentially driving from Manila to high up north in Ilocos Norte without needing to plug in.

The power figures are impressive. Dual motors put out 337 kW (452 hp) and a massive 1050 Nm (775 lb-ft) of torque, while the extended-range cranks it up to 433 kW (580 hp) with the same earth-moving torque. A standout feature was the Mega Power Frunk — a cavernous, lockable storage space where the engine used to be. The practicality of this for tools, luggage, or even groceries was immediately apparent, but don’t picture it that way. Hauling cargo won’t be its job as transporting jet skis or ATVs over rough terrain will. The Lightning will never work here as the powerful and versatile workhorse that it is, but will definitely be a statement for the eco-conscious upper five percent, who have the resources to overcome the charging infrastructure and the tariffs that Donald Trump imposed.

Honda Prologue: This is Honda’s serious entry into the popular electric SUV segment. Developed in collaboration with GM and utilizing its Ultium battery platform, the Prologue is a familiar and seamless blend of Honda’s design language with American EV technology. While specific powertrain details at the show were kept somewhat under wraps, the anticipated range of around 480 kilometers (300 miles) felt competitive for daily commutes and weekend getaways from the city.

Stepping inside, the emphasis on a spacious and comfortable interior was evident, reflecting Honda’s long-standing focus on user-friendly technology and practicality. The exterior design was clean and contemporary, fitting well with Honda’s established aesthetic. As a mid-size SUV, it felt like it would slot perfectly into the needs of Filipino families and individuals looking for a versatile and environmentally responsible vehicle. Given Honda’s strong reputation for reliability and quality, the Prologue has the potential to be a major player in the growing electric SUV market.

Kia EV4: If you like the EV6 and EV9 vibe, then the Kia EV4 is just that, but more compact. No, it is not the previous Kia EV platform on a diet, as this all-new electric sedan was worthy of the stunning unveil at the 2025 NYIAS. I appreciate the sleek profile, low nose, and that distinctive fastback roofline — though Kia insists on saying it is a sedan, and rightly so — the rear isn’t a hatch, it’s a trunk. This gives the EV4 a unique but shared visual Kia DNA. There are two battery options, with an estimated driving range of up to 530 kilometers (330 miles) — imagine driving from Manila to Naga City on a single charge!

While full powertrain specifications weren’t detailed at the show, Kia’s emphasis on efficiency and a comfortable driving experience was clear. The interior showcased a minimalist yet technologically advanced design, with the use of sustainable materials adding a thoughtful touch. The EV4 felt like it was aiming for that sweet spot of style, practicality, and affordability within the Philippine electric sedan market. If Kia can deliver on a competitive price, the EV4 could be a game-changer, battling the Chinese EV makers on an even playing field.

Subaru Trailseeker EV: The Trailseeker was born from Subaru’s first EV model for the US market, the Solterra. Positioned as a slightly larger and more adventure-ready SUV, the Trailseeker EV’s taller roofline and expanded cargo capacity immediately suggests its versatility for rooftop tents and other overlanding devices. Range tops out at 418 kilometers (260 miles) and the company proudly highlighted its advanced all-wheel-drive system — a Subaru hallmark — promising confident handling on various terrains, perhaps even those winding mountain roads we know so well.

Specifications list performance at 4.4 seconds for the 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) acceleration time, which is a satisfying balance of efficiency and performance. A large 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system throws the gauntlet at BYD, and its latest safety and driver-assistance technologies felt modern and comprehensive. The new Subaru EV lighting signature gave it a distinctive look within the brand’s family. For Subaru enthusiasts in the Philippines and those seeking a reliable electric SUV with a focus on outdoor adventures, the Trailseeker EV could be a perfect fit, aligning with Subaru’s established image of ruggedness and all-weather capability.

Toyota bZ: Toyota gave a nickname for its all-electric bZ4X, and that was the only thing new it did for its electrified line-up at the 2025 NYIAS. The name change signaled one important factor for the North American market: simplicity. Displayed alongside its hybrid cousin the Prius Prime and somewhere nearby the RAV4 Prime, one would think why not bZ Prime? Now that the bZ4X (the name remains in Japan, where the natives love the complicated, robotic-sounding acronyms), the bZ also gets a higher range of 314 miles (505 kilometers) on a single charge, and the US-standard NACS charging port.

Currently the bZ is manufactured at Toyota’s Motomachi Plant in Japan (and somewhere in China too). While no actual price was revealed pending the many vacillations of the Trump tariffs, the current model is priced at $37,000. That’s about P2.066 million without duties and taxes, and might be too pricey for Filipinos. But being badged as a Toyota and dreaming of a possible assembly line in Thailand or even the Philippines, it’s one EV we can sure have.

Volkswagen ID Buzz: My personal favorite, which would have been the top of this list were it not alphabetical, is the VW ID. Buzz. It won the the prestigious 2025 World Car Design of the Year award, underscoring its successful fusion of iconic retro styling with modern electric vehicle technology. This all-electric reimagining of the classic Microbus showcased its spacious and versatile interior, potentially offering up to seven seats in the longer-wheelbase version, along with a user-friendly infotainment system and advanced driver-assistance features.

Powered by an approximately 86 kWh battery enabling a targeted range of around 370 kilometers (230 miles) for the rear-wheel drive variant, the ID. Buzz offers a unique blend of nostalgic charm and future-forward zero-emission mobility. One can easily predict that it will also be a dopamine shot for the struggling VW marque in the country. This alone can make it a highly anticipated vehicle with the potential to resonate strongly with Filipino ‘car-sumers.’

That’s my wishlist. Like all wishes, I will wait unceasingly for it to come true, though I know that competitive pricing, the growth of a reliable charging infrastructure, government support for EV adoption, and those darn US tariffs are all determinants. But hey, I can dream, can’t I?