Launch Frenzy of Chinese EVs before August “Ghost Month”

EV distributors in the Philippines were in a launch frenzy this June and July. There is a strange superstition in the Philippines called the August “ghost month,” where building houses, opening dealerships, and launching cars are avoided. It is a Chinese influence and may have compounded the concentrated push by DongFeng, JMC, MG, and Zeekr.

Here, in alphabetical order, is a quick rundown of the vehicles just launched.

DongFeng E70 Pro

On July 15, 2025, Dongfeng Motors Philippines introduced its E70 Pro electric compact sedan to the Philippine market. Positioned strategically for fleet operations and ride-hailing services, the E70 Pro also aims to attract individual buyers seeking an efficient and cost-effective personal vehicle.

The E70 Pro is equipped with a 55.99 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery, providing a reported range of 420 kilometers (261 miles) on a single charge. Its powertrain features a permanent magnet synchronous motor capable of generating 161 horsepower (120 kW) and 230 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. This enables the sedan to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in approximately 9 seconds and reach a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph). Charging capabilities include DC fast charging, allowing a 30% to 80% charge in roughly 36 minutes, while a full AC charge takes about 8.5 hours.

Dimensions for the E70 Pro are 4,680 mm in length, 1,725 mm in width, and 1,530 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. Its interior is designed for comfort and practicality, featuring a five-seat cabin with leather upholstery, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, and a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Safety features are comprehensive, including dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill-Start Assist (HSA), Intelligent Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), parking sensors, and a reverse camera.

DongFeng projects substantial savings for users, estimating up to P783,349 (~$13,614) in fuel costs over 100,000 kilometers and remarkably low maintenance costs of around P35,000 (~$608) over five years. The E70 Pro is available at a price of P1,198,000 ($~20,821) and its launch also introduced the “TaxiKo EV” concept, suggesting its future role in electrified public transportation.

JMC EV2 & EV3

Before June ended, JMC Philippines, under the management of Astara Philippines, expanded its local lineup with two compact electric vehicles: the JMC EV2 and JMC EV3. These models are positioned as affordable and practical choices for urban commuting.

The JMC EV2 is a compact four-seat city car measuring 3,500 mm in length, 1,646 mm in width, and 1,460 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,340 mm. It is powered by a 15.86 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a single electric motor producing 35 PS (26 kW) and 84 Nm of torque. This configuration provides a 201-kilometer range (CLTC standard) and a top speed of 105 km/h. Charging the EV2 utilizes a GB/T system, requiring 8–10 hours for a full AC charge. Interior amenities include a 9-inch touchscreen, manual climate control, and basic safety features like ABS with EBD, tire pressure monitoring, rear sensors, and a reverse camera. The EV2 is priced at P668,000 (~$11,609).

The slightly larger and more equipped JMC EV3 measures 3,720 mm in length, 1,640 mm in width, and 1,535 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,390 mm. It is equipped with a 31.15 kWh ternary lithium battery (with temperature control) and a more powerful electric motor, delivering 68 PS (50 kW) and 125 Nm of torque. The EV3 offers an extended range of 330 kilometers/205 miles (CLTC standard) and a top speed of 115 km/h (71 mph). It supports more versatile charging with a CCS Type 2 system, allowing for 8–10 hours on AC and a 30–80 percent DC fast charge in approximately 30 minutes. Its cabin features a 10.1-inch HD touchscreen, automatic climate control, and upgraded safety features such as a 360-degree camera system, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a reinforced high-strength body. The EV3 carries a price tag of P788,000 (~$13,695).

Zeekr 7X

On July 18, Zeekr Philippines, under the distributorship of the Autohub Group, officially unveiled the Zeekr 7X luxury electric SUV. This launch coincided with the inauguration of Zeekr’s first dedicated showroom in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig. The 7X is positioned as a premium offering, emphasizing advanced technology, performance, and luxurious appointments.

The Zeekr 7X is available in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. Both variants are powered by a 100 kWh battery system, utilizing an 800-volt architecture for fast charging. The RWD variant produces 416 horsepower (310 kW) and 440 Nm of torque, achieving 0–100 km/h in approximately 6 seconds. The AWD variant elevates performance with 637 horsepower (475 kW) and 710 Nm of torque, enabling a 0–100 km/h sprint in just 3.8 seconds. The estimated range for the 7X (WLTP standard) is between 543 to 610 kilometers, depending on the variant. It supports fast DC charging from 10% to 80% in as little as 13 minutes when connected to a 360–400 kW charger.

The 7X measures 4,787 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and 1,650 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,900 mm. Its interior boasts a technologically advanced and opulent cabin, featuring a 13-inch high-definition digital gauge cluster, a 16-inch central infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Nappa leather upholstery (optional), multi-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, cooling, and massage functions, and a panoramic glass roof. The vehicle also incorporates an extensive suite of safety and driver-assist features, including seven airbags, a one-piece die-cast rear aluminum body for enhanced structural integrity, auto-lane change, automatic park assist, and a comprehensive array of cameras and radars for advanced driver assistance.

Pricing for the Zeekr 7X starts at P2,750,000 (~$47,750) for the Long Range RWD and P2,999,000 (~$51,965) for the AWD variant.