MANILA, Philippines – Elon Musk-owned electric vehicle (EV) company Tesla is now in the Philippines, marking its fourth showroom in Southeast Asia and its 12th in the Asia Pacific.
The official showroom — dubbed the Tesla Experience Center — is located along Uptown Parade in Bonifacio Global City. The cars are also on display at the atrium of Uptown Mall until next Friday, November 15.
“Tesla is committed and excited to help drive a zero-emission and greener future for the Philippines,” the company said in a statement on Friday, November 8.
“As part of Tesla’s commitment to the Philippines, the company will continue to develop the experience center, service and support, charging infrastructure in the country, aimed at delivering a seamless Tesla ownership experience,” it added.
Among the seven vehicle models of the company, Tesla is first bringing its best sellers — Model 3 and Model Y with a starting price of P2.109 million and P2.369 million, respectively. The cars will be exempted from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s number coding scheme.
Tesla said the first orders from the Philippines will arrive in early 2025.
Price details
Tesla Model 3 is said to be the “world’s best-selling electric sedan.” The company boasts that the car can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (km/h) in 3.1 seconds and the car can run up to 629 kilometers (WLTP) per charge.
| Trims | Rear-wheel drive | Long-Range | Performance |
| Range (WLTP) | 513 km | 629 km | 528 km |
| Top Speed | 201 km/h | 201 km/h | 262 km/h |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 6.1 seconds | 4.4 seconds | 3.1 seconds |
| Price | P2.109 million | P2.489 million | P3.099 million |
Meanwhile, the Model Y can fit up to five passengers, along with their needed storage. The SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h within 3.7 7 seconds. It can also run up to 629 kilometers of range (WLTP) on one charge.
Tesla said Model Y needs about 250 kilowatts to reach its “peak efficiency.” However, the cars have a fast-charging time, with the Model Y specifically needing only 5 minutes at a Supercharging station to operate 120 kilometers.
| Trims | Rear-wheel drive | Long-Range | Performance |
| Range (WLTP) | 455 km | 533 km | 514 km |
| Top Speed | 217 km/h | 217 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 6.9 seconds | 5 seconds | 3.7 seconds |
| Price | P2.369 million | P2.689 million | P3.299 million |
The company will be charging a P15,000 order fee, and another P12,000 for delivery and admin charges. Meanwhile, those interested in making monthly installments would have to make a 20% deposit and will also be charged interest.
Both vehicle models can be customized according to each needs — from its exterior, interior, to even its features — through the Tesla Design Studio.
Superchargers
Uptown Mall will house the first four Superchargers at its level two basement.
As Tesla hopes to capture the Philippine market, the company said it plans to launch multiple charging stations at “popular destinations.”
Charging will cost future Tesla owners P19 per kilowatt-hour. A fully-charged Tesla car would have them shelling out P1,140.
The Philippines is Tesla’s fourth location in Southeast Asia. The other stores are located in Malaysia, Thailand, and its first ever SEA location — Singapore.
Tesla also has official showrooms in Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan.
Interest in EVs has been on the rise in the Philippines. According to a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, electric vehicle sales from January to July 2024 already totaled 9,775 units. EV sales in 2023 totaled 10,602 units.
But despite the increase in EV sales, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. had noted that EVs have only stood for 4% of total car sales this year. – Rappler.com