BYD Philippines first launched their S1 in 2017 to a crowded sub-compact SUV marketspace. Thus, it comes as no surprise that it simply got lost. Hoping to stand out this time, distributor Solar Transport & Automotive Resources Corporation thinks their revamped 2020 offering may have something unique to offer: pure electric drive.

The best-selling EV in China, the S1 EV (Yuan EV in China) packs a 40.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack giving it a total range of about 300 kilometers. Guaranteed to last at least 4,000 charging cycles (10 years), it requires just a 2-hour charging time on its 40-kW fast charger or up to 7 hours on a regular 3-kW 220V house plug. And with a permanent magnet synchronous generator, it produces 95 horsepower (70 kW) and 180 Nm of torque, enough to rocket this sub-compact SUV to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds.

Three colors for the S1 EV are available locally: Recife Blue, French Red, and Timo White. Like the regular S1, it also has a tailgate-mounted spare tire. Inside the S1, it has full digital instrumentation for the driver and a 10-inch rotatable center touchscreen which BYD calls a “Carpad.” Comfort and convenience is provided by the push-button engine start/stop, leather seating, and automatic climate control.

Safety features include dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, tire pressure sensors, and reverse sensors with camera.

Making the S1 an even more enticing purchase, BYD Philippines is adding two chargers, registration, and a 5-year warranty as part of a complementary ownership package. The S1 EV is now available for pre-orders and will arrive in the country by next year.

The BYD Philippines showroom is located at 312 STAR Corporation Building, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.