As part of their multi-market research, Ford spoke with Filipino drivers and those wanting to buy a new car to understand how they viewed electrified vehicles (BEV, HEV, PHEV) so that it could be better prepared in its pursuit of an all-electric future.

This research highlights the need for continued efforts to educate the public about electrified vehicles, address concerns about cost, range, and infrastructure, and promote the benefits of electric mobility.

Here are other key takeaways from the research concerning Filipino drivers and their view towards electrified vehicles:

• Drivers in the Philippines are familiar with electrified vehicles, with most respondents classifying them as being ‘fun to drive,’ ‘cool, ’ ‘sporty,’ and even ‘easy to own.’ More than 49 percent of respondents said they’d ridden in an BEV with 33 percent claiming to have driven one. More than 70 percent of respondents agreed that owning an electric vehicle in the Philippines is practical.
• Saving money by not buying fuel was rated as a top benefit of owning a BEV, but many believe maintenance for BEVs is higher in the long run.
• Most respondents agreed they would be ‘more likely’ to choose a BEV to provide delivery services or ride sharing, and that they would prefer an electric vehicle for their daily commute. Majority of Filipino respondents noted they wanted BEVs to deliver a longer driving range (89 percent) and reduced maintenance costs (93 percent).
• More than half of the respondents said they would be ‘more likely’ to date someone who drove a BEV. Eighty one percent said they would choose a BEV to make a good first impression on someone.
• That said, the biggest hurdle to BEV ownership in the Philippines, according to 39 percent of respondents, is inadequate charging infrastructure. Nearly half of all the Filipino respondents are unaware of any charging stations within 20 kilometers of their home agreeing there should be as many charging stations as service stations. Indeed, a service station ranked highest with Filipinos as the key location for charging sites, followed by a supermarket or shopping center, and then a park or recreation facility.
• Most respondents said, ‘if cost was not an issue’ that they would choose a hybrid vehicle, the second and third choices were a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, and battery electric vehicle, respectively.
• Almost 85 percent of respondents said they would be ‘more likely’ to purchase a BEV with ‘greater’ towing capacity, while 85 percent are looking for their first BEV to be off-road capable.
• But there are still ‘myth-conceptions’ giving some potential buyers pause for thought. For instance, just under half of respondents believe charging a BEV at home is as expensive as filling up a gasoline vehicle.

The study aims to help Ford develop its electrified vehicle future by leveraging iconic models like the Mustang Mach-E, E-Transit, and Ranger PHEV. In addition to offering electrified versions of its most popular vehicles, the company is harnessing electrification to deliver more of what customers love about them: performance, capability, and productivity.