LIFE WITH GAC: Real Owners Put the AION V to the Test Across 1,492 Kilometers

GAC International Philippines is showcasing the real-world capabilities of the GAC AION V through the experiences of Filipino owners who have taken the all-electric SUV across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. As part of the #LifeWithGAC campaign, owners Romel Emperado and Rommel Laranjo demonstrated how electric mobility can fit seamlessly into daily commutes and long-distance family road trips, combining highway travel, ferry crossings, destination charging, and home charging along their journeys.

Emperado turned his vehicle pickup into a 1,492-kilometer inter-island adventure, traveling from Luzon through Samar and Leyte and onward to Mindanao. Despite developing charging infrastructure in some areas, advance planning allowed him to complete the journey without significant compromises. By using single-pedal driving, regenerative braking, steady cruising speeds of 80–100 km/h, and power-saving mode, Emperado recorded an average efficiency of 13.9 kWh/100 km. He also highlighted the potential cost advantages of EV ownership, noting that his previous monthly diesel expenses of ₱9,000–₱10,000 were significantly reduced through EV charging, including the use of home charging.

Meanwhile, fellow AION V owner Laranjo replaced his traditional diesel SUV with the electric crossover, using it for his 34-kilometer daily commute and family trips between Cebu and Mindanao via two RoRo ferry crossings. He emphasized the AION V’s smooth and responsive performance, as well as its efficiency during extended ferry queues where the air-conditioned cabin could remain comfortable without an idling combustion engine. After completing the journey, Laranjo said the vehicle still had 36% battery remaining, equivalent to 183 kilometers of range, despite using the air conditioning throughout the day. He also supplements home charging with his solar setup, further reducing his dependence on conventional fuel.

GAC International Chief Technology Officer Masato Katsumata said the company values the experiences shared by its owners, noting that the AION V was designed around real-world mobility needs, from everyday driving to longer journeys. The experiences of Emperado and Laranjo demonstrate how EVs can accommodate the realities of Philippine travel, including inter-island routes, ferry crossings, charging stops, and varying road conditions. Through #LifeWithGAC, GAC International Philippines aims to highlight authentic owner experiences and demonstrate how its new-energy vehicles can deliver practical, efficient, and zero-emission mobility for Filipino drivers.