In the Philippines, Tesla sightings are few and far between, but Filipinos may be seeing more of these EVs in the coming months.
Homologation papers for the Model X Plaid, the Model X, and the Model S were approved by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) last September 2024, and published earlier this week. Could these be models that will fill the Tesla showroom in Uptown Bonifacio?
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
PIMS 2024: This is the shape of Mitsubishi’s upcoming seven-seat SUV concept
Could the next-gen Toyota Fortuner get 300hp turbo-gas option?
The Model X Plaid would make a worthy flag-bearer in Tesla’s official entry into the Philippine market. This is the brand’s top-performing SUV, and second fastest car with a maximum speed of 262kph, and maximum range of 664km.
Its more conservative twin, the standard Model X, contains an AWD dual-motor setup as opposed to the Plaid’s AWD tri-motor configuration, but that does not mean it drags too far behind with a maximum speed and range of 250kph and 650km, respectively. The Plaid does also fit another person, being a six-seater, while the standard is a five-seater.
Rounding out the lineup is the standard Model S, boasting the longest range out of the three at 700km. However, the Model S does match the Model X in speed (as it holds the same AWD dual-motor setup), with 250kph at its fastest.
There is no news of the Model S Plaid making its way to the country, making the Model S the only sedan Tesla might officially bring to the Philippines. The same goes for the coveted Cybertruck. The Model 3 and Model Y have already seen Philippine roads through EV Solutions, which opened a dealership in 2023.
No official prices have also been declared for Philippine sales. These three models are some of Tesla’s most expensive offerings coming in at a range of $65,990 to $88,490 (P3.7 million to P4.9 million before taxes), and tax credits.
It is unclear if the Tesla showroom will open its doors before the end of 2024, but with the papers ready, we can only expect them sooner rather than later.
