Even before global tensions and the resulting oil price volatility began to bite, the idea of switching to an electric vehicle (EV) was already on the table in our household.
With our 10-year-old Suzuki Ertiga starting to show its age — from wear-and-tear issues to rising fuel and maintenance costs — the search for a practical replacement naturally led us to consider electrified options.
A visit to a BYD exhibit in Glorietta mall in Makati City initially had me eyeing the Atto 3, one of the Chinese brand’s EV crossovers. But parked beside it was something that immediately felt more aligned with our needs: the BYD eMax 7, a full-electric MPV designed to carry six to seven passengers — the exact configuration we were looking for as a family.
A few days later — coinciding with another round of fuel price hikes — I managed to get behind the wheel of a test unit of the BYD eMax 7 Superior Captain. This particular variant features a six-seat layout with second-row captain’s chairs, offering a more premium and comfortable experience compared to the standard seven-seater configuration.
Performance: Instant Power, Effortless Driving
The eMax 7 immediately showcases one of the defining traits of electric vehicles: instant torque. From a full stop, the vehicle accelerates briskly, delivering a surge of power that can easily catch first-time EV drivers off guard.
It’s the kind of acceleration that feels both effortless and addictive — something that traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles struggle to replicate.
Even with its relatively large footprint as a family MPV, the eMax 7 never feels cumbersome. Steering is light, and the vehicle responds well in both city driving and highway conditions.
Overtaking slower vehicles is done with ease, thanks to the smooth and uninterrupted power delivery. There’s no gear shifting, no lag — just a continuous push forward.
Comfort and Cabin: Built for Families
Inside, the eMax 7 is clearly designed with families in mind. The cabin is spacious enough to comfortably seat six to seven passengers, with ample legroom and headroom even for adults in the second row. The captain’s chairs in the Superior variant elevate the experience, offering better support and a more premium feel during long drives.
One of the most noticeable aspects of the cabin is its quietness. Without the noise and vibration of a traditional engine, the ride becomes significantly more relaxed. Conversations can be held at normal speaking levels, and long trips feel less fatiguing overall.
The tech features also contribute to the overall convenience. The large 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen serves as the central control hub, providing access to infotainment and vehicle settings.
A 360-degree camera system makes maneuvering in tight parking spaces far less stressful, while advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as predictive collision warning, add an extra layer of safety. The auto-hold function, meanwhile, proves particularly useful in stop-and-go traffic — a common reality in Philippine roads.
Range and Real-World Driving
On paper, the eMax 7 offers a driving range of up to 530 kilometers based on NEDC standards, powered by its 71.8 kWh Blade Battery. However, as with most EVs, real-world performance tells a more nuanced story.
During a multi-stop drive that took us from Parañaque to Biñan, Laguna, and then onward to Alfonso, Cavite, the battery drained faster than expected. With four passengers onboard and varying road conditions, consumption increased noticeably. By the time we dropped off one passenger in Laguna, roughly one-third of the battery had already been used.
This underscores a critical reality of EV ownership: range is highly dependent on factors such as passenger load, driving habits, terrain, and traffic conditions. While the advertised figures are achievable under ideal circumstances, everyday use in Philippine conditions may yield significantly different results.
Charging Experience: The Biggest Pain Point
If there is one area where the eMax 7 — and EV ownership in general — faces challenges, it is in charging.
The test unit came with a portable charger, but it required a three-prong grounded outlet — something that many Philippine households still do not have as standard. This means that for many prospective buyers, additional electrical work may be necessary just to enable home charging.
Public charging, while available, comes with its own set of inconveniences. At the Shell Mamplasan EV charging station, for example, I had to download and install the EVRO app before I could even begin charging.
The cost was also notable: ₱200 yielded about 5.7 kWh (around ₱35 per kWh), while ₱300 provided approximately 8.57 kWh, with charging sessions lasting under 20 minutes.
At another charging stop in BDY dealership in Aseana in Paranaque City, the rate was slightly lower, with ₱200 translating to 7.018 kWh (roughly ₱28.50 per kWh).
While fast charging is undeniably convenient, the expenses can accumulate quickly. Over just two days of use, total charging costs reached around ₱700 — a figure that may still be lower than gasoline expenses, but not insignificant.
Availability Issues: A Reality Check
Even the promise of free charging at malls proved to be less reliable than expected — and, at times, outright frustrating.
On that weekend, I accompanied my wife to the mall to do our usual grocery run. We made it a point to arrive early at around 10:30 a.m., thinking we could take advantage of the free EV charging stations. Unfortunately, both available slots were already occupied, with several more vehicles already waiting.
I returned a few hours later hoping that slots would have freed up, but the situation barely improved. Some vehicles remained parked in the charging bays even after they were already fully charged. Despite reminders from security personnel, there appeared to be little urgency among some drivers to move their vehicles and give way to others.
This highlights a growing concern: limited charging infrastructure combined with poor charging etiquette can significantly impact the EV ownership experience.
Driving Experience: Where It Excels
Despite the charging-related concerns, the eMax 7 excels in the areas that matter most for daily driving. The ride quality is smooth and composed, absorbing road imperfections with ease. Acceleration remains strong even with multiple passengers onboard, and the overall driving experience feels refined and modern.
The quiet cabin continues to be one of its strongest selling points, transforming even routine commutes into a more pleasant experience. Combined with its generous interior space, the eMax 7 proves itself to be a highly practical vehicle for families.
Verdict
The BYD eMax 7 delivers on its promise as a family-friendly electric MPV. It combines strong performance, a quiet and comfortable ride, and ample space — all wrapped in a package that feels undeniably modern.
However, in the Philippine context, the ownership experience remains heavily dependent on charging infrastructure. Without access to a reliable home charging setup or consistently available public charging stations, issues such as range anxiety and charging logistics can quickly overshadow the vehicle’s many strengths.
In short, the eMax 7 shows that EVs are not only viable but compelling as daily drivers — but only if the ecosystem around them is ready to support them.
Pros
- Strong, instant acceleration typical of EVs
- Smooth and refined ride quality
- Extremely quiet cabin enhances comfort
- Spacious interior with flexible seating for families
- Useful tech features (rotating touchscreen, 360-degree camera, ADAS)
- Lower maintenance potential compared to ICE vehicles
Cons
- Requires grounded outlet for home charging (not common locally)
- Limited and sometimes unreliable public charging infrastructure
- Charging costs can accumulate with frequent fast charging
- Real-world range varies significantly with load and conditions
- Charging station availability and etiquette issues (long wait times)
