The launch and market positioning
Francisco Motors introduced the Elektron, the company's first fully electric passenger vehicle, in a market where most EVs are imported. According to reporting published on July 28, 2026, the five-door compact crossover SUV is being positioned as a Filipino-developed entrant into a segment dominated by overseas manufacturers, particularly Chinese brands such as BYD, GAC Aion, MG, Chery and Geely. The launch marks a symbolic pivot for one of the Philippines' oldest automotive brands, signaling that local manufacturers are beginning to participate in the country's transition toward cleaner transportation.
Variants, range and specifications
The Elektron is offered in three trim levels. The Basic variant pairs a single electric motor with a 54.9-kWh battery, an estimated 400-kilometer range and a 160-km/h top speed. The Fashion variant uses a single motor with a larger 63-kWh battery, extending range to about 500 kilometers at the same 160-km/h top speed. The Deluxe variant features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system powered by an 81.5-kWh battery, delivering an estimated 600-kilometer range and a maximum speed of 180 km/h. The vehicle supports CCS2 fast charging, which the company indicates takes roughly 30 minutes, and offers 450 liters of cargo space.
Pricing and availability
The Elektron is priced from ₱1,947,000, equivalent to about $31,562, and is available for order through Founder Orbit. Francisco Motors is offering a warranty of up to eight years or 150,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. The pricing places the long-range Deluxe variant among the more accessible long-range electric crossovers in the Philippine market, though direct comparisons with specific import rivals were not detailed in the reporting.
Company background
Francisco Motors was founded by Anastacio Francisco in Zapote, Manila, and traces its origins to 1947, when it began as a small painting and body-building shop. It grew into a pioneering local jeepney manufacturer before entering the passenger EV segment. The Elektron launch reflects a strategic shift toward electrification as the Philippines implements the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) and broader efforts to reduce transport emissions. Government incentives — including reduced import duties on many EVs, tax benefits and the continued expansion of public charging stations — have encouraged automakers to broaden their electric offerings, framing the Elektron as a response to growing consumer demand for longer driving ranges alongside expanding charging infrastructure.
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