HARI launches first fleet of Hyundai electric commercial vehicles
BrandedUp in partnership with
Hariphil Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the Philippine distributor of Hyundai commercial vehicles, officially introduced its first line of electric commercial vehicles (ECVs) at the Hyundai Truck and Bus Mobility Expo 2025 held on May 2 at the Filinvest Tent, Alabang, Muntinlupa. Aligning with the government’s vision for greener mobility, this fleet of e-vehicles presents customers with pioneering solutions geared toward transportation sustainability and business growth.
Leading the charge was HARI vice chair, president, and CEO Maria Fe Perez-Agudo. As she welcomed guests from Hyundai Motor Company Asia Pacific, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), and Hyundai dealerships, Perez-Agudo reaffirmed HARI’s position as the pioneer of innovative sustainability through well-designed products.
“HARI shapes the business model of Hyundai commercial vehicles in the Philippines by offering durable, fuel-efficient trucks and buses designed for local road conditions and the needs of the Filipino market,” Perez-Agudo said.
Driving green mobility sales
According to figures cited by Perez-Agudo, HARI experienced a 27 percent growth in 2024 compared to sales in 2023. This year, the company is looking to achieve a target of 700 units sold across all its models. As of writing, HARI has reached 25 percent of this target.
It is relying on its newly launched vehicles—as well as forthcoming product lineups—to enable it to maintain its leading position in the era of new mobility.
Hyundai Mighty Electric is a versatile light-duty truck that runs on a 120-kW motor and a 114.5-kWh battery. The truck has a range of up to 260 km on a single charge, and is fully charged in just 71 minutes.
Hyundai County Electric—“the minibus that breathes clean air”—is powered by a 150-kW motor and a 128-kWh lithium ion battery. Big enough to carry 23 people, including the driver, the County Electric has a range of up to 303 km on a single charge and a fast-charging capacity of 72 minutes.
HARI also introduced the HARI Cab, which is a locally assembled utility vehicle with a Euro 4 diesel engine. It is a highly versatile vehicle that comes with several body options: the HARI cab aluminum van, HARI cab shuttle, and HARI cab school bus.
The flexibility of these new models underscores HARI’s commitment to the business needs of MSMEs, cooperatives, logistics providers, even local government units.
Championing innovators
HARI supports its advocacy for sustainability with the Biyahenyo Program, which the company introduced at the expo, as well. This initiative recognizes the green efforts of individuals, cooperatives, and other organizations who correctly equate electric mobility with business growth.
“By reaching out to all entrepreneurs,” said Perez-Agudo, “we hope to generate a wave of Biyahenyos—people who are empowered to uplift lives and transform the transport industry. And from this network, we hope to give rise to Biyaheros, whose success stories will inspire others to lead with innovation and excellence.”
Progress with infrastructure
With a slew of ECVs hitting the roads, it begs the question, “Is there enough infrastructural support for transport electrification?”
For now, sales of e-vehicles are going faster than infrastructure development. Perez-Agudo, however, is confident that with the government’s focus on renewable energy (as laid out in RA 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008), along with the private sector’s support, there will soon be a balance between infrastructure development and the number of electric vehicles on the road.
According to the Department of Energy (DOE), there are over 900 publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging stations spread out across Metro Manila. By 2028, DOE aims to raise this number to 7,300.
HARI is equipped and prepared to develop its own infrastructure to support its drive toward sustainable mobility.
“Efficient mobility systems reduce transport and logistics costs, boost productivity, and expand market access,” Perez-Agudo said. “It has a strong multiplier effect: investments in roads, public transport, and logistics infrastructure not only create jobs but also stimulate demand in sectors like construction.”
***
Editor's note: BrandedUp is designed to provide you with insightful, inspiring, and educational content created by The Philippine STAR in collaboration with brands like Hyundai.
