Hybrids, EVs gain momentum as energy crisis deepens — Deloitte

CAR OWNERS and potential buyers are expressing growing interest in hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs), according to a consumer study conducted by Deloitte.

Citing its 2026 Global Automotive Consumer Study, Deloitte found that in the Philippines, 34% of survey respondents expressed interest in the electrified segment, compared with 27% a year earlier.

The top reasons for their preference was fuel costs (62%), the environment (49%) and the driving experience (45%), the study found.

Potential drawbacks cited were dearth of charging stations (48%), battery replacement costs (41%), and speed of charging (41%), Deloitte said.

Among car owners, 37% were determined to have low brand loyalty, while the size of the first-time owner market was estimated at 31%, which “highlights a market less anchored to legacy brands and more open to exploring alternatives,” Deloitte said.

Respondents said they were most willing to pay for services like emergency assistance (87%), anti-theft tracking (87%), warranty/recall notices (79%), and vehicle health reporting and maintenance cost forecasts (79%).

They were most concerned about sharing data from in-cabin cameras (73%), connected devices (72%), and connected services (71%).