Philippine Coach Builder Makes EV Isetta-like EV and Hopes to Scale

Adonis Lagangan, a Filipino engineer and founder of Austin-Pierre Motor Vehicle Manufacturing, is spearheading a homegrown electric vehicle (EV) initiative aimed at reducing the Philippines’ reliance on imported and often unsuitable transport solutions. Known for his expertise in high-performance coachbuilding, including work on the British Keating TKR supercar, Lagangan has shifted focus to designing EVs tailored specifically for the Philippine environment and market. His latest projects include an Isetta-inspired electric vehicle and an aerodynamic e-trike, both developed with local conditions and practical urban mobility in mind. Lagangan’s journey into EV development was shaped by his engineering background and a decade of experience at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Initially working on internal combustion micro-utility vehicles, he pivoted towards electric propulsion as affordable EV components became accessible. During the COVID-19 lockdown, while working overseas in Indonesia, he utilised 3D CAD software to design and refine prototypes remotely, culminating in the creation of the modular Genie E-Trike, which targets the country’s last-mile transportation challenges. One of the key differentiators for Austin-Pierre is its focus on durability and serviceability in the tropical Philippine climate, where many imported EVs struggle with quality and battery life. Lagangan emphasises the importance of local engineering to ensure vehicles can withstand intense duty cycles and be maintained affordably. By concentrating on e-trikes and logistics vehicles rather than passenger cars, the company aims to maximise social and environmental impact while keeping development costs manageable. The recent passage of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) provides a timely boost for Austin-Pierre’s ambitions, signalling government support for sustainable transport transition. However, scaling production remains a significant challenge due to limited access to capital and institutional backing, which tend to favour larger manufacturers. Lagangan envisions a future where Austin-Pierre not only produces EVs at scale but also nurtures a new generation of Filipino engineers, positioning the Philippines as a competitive player in the ASEAN and African markets. From humble beginnings in a makeshift design lab during lockdown to a broader vision of local EV manufacturing, Lagangan’s work exemplifies the potential for innovation rooted in local expertise and conditions. His efforts highlight the importance of tailored solutions in emerging markets and the role of homegrown technology in accelerating the adoption of electric mobility in the Philippines and beyond.