ACMobility’s Power-on-Wheels Shows How Southeast Asia May Solve EV Charging Differently

ACMobility, the operator of the BYD brand in the Philippines, has introduced an innovative mobile electric vehicle (EV) charging service called Power-on-Wheels (POW) to address the country’s unique urban challenges. Launched in March last year, the service deploys battery-equipped electric vans that provide on-demand DC fast charging to EV owners across Metro Manila’s congested business districts. Users can request a charge via the Evro app, which dispatches the vans directly to their location, offering a practical solution to range anxiety and the scarcity of conveniently located fixed charging stations. The mobile charging concept draws inspiration from Singapore’s Power-Up Tech platform but represents one of the first attempts in Southeast Asia to scale such services into a broader urban infrastructure layer. Unlike many global mobile charging operations that focus on emergency roadside assistance or premium clientele, ACMobility aims to integrate POW as a routine part of daily EV use in one of the region’s most densely populated cities. The service currently operates ten compact electric commercial vehicles, including BYD T3 and DFSK models, chosen for their ability to navigate narrow streets and access underground parking, where larger charging trucks would be impractical. A notable feature of ACMobility’s approach is its commitment to sustainability, with the entire charging fleet powered by electricity rather than diesel generators, aligning with the environmental goals of EV adoption. Each mobile unit carries up to 120 kilowatt-hours of battery storage and supports multiple charging standards, making the service compatible with most EVs in the Philippine market. Charging sessions typically provide rapid top-ups from around 20 to 80 percent state of charge, with pricing comparable to fixed DC fast chargers, ensuring affordability alongside convenience. The Power-on-Wheels initiative addresses deeper structural issues in Metro Manila’s EV infrastructure, such as limited private parking, aging electrical grids, and the high cost of installing fixed chargers in older buildings. By offering a flexible, mobile charging solution, ACMobility provides a temporary yet scalable alternative that can absorb demand while permanent infrastructure develops. This strategy not only enhances consumer confidence in EV reliability but also supports the broader adoption of electric vehicles in the Philippines, complementing ACMobility’s role as a distributor for major EV brands like BYD and Kia.