Sustainable motoring made cute: Bestune Pony

Electric vehicles (EVs) are widely regarded as the next step in the evolution of cars—and it’s easy to see why. EVs require no fossil fuels to run, have fewer moving parts, and deliver instant torque whenever you need it.

However, the reality in the Philippines is that EVs remain quite expensive. With charging infrastructure still in its infancy, making the switch to an EV is a commitment that the average Filipino may find difficult to manage.

So, what if you want to keep an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle for long trips, but still enjoy the convenience and eco-friendliness of an EV for short city drives? Is that possible? Thankfully, Bestune has provided a practical answer in the form of the Pony EV.

Priced at an affordable P588,000, the Pony lowers the barrier to entry for those interested in electric motoring. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Pony’s features that make it an excellent city companion as well as a gateway to a more sustainable way of traveling.

Thanks to advancements in electric vehicle development, we’ve gone past the days when pure battery electric vehicles had woeful range and pitiful performance figures. Modern EVs now take advantage of more advanced battery packs and electric motors for better power and range.

The Bestune Pony is equipped with a 13.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery (LFP) that provides up to a claimed range of 170 km. Now, while that may seem small compared to larger EVs with bigger battery packs, 170 km of range is enough to get most people to and from work within Metro Manila for half a week before needing to recharge. And once they do need to juice up the battery, charging from zero only takes about four to five hours using a 220V GB.T charger or nine hours using an AC charger. 

With dimensions of 3,000 mm in length, 1,510 mm in width, 1,630 mm in height, and a 1,953 mm wheelbase, the Pony isn’t going to be your next family hauler. It’s a compact city car through and through, and that’s exactly where its charm lies. It may not have the space to fit an entire family and their luggage, but it makes up for that with agility, practicality, and ease of use.

Buying the Pony for its seating capacity misses the point—it’s designed to take you around the city for simple point-A-to-point-B trips, and it does that exceptionally well. Whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or meeting up with friends, the Pony offers a convenient and fuss-free driving experience that’s perfect for urban living.

Traveling around the city is also easier thanks to its compact size. Drivers won’t have to stress about navigating tight side streets, squeezing into small parking spots, or dealing with bumper-to-bumper traffic. Its light steering and small footprint make it feel nimble and confidence-inspiring even in Manila’s busiest roads, turning what would normally be a tiring commute into something far more manageable.

In terms of power, the Pony doesn’t offer much in the way of performance. Its electric motor produces a modest 26 hp and 85 Nm of torque. However, this limited output isn’t really an issue, after all, the Pony is a compact city EV. Thanks to its electric drivetrain, torque delivery is instant, providing more than enough pull to let you zip confidently through city streets.

Despite its affordable price, it has to be said that the Bestune Pony isn’t for everyone. If you can’t charge it at home, or if your primary use for a car involves frequent long-distance travel, then the Pony might not be the right fit for you. Its compact size and limited range make it better suited for short commutes rather than highway runs or out-of-town trips.

However, if you live within Metro Manila or a nearby city, have access to a garage or a reliable charging point, and only need to cover short daily distances, the Pony becomes a very practical and appealing choice. It’s perfect for errands, school runs, and city commutes, situations where maneuverability and efficiency matter more than outright power or range.

For city dwellers looking to transition into electric mobility without breaking the bank, the Pony serves as an ideal entry point. It offers the convenience and low running costs of an EV, all while being compact enough to handle the tight roads and heavy traffic typical of the Metro.

Thinking about owning a Pony yourself? Check it out on AutoDeal.com.ph.