Imagine snagging a high-tech plug-in hybrid SUV that blends serious power with eco-friendly efficiency, all for under P2 million – that's the game-changing promise of Jetour's newest ride, and it's shaking up the Philippine auto scene right now!
Updated on October 22, 2025, at 5:31 PM
Exciting news for budget-conscious drivers who crave performance: the 2026 Jetour T1 Lightning i-DM has just rolled into the local market, offering a more compact and wallet-friendly option compared to its popular sibling, the T2. Priced at an unbeatable introductory rate of P1,798,000, this plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) – which, for newcomers, means a car that runs on both gasoline and electricity, letting you plug it in like your phone for zero-emission drives – is designed to make advanced hybrid tech accessible to everyday folks.
Jetour Auto Philippines Inc. (JAPI), freshly integrated into the United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI) family, unveiled this beauty at a lavish event at Cove Manila in Okada Manila. The star-studded gathering drew top brass like Ke Chuandeng, President of Jetour Auto International (JAI); Rommel Sytin, UAAGI's Chairman; JAPI's Managing Director Miguelito Jose; and Executive Director Timothy Sytin. It was a clear signal that Jetour is doubling down on its presence in the Philippines, aiming to capture hearts (and garages) with innovative rides.
Now, let's break down what makes the 'i-DM' tick – short for Intelligent Dual Motor, it's a smart hybrid setup that teams up a zippy 1.5-liter gasoline engine with a potent electric motor for a seamless mix of speed and savings. Think of it like having two engines working in harmony: the gas part delivers 140 horsepower and 215 Nm of torque for reliable cruising, while the electric side amps it up with 204 horsepower and 310 Nm, giving you that instant electric boost for quick overtakes or hill climbs. For beginners, this dual approach means you get the best of both worlds – no range anxiety on long trips, but plenty of electric-only zing for city commutes.
At the heart of the electric magic is a robust 26.7 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, praised for its safety and longevity (it's less prone to fires than some alternatives, which is a big plus for families). This powerhouse offers up to 120 km of pure electric driving on a single charge, based on the WLTC testing standard – that's enough for a full day's errands without touching the gas pedal. And get this: under perfect conditions, you could go over 1,200 km on a full tank and charge combined, making it a road-tripper's dream. Charging is a breeze too – plug into a standard 7kW AC wallbox, and you'll hit 80% from 30% in under four hours, ideal for overnight top-ups at home. For when you're in a rush, DC fast charging does the same in a mere 30 minutes at compatible stations. Plus, there's a handy vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature, so you can turn your T1 into a mobile power source – imagine powering a campsite fridge or charging tools on a job site.
But here's where it gets controversial: while PHEVs like this promise lower emissions than pure gas guzzlers, critics argue they're not as green as full EVs since they still rely on fossil fuels. Is the T1 a smart bridge to electrification, or just a half-measure in the fight against climate change? We'll circle back to that.
Design-wise, the T1 Lightning draws stylish cues from the T2 but in a more nimble package, with short front and rear overhangs for easier parking in tight urban spots. Up front, a striking black grille houses sleek daytime running lights, paired with sharp LED headlights that cut through fog or night drives like a pro. Its 200mm ground clearance? Perfect for Philippine roads riddled with potholes or light off-road adventures, like weekend getaways to the provinces – no scraping the underbelly here. Rounding out the look are 19-inch alloy wheels for that premium vibe, practical side steps for easy entry, versatile roof rails for bikes or kayaks, and a power tailgate that remembers your preferred height for hassle-free loading.
Step inside, and it's like entering a tech-savvy lounge. The driver's view is dominated by a crystal-clear 10.25-inch digital dashboard that displays everything from speed to battery status at a glance. Dominating the center is a massive 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip – think buttery-smooth performance, vibrant visuals, and the ability to mirror multiple screens, like your phone's maps while streaming tunes. It comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so syncing your apps is effortless. For audio lovers, a premium 9-speaker Sony system fills the cabin with rich sound, turning traffic jams into mini concerts.
Comfort is king here, with front seats that adjust electrically, ventilate on hot days (a lifesaver in tropical weather), and even memorize the driver's settings for personalized bliss. Leather wraps the seats for that upscale feel, dual-zone climate control lets passengers set their own temps, and a panoramic sunroof floods the space with natural light. To keep things serene, there's a double-glazed windshield that muffles road noise – imagine chatting or podcasting without shouting. And this is the part most people miss: the innovative '24-hour parked air-conditioning' lets you pre-cool the interior via app even when the engine's off, using battery power sparingly – great for siestas in the car or protecting pets on errands.
For a limited time, the 2026 Jetour T1 Lightning i-DM PHEV starts at P1,798,000, a sweet P100,000 off the regular P1,898,000 price tag, making it an even better value. The first 100 buyers score a free smartwatch to boot – talk about a cherry on top!
Color options to suit your style: sleek Night Black, warm Sand Gold, edgy Electroplated Green, cool Silver Snow, and versatile Khaki White.
So, what do you think – is the T1 Lightning the affordable hybrid hero the market needs, or does its gas-electric combo fall short in a world pushing for pure EVs? Would you splurge on this at P1.8M, or wait for something else? Drop your takes in the comments; I'd love to hear if you're team PHEV or full electric!
