October 22 is going to be a big day for Philippine EV buyers. FAWCAR — the global mobility brand of China’s FAW Group, with over 70 years of automotive manufacturing — is bringing three new models to Manila under its JOYEE sub-brand: the S04 electric SUV, the S08 hybrid SUV, and the N09 flagship coupe. The S04 is the global debut, and it’s the one that caught my attention.
What Is the FAWCAR JOYEE S04?
The JOYEE S04 is a compact all-electric SUV built for urban driving and weekend trips. It’s the first model in JOYEE’s global rollout, and the Philippines is one of its debut markets. FAWCAR has adapted the vehicle for tropical conditions — high heat, heavy rain, and congested city streets — which is a good sign for Filipino buyers.
At 4,450 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,635 mm tall, the S04 sits in the same footprint class as the BYD Atto 3 and MG S5 EV. Its 2,750 mm wheelbase translates to a roomy cabin, and the 415-litre boot expands to 1,601 litres with the rear seats folded — enough for a weekend trip to Tagaytay or a run to the palengke.
Verified Specifications
FAWCAR has published detailed specs for the S04. Here’s what’s confirmed:
| Specification | JOYEE S04 (565 km variant) |
|---|---|
| Battery | 62.87 kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate), liquid-cooled |
| Motor | Permanent magnet synchronous, front-wheel drive |
| Power | 169 PS (124 kW) |
| Torque | 225 Nm |
| Range (CLTC) | 565 km |
| Energy consumption | 11.8 kWh/100 km |
| 0-100 km/h | 8.7 seconds |
| Top speed | 160 km/h |
| DC fast charge (30-80%) | ~28 minutes |
| AC charge (30-80%) | ~4.6 hours |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 4,450 × 1,860 × 1,635 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm |
| Ground clearance | 171 mm |
| Cargo volume | 415 L / 1,601 L (seats folded) |
| Drag coefficient | 0.248 Cd |
| Display | 14.6-inch central touchscreen |
| ADAS | Level 2 intelligent driver assistance |
| V2L | 3.3 kW (vehicle-to-load) |
Pricing and 3-Currency Breakdown
FAWCAR has not announced Philippine pricing yet. But we can make an educated estimate based on Laos pricing, where the S04 launched recently at US$22,500 (445 km variant) and US$23,800 (565 km variant). Applying Philippine VAT (12%) and a modest dealer margin (5%), the S04 565 km could land around ₱1.7-1.8 million. That’s my estimate — not an official figure.
Here’s how that stacks up against competitors:
| Model | PHP | USD | INR | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAWCAR JOYEE S04 (est.) | ₱1,750,000 | $27,880 | ₹27.0 lakh | 565 km CLTC |
| BYD Atto 2 EV | ₱1,338,000 | $21,320 | ₹20.6 lakh | 380 km NEDC |
| MG4 Urban | ₱1,198,888 | $19,100 | ₹18.5 lakh | 403 km NEDC |
| MG S5 EV | ₱1,448,888 | $23,080 | ₹22.3 lakh | 415 km NEDC |
| XPENG L03 EV Standard | ₱1,548,000 | $24,660 | ₹23.9 lakh | 445 km |
| Dongfeng Vigo EV | ₱1,458,000 | $23,230 | ₹22.5 lakh | 471 km CLTC |
| BYD Sealion 7 | ₱2,498,000 | $39,800 | ₹38.5 lakh | 523 km |
| Suzuki e-Vitara | ₱2,020,000 | $32,180 | ₹31.1 lakh | 475 km WLTP |
Exchange rates used: BSP reference rate October 9, 2026 — 1 USD = ₱62.77, 1 USD = ₹96.79. The S04’s estimated price puts it in the same bracket as the MG S5 EV and XPENG L03 — competitive, not a bargain. But it undercuts the BYD Sealion 7 and Suzuki e-Vitara by a comfortable margin.
The S08 and N09 Round Out the Lineup
The S04 isn’t coming alone. The JOYEE S08 is a full-size hybrid SUV with a 1.5T dedicated hybrid engine, offering 210 km of pure electric range and a combined 1,555 km. Fuel consumption drops to 3.9 L/100 km under low-battery conditions. For families who want long-distance flexibility without range anxiety, the S08 is the pick.
The N09 is the flagship — a B+ segment coupe available in pure electric and range-extended configurations. It features an 800V high-voltage platform, 6C ultra-fast charging, and a 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.4 seconds. The Snapdragon 8295P cockpit, 23-speaker Dolby Atmos audio, and frameless power doors give it genuine premium credentials. Pricing for both the S08 and N09 will be announced at launch.
Philippine Driving Conditions: How Does the S04 Stack Up?
City Driving
The S04’s 225 Nm of torque from a standstill makes it well-suited to EDSA traffic. The 5.45 m turning radius is tight enough for U-turns in Makati, and the compact footprint helps in tight parking. With 565 km of range, a typical 30 km daily commute would only consume about 5% of the battery — you’d charge it maybe twice a week at home on AC.
Long-Distance Travel
Manila to Baguio is roughly 250 km — the S04 could make it there and back on a single charge, though you’d want to top up on the return. The 28-minute DC fast charge (30-80%) means a quick stop at a CCS2 station along NLEX or SCTEX. The 0.248 Cd drag coefficient helps with highway efficiency, and the L2 ADAS takes the fatigue out of long drives.
Flooded Situations
At 171 mm of ground clearance, the S04 sits higher than most sedans but lower than body-on-frame SUVs. The LFP battery is sealed, and EVs don’t suffer from hydrolock the way combustion engines do. But 171 mm isn’t a lot — I’d avoid any flood deeper than 200 mm, especially moving water.
High Temperature
This is where the S04’s LFP battery and liquid cooling system earn their keep. LFP chemistry is thermally stable and doesn’t degrade as quickly as NMC in 36-38°C heat. The liquid cooling keeps the battery at optimal temperature even when the AC is working hard. The heat-insulated panoramic glass roof helps too — though I’d still recommend a sunshade for parking.
What Others Are Saying
The S04 is brand-new to the global market, so independent reviews are scarce. But the specs speak for themselves: 565 km range at 11.8 kWh/100 km is genuinely efficient. The 62.87 kWh LFP pack is the same chemistry used by BYD and Tesla for its thermal stability and long cycle life.
FAWCAR’s track record in Laos and other ASEAN markets will be worth watching. The company has been in the Philippines for years through its Bestune brand, selling the Pony micro-EV and other models through QSJ Motors and Multifortune Motors. The authorized distributor for JOYEE is Multifortune Motors at 883 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City.
The Bottom Line
The FAWCAR JOYEE S04 is shaping up to be a legitimate contender in the Philippine EV market. It’s not the cheapest — that title still goes to the Wuling Macaron at ₱663K — but it offers a compelling mix of range, efficiency, and features at an estimated ₱1.7-1.8 million. The S08 hybrid and N09 flagship round out a lineup that gives Filipino families three distinct options.
If you’re in the market for an electric SUV and you’re tired of the same old choices, October 22 is worth marking on your calendar. The S04 is the one to watch. For more on the PH EV landscape, check out my recent coverage of the BMW X3 hybrid, the XPENG L03, and the BYD Sealion 7. The MG Cyberster and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are also worth a look depending on your budget and priorities.