In a significant achievement for the Philippine electric vehicle (EV) industry, Lycan recently concluded the Visayas, Mindanao, and North Luzon Legs of its ambitious "The Great Philippine Road Tour 2024" campaign. This historic journey, which took place from January 18 to February 7, 2024 (South Leg) and June 28, 2024, to July 14, 2024 (North Leg), saw Lycan's electric vehicles traverse over 6,000 kilometers across the northern regions of Luzon, central islands of Visayas, and Mindanao. The tour started in Quezon City and extended all the way to Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao for the South Leg tour, and from Quezon City up to Aparri, Cagayan, before looping back via Ilocos Norte, Vigan, and Tarlac—showcasing the capabilities of Lycan’s EVs on some of the most challenging terrains in the country.
This follows the even more demanding South Leg campaign completed in February 2024, where Lycan’s team journeyed over 4,000 kilometers through Visayas and Mindanao, traveling to more than 50 destinations.
A Testament to Long-Distance EV Travel
The Great Philippine Road Tour 2024 is a crucial part of Lycan’s broader initiative to tour the entire Philippines using its electric vehicles, a campaign designed to debunk the myth that electric motorcycles are only suitable for short-distance travel. With the North Leg alone covering more than 1,500 kilometers, including various side trips, Lycan has made a compelling case for the endurance and reliability of its vehicles. This follows the even more demanding South Leg campaign completed in February 2024, where Lycan’s team journeyed over 5,000 kilometers through Visayas and Mindanao, traveling to more than 50 destinations.
Throughout the tour, Lycan’s EVs were rigorously tested for endurance, build quality, usability, and performance on national roads and highways. The vehicles withstood the challenges posed by the diverse and often difficult landscapes, proving that they are not only capable of long-distance travel but are also well-suited for the varied road conditions found across the country.
Expanding Market Presence and Industry Research
Beyond demonstrating the technical prowess of its EVs, the Philippine tour was also an opportunity for Lycan to introduce its products to new markets outside Metro Manila. Through community visits, test drive events, and public exposure activities, Lycan effectively raised awareness of its offerings among potential customers and stakeholders in the region. The tour also facilitated critical research into the current state of the Philippine EV industry, particularly the feasibility of establishing EV battery charging and swapping stations in rural areas.
Meeting with potential partners, franchisees, investors, and local government units, Lycan explored opportunities for expanding its infrastructure and distribution network. These engagements are expected to play a vital role in Lycan’s strategy to accelerate the adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly mobility solutions across the Philippines.
Challenges and Triumphs
The journey was not without its challenges. The lack of established EV infrastructure, particularly battery charging stations, was a recurring issue throughout the tour. Additionally, adverse weather conditions and budgetary constraints prevented the completion of the planned route to Davao and General Santos from Cagayan de Oro during the South Leg of the tour. Despite these setbacks, the campaign was deemed a success, achieving all its primary objectives: testing prototypes, raising market awareness, conducting industry research, and forging new partnerships.
Looking Ahead: The Next Phase of The Great Philippine Road Tour
Building on the success of the tour, Lycan is already planning an additional phase of "The Great Philippine Road Tour 2025." This upcoming tour aims to cover additional regions, including South Luzon (Bicol-Sorsogon), Eastern Visayas (Samar-Leyte), and Southern Mindanao (Davao-General Santos), before concluding in Manila via Bacolod and Mindoro. These efforts are aligned with Lycan’s long-term vision of achieving national distribution of its electric vehicles, ultimately contributing to the Philippines' transition toward sustainable transportation.
The campaign has garnered support from several key sponsors, including Shell LiveWire, VistaMall, The Blu Kitzen, Light Network, Wheels.ph, Inquirer Mobility, and Gold Star Daily. Their backing underscores the growing interest in and commitment to sustainable mobility in the Philippines.
As Lycan continues to push the boundaries of what electric vehicles can achieve, the success of the North and South Legs of "The Great Philippine Road Tour 2024" stands as a milestone in the company’s mission to revolutionize transportation in the country. With each leg of the tour, Lycan moves closer to making eco-friendly mobility a reality for all Filipinos.
A full documentary video series will be published by Lycan on its official social media platforms soon.
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