Several months ago, GAC Philippines wowed everyone at the 2026 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) when they showed not one but two hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs): the GS8 SUV and the E8 MPV.

While the GS8 HEV was launched at a special introductory price of PHP 2.388 million, the E8 HEV was a preview only, with the automaker looking to launch it later this year. While it's already recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) as an HEV, it looks like GAC is taking its time before launching it. In addition, they also just revealed the AION UT EV hatchback.

However, we may soon see the GAC E8 make its official debut in the Philippines. This comes after the Land Transportation Office (LTO) released homologation documents for the upcoming hybrid MPV. Based on a recent Memorandum Circular, the agency has released, the GAC E8 may be offered in just one variant: the GL HEV.

Like the specs we saw from the DOE's website, the GAC E8 GL HEV will get a 1999cc (or 2.0L) four-cylinder engine that will be assisted by a lithium-ion battery and an electric motor that puts out 134 kW or 182 PS. It will also have dimensions that measure 4920mm long, 1928mm wide, and 1760mm tall on a 2930mm wheelbase, just like the ones listed on the DOE website.

More importantly, the GAC E8 HEV will be a 7-seater MPV, which makes it a direct competitor against the likes of the Toyota Zenix HEV and the MG G50 PHEV.

With the market pivoting towards electrified vehicles, the electrified vehicle segment is ripe for the picking, as buyers continue to flock towards it. The only question now is, when does GAC plan to reveal the E8 GL HEV in the Philippine market?