The Philippines reported record-breaking sales of electric vehicles in the first quarter of 2023. Remarkably, the figures represented an almost six-fold increase from the full year 2022.
EV sales swelled 495.3% to 2,536 units from January to March from just 426 units last year, INQUIRER.net reports citing the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP).
The country has now sold over 16,000 units of hybrids (HEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), according to EVAP President Edmund A. Araga.
Mr. Araga also asserted that supply shortage currently impedes the association to meet the demand for EVs.
“Actually, the problem of our members is on the supply. There are a lot of lined-up orders. The expected delivery ranges from two to three months.”
Edmund A. Araga, EVAP President
EV uptake in PH to expand “phenomenally”
EVAP forecasts the EV uptake in the Philippines to reach new heights, primarily boosted by Republic Act No. 11697 (Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act).
For context, the legislation supporting the local EV industry significantly benefits companies and buyers across the country. It supports deploying EV-exclusive parking slots in various facilities, “green routes” designation, traffic coding exemption, etc.
Moreover, private sectors have also been aiding the country to deploy more charging infrastructures to support the shift to EVs.
“What we have are figures for the first quarter alone, and the rise in registration is quite phenomenal. We cannot calculate nor do we have projections of how fast the industry is acclimatizing to the law, but the numbers speaks volume of the extreme potential for growth of the EV industry.”
Edmund A. Araga, EVAP President
However, the association emphasized that implementing EVIDA’s incentives is still a huge challenge for the government.
“The EV industry is still making necessary adjustments in terms of supplies and infrastructures. Transitions are on the way in terms of regulations being set by different government agencies involved.”
Edmund A. Araga, EVAP President
Government efforts
Apart from implementing the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act, the Department of Energy is also developing the country’s Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry.
It will also launch public discussions for both the Vehicle Fuel Economy Labeling Program and the Fuel Economy Performance Rating.
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry is committed to formulating an Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy. The Department of Transportation is currently working on modernizing public utility vehicles.
The Department of Public Works and Highways has also started adopting EVs to promote the technology.
“There will be a preference for EVs already through this period through 2030. We’re projecting that by 2030 onward, only battery EVs should be purchased by the government. And the government is also mandated to put in its facilities, charging stations and make them accessible to the public.”
Bureau Patrick Aquino, DOE Director for Energy Utilization Management
See Also:
- Philippines passes Law to promote Electric Vehicles
- PH Government to launch the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit to boost EV uptake
- Toyota unveils its cheapest EV yet in the Philippines
- Foton to showcase the Philippines’ first electric light-duty truck Tornado at 2023 Big Show
- PIMS 2022: Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 to launch in Philippines by January 2023
Such government initiatives are indeed crucial in promoting EVs in the Philippines. Every agency must work together to educate the public regarding the importance of sustainable mobility.
The Philippine Battery Consortium, spearheaded by EVAP, will launch on October 19 to 21 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City during the 11th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit.
