Empty electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) in shopping malls and commercial buildings across the Philippines have become uncommon. These facilities, which previously received limited attention, now see queues of electric vehicle (EV) users from early morning, as EV adoption has increased.

The growth of EV sales in Philippines from 2019 till 2024 coincides with findings from a 2024 Philippine Congress study, which identified Metro Manila as having the most severe traffic congestion among major metropolitan areas worldwide.

Out of 387 cities across 55 countries, the capital recorded the longest average travel time for a 10-kilometre journey, at just over 25 minutes.

Addressing challenges

The current transportation model in the Philippines depends heavily on fossil fuel-based internal combustion engines. The transport sector is the largest source of both air pollution and energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, contributing 34% of the total, with road transport accounting for 80%.

Approximately 74% of air pollutants originate from cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses.

In addition to environmental impacts, oil price volatility and dependence on imported fuel present challenges to energy security and supply stability.

To address these issues, Republic Act No. 11697, known as the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), was enacted in 2022. This was followed by an executive order modifying import duties on electric vehicles, parts, and components. In 2024, the government expanded the order, eliminating tariffs on EVs and their components for five years.

The Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI) was introduced to provide a framework for government action in support of the EV sector.

CREVI focuses on four core components:

- Electric vehicles and EV charging stations (EVCS)
- Manufacturing
- Human resource development
- Research and development

The Department of Energy (DOE) has released policy guidelines for EVCS to support EV adoption by establishing a functional charging infrastructure. In line with these efforts, CREVI has led to investments in EV assembly, parts and components, charging stations, automotive electronics, battery production, and mineral processing.

Looking ahead

CREVI sets targets through 2040 in short-, medium-, and long-term phases. Under a business-as-usual scenario, the government aims to reach at least 2.5 million EVs and 20,400 EVCS nationwide by 2040.

As of April 2025, the government has recognised and accredited 687 battery electric vehicles, 55 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, 88 hybrid electric vehicles, and 80 light electric vehicles.

Among suppliers, BYD from China holds a 69% share of the battery EV segment and 82% of the new energy vehicle market, mainly due to pricing.

Government programmes such as the Public Utility Vehicle Modernisation Programme and the DOE's electric tricycle project have resulted in an increased number of electric jeepneys and tricycles in operation.

Coordination between government agencies, the Manila Electric Company, and local authorities on the e-Sakay route, along with an electric jeepney trial in Iloilo City, has also been implemented.

Private sector use is expanding. DHL Express Philippines has introduced 13 electric utility vehicles (e-UVs) and five electric motorcycles (e-MCs) into its fleet, with respective ranges of up to 250 km and 140 km per charge. Mober, IKEA's delivery partner in the Philippines, has also deployed 10 electric vans and two electric trucks.

Conclusion

As EV usage increases, further development of the charging infrastructure and support for local EV manufacturing and assembly remain key areas for policy focus.

To continue progress, fiscal incentives and broader support mechanisms may need to be strengthened.

If effectively implemented, such measures could support employment, exports, and the adoption of lower-emission transport technologies in the Philippines.