The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) is urging stronger policy support to maintain the growth of the country’s electric vehicle (EV) industry, following record EV sales in the first half of 2024.
Land Transportation Office (LTO) data shows 10,001 new electrified vehicle registrations in the first half of 2024, nearly matching the 10,388 units registered throughout all of 2023, signaling significant growth in EV adoption.
Edmund Araga, president of EVAP, emphasized the need for continued government action to further accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility.
“The strong growth in EV sales is a positive sign, but we need to ensure that this momentum is backed by long-term policies and investments. Now is the time to solidify our commitment to electrification and create an ecosystem where EV adoption is practical, convenient, and beneficial for all,” Araga said.
The increase in EV adoption aligns with the implementation of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which mandates a 5 percent EV fleet requirement for government agencies and corporations. EVAP is pushing for additional measures, such as expanding import tax exemptions on EV components, offering higher subsidies for EV buyers, and accelerating the installation of public charging stations.
The Philippines currently has 500 operational charging stations nationwide, but industry estimates suggest that at least 5,000 will be needed by 2030 to meet projected demand.
Consumer demand has also shifted significantly, with more Filipino drivers considering EVs as a viable alternative to traditional fuel-powered vehicles. Additionally, AC Mobility Holdings Inc., the official distributor of BYD passenger vehicles in the country, reported selling nearly 5,000 BYD-branded passenger vehicles in 2024, representing an 82 percent share in the Philippine New Energy Vehicle (NEV) market for that year. This highlights the accelerating adoption of EVs, driven by increased consumer interest and the availability of diverse EV models.
EVAP continues to work closely with the government and private sector to expand public awareness and address concerns about EV range, charging accessibility, and cost efficiency. The recently concluded 12th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS) played a key role in bringing together industry players, policymakers, and consumers to discuss solutions and innovations in the EV sector.
“Many Filipinos are still hesitant about making the switch due to concerns about range, charging accessibility, and upfront costs,” Araga said.
“Through continuous education and incentives, we can show that EVs are not just the future—they are already here, and they make economic and environmental sense,” he added.
EVAP remains committed to ensuring that the Philippines keeps pace with global trends in sustainable transportation, with the goal of achieving 50 percent EV adoption in new vehicle sales by 2040, in line with ASEAN’s electrification targets.
