By THE Department of Energy (DOE) on Wednesday revealed that the country’s electric vehicle (EV) industry is experiencing significant growth over the past eight years.
“The DOE, as the lead agency under EVIDA [Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act], will marshal its efforts to ensure the successful implementation of EV initiatives,” DOE-Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Patrick Aquino said.
“We are committed to driving the growth of the EV industry in the Philippines and providing a cleaner, more sustainable transportation alternative for our citizens,” he added.
Based on DOE data, the cumulative number of EV registration as of end-2022 stood at 9,666. In the previous years, the number of registered EVs stood at 8,594 in 2021; 7,364 in 2021; 6,900 in 2019; 6,194 in 2018; 2,304 in 2017; 899 in 2016; 346 in 2015; and 145 in 2014.
With an increasing number of EVs available in the market and a surge in individual interest, Aquino believes that the value proposition of EVs is becoming increasingly evident, especially in light of rising oil prices and growing concerns about air pollution.
Under EVIDA, accredited Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) providers with registered EVCS, whose charging fees comply with unbundling requirements, are now permitted to collect charging fees. The DOE has also issued guidelines for this initiative, which include a six-month transition period set to expire on December 6, 2023.
Aquino reiterated the DOE’s commitment to supporting the EV industry by issuing an advisory next month to remind all stakeholders of the importance of accreditation, registration, and proper notification of unbundling fees. This effort aims to ensure the smooth and efficient transition to a more sustainable transportation landscape in the Philippines.