EVAP Identifies Key Factors that Drive Stronger EV Sales in PH

"Our EV volume target by 2040 is at least 2.5 million. I am confident, as I have always been, that this goal is easily achievable especially as we actually see that each year, we are breaking our own records. The bold target is to make EVs account for at least 50 percent of all vehicles on our roads by the year 2040. Our sector is hoping that the attractive incentives and perks offered to our motorists to shift to electric will further go full swing. EVs still enjoy zero import tariffs and EV owners are entitled to priority registration at the LTO, exemption to number coding scheme, and free use of public EV charging stations in a growing number of malls and other commercial and public establishments. Critical step toward building a more organized, accessible, and future-ready EV market. By harmonizing EV recognition guidelines, we are reducing administrative burdens, increasing transparency, and accelerating EV adoption nationwide. There are so many other important factors we can cite for the accelerating EV sales locally, among those is the rising number of EV Charging Stations or EVCS and the establishment of home-based EV and components manufacturing plants that further contribute to making EVs of all types more accessible to more Filipinos." ~Edmund Araga, EVAP President

The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) projects that by 2025, there will be roughly 35,000 registered electric cars (EVs), a new high for the country.  The Land Transportation Office (LTO) reports that during the first seven months of the year (January through July), 29,715 EVs were registered overall, comprising 28,353 new registrations and 1,362 renewals.  In comparison, just over 24,000 EVs were registered overall in 2024.

Furthermore, EV registrations during the seven-month period accounted for 5% of all new vehicle registrations in the country at that time.  These figures demonstrate the continued growth of EV usage among Filipino drivers.

EVAP President Edmund Araga in his opening remarks during the 13th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS) held in SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on October 23.

Technology factor

The outstanding and quickly evolving technology of modern EVs was also noted by the EVAP president as the cause of the strong sales figures.  

He cited the findings of a McKinsey China Auto Consumer Study, which indicate that technology is the most crucial consideration for buyers when choosing between EVs and traditional, foreign-branded cars.  According to research conducted in China, the biggest EV market in Asia, technology boosts purchase intent by 10.8% compared to lower price tags or discounts, which only increase it by 3.6%.  The report also identified range, charging speed, and interior experience as other factors that influence EV buying decisions.

However, cost is logically the primary factor influencing consumers to purchase EVs in the Philippines, according to the findings of a March 2024 study titled "Marketing Strategy and Preference Analysis of Electric Cars in a Developing Country: A Perspective from the Philippines," which was published by Mapua University. 

According to that local study, battery type, charging techniques, EV category, driving range, and charging speed are further considerations for Filipino EV consumers.  The study included suggestions for ways to possibly boost EV adoption locally, such as reducing prices and increasing the technology awareness of prospective purchasers.

EV official classification in PH

Moreover, Araga commended the Department of Energy (DOE) for recently issuing six official classifications of EVs in the country—battery EVs (BEVs), hybrid EVs (HEVs), Light EVs (LEVs), Plug-in Hybrid EVs (PHEVs), Range Extender EVs (REEVs), and Fuel Cell EVs (FCEVs). 

To learn more about available EV technology and models in the Philippines, and to participate in seminars and panel discussions, visit the Philippine Electric Summit 2025. With the theme 'Charge Ahead, Ignite the EVolution,' the summit runs from October 23 to 25, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. 

 

PEVS 2025 is organized by EVAP with co-presentors BYD Cars Philippines, Omoda & Jaecoo Motor Philippines Inc, United Asia Automotive Group Inc (UAAGI), GAC Dangdang, and the Department of Energy. Visit the PEVS website (https://pevsummit.com) to learn more and to register for free.