The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) is championing the cause for the complete realization of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (Republic Act No. 11697), more than a year since the law was enacted.
The focal point of the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS) 2023, which was the 11th and largest iteration of this groundbreaking event, was to enhance the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) throughout the country. The event, which spanned three days, spotlighted the latest technological advancements, innovative solutions, and product launches from key players in the EV sector across the nation and the region.
According to the EVIDA Law, corporate entities and government organizations must ensure that at least 5% of their vehicle fleet is composed of EVs. Additionally, EV users are granted exclusive parking spots in both public and private buildings, with provisions for the installation of EV charging stations to facilitate easier vehicle charging. Furthermore, a range of incentives are in place, including exemptions for EVs from traffic coding schemes, priority registration for EVs, and streamlined processing for franchise applications to operate public transportation fleets.
“Our partner, the Department of Energy, is vigorously advocating for a more rapid deployment of EVs across the country, guided by its Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry, or CREVI, which serves as our guiding star for a more precise application of the EVIDA Law,” expressed Edmund Araga, President of EVAP.
EVAP’s data reveals that as of October 2022, approximately 15,300 EV units were in operation in the country. This includes 354 electric motorcycles and 88 electric buses. Additionally, as of November 2022, there were 900 EV charging units available at various locations nationwide. The organization forecasts that the EV stock in the country could exceed 6.6 million units by the year 2030.
Furthermore, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is formulating a national Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) to motivate local businesses to transition to EVs. Simultaneously, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is focusing on the modernization of public utility vehicles, with a preference for EVs as the preferred mode of transport. Various other government agencies are also contributing to the adoption of EVs.
Another major feature of this year’s EV summit was the introduction of the UNIDO Project, which is designed to expedite the adoption and expansion of electric mobility for low-carbon urban development during PEVS 2023.
PEVS 2023 proved to be the most expansive, productive, and engaging edition to date, with numerous new vehicle launches from partner brands, compelling panel discussions, and a wealth of exhibits showcasing the latest EVs and related technologies.