Recharging the EV Momentum: The Philippines’ 11th Electric Vehicle Summit Takes Center Stage

• Plug-in and Accelerate: EV Sector Goes Full Swing in Push for Electric Vehicle Adoption in Ph

The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) is taking the lead in driving the implementation of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (Republic Act 11697), over a year since its enactment. This effort is at the forefront of the Philippine Electric 2023, the 11^th and most extensive edition of an event that aims to promote wider EV adoption in the country. This three-day exhibition and conference, held from October 10 to 21 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, will showcase the latest technologies, innovations, and product releases from major players in the country’s EV sector.

Under the EVIDA Law, corporate firms and government agencies are mandated to have EVs make up at least 5% of their fleet. EV users will enjoy dedicated parking slots in public and private establishments, where EV charging stations will be conveniently accessible. Other incentives include exemption from traffic coding schemes, priority registration, and streamlined franchise application processes for public transportation fleets.

EVAP President Edmund Araga stated, “Our partner, the Department of Energy, is actively pushing for the nationwide rollout of electric vehicle use under its comprehensive roadmap for the electric vehicle industry, known as CREVI, which serves as our guiding star for more effective EVIDA law implementation.”

According to EVAP’s data, as of October 2022, there were approximately 15,300 EV units in use in the country, including 354 electric motorcycles and 88 electric buses. Additionally, there were 1,900 EV charging units spread across various stations nationwide as of November 2022. The industry is projected to grow significantly, with the Groop estimating that EV stock will exceed 6.6 million units by 2030.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is developing a National Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) to encourage local businesses to transition to EVs. Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) continues to emphasise the modernization of public utility vehicles, favoring EVs as the preferred transport option. Other government agencies are also contributing to the adoption of EVs.

A notable highlight of this year’s EV summit is the launch of the UNIDO Project, which aims to accelerate the adoption and scaling up of electric mobility for low-carbon city development.

Araga assures that PEVS 2023 will not only be the biggest but also the most productive and engaging in the summit’s history. He mentioned, “Expect several new vehicle launches from our partners, engaging panel discussions, and numerous exhibits displaying the latest EVs and related technologies.”

The 11^th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit is organized and hosted by EVAP, with the support of the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) and in partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE) and Nissan Philippines, Inc. The event is open to the public from October 19 to 21, 2023. For more information, visit www.evap.com.ph and www.evap.com.ph/summit.