Philippines EV Advocates To Propel Local Electric Vehicle Ecosystem – CleanTechnica

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The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) spoke to CleanTechnica on the sidelines of the Tesla Model Y launch earlier this week about the robust expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) sector, echoing the upbeat sentiment from the 12th Philippine EV Summit (PEVS) which happened last year.

EVAP president Edmund Araga told CleanTechnica that he continues to be bullish about what seems to be a sudden shift and acceptance of electric automobiles. His sentiment is backed by news reports and white papers indicating a remarkable escalation in EV sales across the nation. BYD saw an 8,900% year-on-year growth, and EV vehicles brought in, mostly by the Chinese car makers, tripled since July 2024. Araga said this can be ascribed to burgeoning consumer curiosity, enhanced charging infrastructure, and beneficial government policies.

He said that the EVAP lauds the aggregate effect of collaborative efforts between the government, industry stakeholders, and advocates such as themselves, which have fueled the immense growth the EV market has witnessed. Araga said Tesla’s entry “for example, shows how businesses are seeing the Philippines as a growth market.  “The momentum we observe today is the result of a collective pursuit of the future of electric mobility,” he stressed.

PEVS Is A Catalyst

The 12th PEVS, themed “Spark Change, Drive Electric,” served as an influential catalyst, encapsulating the zeitgeist of EV advancements. The summit furnished a stage for exhibitors to unveil novel EV models, debate policy revisions, and engage with the public through interactive sessions. It also fortified collaborative ties with international EV associations, accentuating the Philippines’ significant role within the expanding ASEAN EV market.

“We are not just EV advocates, we are also proponents of reinvigorating the Philippine car assembly industry with EVs. All kinds of EVs can be manufactured locally as evidenced by the e-trike industry which already spawned a battery making facility in Clark and employs many, many skilled workers, craftsmen both in the factories and in the supply chain,” Araga told CleanTechnica.

EVAP is poised to capitalize on this renaissance by initiating programs centered on intensifying EV adoption. These strategies encompass extensive public awareness campaigns, enhanced partnerships with governmental bodies, and ongoing advocacy for policies conducive to making electric vehicles more accessible to Philippine consumers.

“At this juncture, electric vehicles cease to be alternatives; they are the future,” posits Araga. “EVAP will persistently champion innovations, investments, and policies, thereby actualizing sustainable mobility for everyone in the Philippines.”

With the industry’s swift proliferation, EVAP remains unwavering in its ambition to electrify the nation’s future, ensuring that the Philippines advances progressively toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation domain.

Strengthening Policy Framework: A Priority For EVAP

During the first BYD Tech Tour in November last year, Araga told CleanTechnica that despite the remarkable sales surge, EVAP issued a call for robust policy reinforcement to guarantee the continuation of the EV industry’s upward trajectory. Notably, the first six months of 2024 rivalled those of 2023, with 10,001 newly registered electrified vehicles versus 10,388 over the entirety of 2023. This substantial growth underscores the necessity for sustained governmental initiatives and financial allocations.

Araga elucidates the urgency for persistent governmental action, asserting, “While the escalation in EV sales is a promising indicator, it’s vital to anchor this progression with long-term policy commitments and financial investments. This juncture necessitates a decisive endorsement of our commitment to electrification, culminating in a supportive ecosystem that renders EV adoption practical and advantageous for all.”

The Philippine government’s Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) has catalyzed growth, necessitating government agencies and corporations to strive towards a 5% EV fleet composition. Adhering to this, EVAP relentlessly advocates for supplementary steps such as extending tax exemptions on EV components, enhancing subvention for prospective EV buyers, and fast-tracking the installation of public charging facilities. Presently, the country boasts 500 operational charging points, yet simulations suggest a minimum requirement of 5,000 stations by 2030 to meet projected electric vehicle demands.

Increasing Awareness May Mean Increasing Adoption

Filipino drivers are increasingly perceiving electric vehicles as a practical substitution to conventional fuel-powered vehicles. AC Mobility Holdings Inc., declared selling nearly 5,000 BYD passenger cars in 2024, equivalent to an 82% stake in the local New Energy Vehicle (NEV) market. This performance is an example of how market acceptance is driven by awareness, and as many myths about EVs are being dispelled, the heightened consumer interest and the availability of a diverse range of electric vehicle models are reasons for the jump in interest.

“Many aspiring consumers still falter at the threshold due to queries about range, charging availability, and upfront costs,” Araga cautions. “By nurturing continuous education and incentivization, we can vividly depict EVs as more than just a futuristic aspiration; rather, they are presently viable choices that exercise both economic and environmental wisdom.”

EVAP collaborates with government and the private sector to enhance public comprehension and allay concerns about EV range, charging accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. The 12th PEVS served pivotal in uniting industry figures, lawmakers, and consumers, fostering dialogue on EV-sector innovations and challenges.

Aligning with global trends on sustainability and electrification of transportation in the Philippines with is EVAP’s goal. It’s ambition now it meeting ASEAN’s electrification objectives: 50% EV adoption in new vehicle sales by 2040.

The Electric Ecosystem

EVAP’s priorities extend beyond mere sales figures; they are centered on fostering an ecosystem that supports the long-term sustainability of electric vehicles. Through untiring efforts and strategic partnerships, they strive to overcome existing barriers and make EVs an accessible, appealing, and viable choice for Filipino consumers. The association’s role in bolstering public education and government-industry collaboration is crucial in driving EV acceptance. By addressing misconceptions about EVs, such as range anxiety, charging infrastructure, and initial costs, EVAP aims to create a conducive environment for widespread EV adoption.

Furthermore, the organization actively advocates for policy reforms that facilitate the growth of the EV industry. This includes incentives like tax exemptions for EV components and subsidies for buyers, as well as measures to expedite the installation of charging stations. These combined efforts ensure that Philippine consumers can enjoy the benefits of electric mobility as smoothly and as cost-effectively as possible.

On A Mission

As the EV sector continues to expand, EVAP maintains its mission to drive the electrification of transportation in the Philippines. Their goal is to contribute to the development of a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future for all Filipinos. By collaborating with the government, industry players, and other stakeholders, they will push for the necessary policies, investments, and infrastructure to achieve these aims.

“We (EVAP) play a critical role in advocating for and facilitating the growth of electric vehicles in the country. Our strong commitment to public education, policy reform, and industry collaboration, is crucial to the sector’s growth. We believe that the Philippines is well-positioned to meet its ambitious goals of a 50% new vehicle EV adoption share by 2040,” Araga concluded.