BY: CHARLES NIKKO LIMON
To support the rising number of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country, the Department of Energy (DOE) aims to establish 7,300 EV charging stations by 2028.
As fuel prices continue to soar, many motorists are switching to electric vehicles to cut costs. Though EVs are more expensive upfront, owners save in the long run through reduced fuel expenses.
Land Transportation Office records show 13,934 EVs registered in the country between 2010 and 2021.
By 2023, that number grew to over 16,000.
The recent opening of a Tesla Center in the Philippines is expected to further drive EV adoption.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting EV development. “Under the TRAIN Act, excise taxes on battery electric vehicles have been removed,” he said. “The Electric Vehicle Development Industry Act (EVIDA) also provides duty-free importation of charging stations, lower user fees for EV users, and prioritization in registration and traffic privileges.”
To improve infrastructure for EVs, the DOE has identified 912 operational charging stations nationwide—five of which are in Baguio City.
The department plans to consult stakeholders and explore setting up charging facilities in gas stations to increase accessibility for EV owners.
This initiative is part of the DOE’s Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry, which runs until 2028.
The agency believes it will strengthen the country’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
