Electric vehicle sales up, expected to hit 6M by 2030

As Filipinos opt for eco-friendly transportation amid the country’s efforts to push for the electrification of transport, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) expects an increase in the sale of e-vehicles in the coming years.

EVAP said 2,557 e-vehicles were sold in the country from January to June 2023 alone, a 500% increase compared to 426 units sold the entire 2022. With this, the group expects to sell 6.6 million e-vehicles by 2030.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines earlier said they are starting off 2004 with positive business and consumer confidence outlook.

“We see new model introductions and the expansion of electrified vehicle line-up, especially in the hybrid electric vehicle segment, and more brands coming into the market,” CAMPI president Atty. Rommel Gutierrez said

EVAP said part of the push for the adoption of electric vehicles in the country is the enactment of Executive Order No. 12, which modifies the tariff rates for certain EV types and their parts and their components to zero, with the exclusion of e-motorcycles which are still subject to 30% tariff rates.

It said EO12 complements the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) to build an EV industry and reduce carbon emissions in line with the Philippines’ Paris Agreement commitment.

Under the executive issuance, e-motorcycles are the only type of EV not included in the list that receives tax savings under EO12, which has gained the attention of different industry stakeholders.

The EO is now under review, with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) pushing to include electric motorcycles in the tariff exemption to “help Filipinos choose sustainable means of transportation.”

Atty. Vin Ching, a green transport advocate, said including e-motorcycles in the list of EVs eligible for tax incentives will provide a considerable financial incentive to the public.

“The inclusion of e-motorcycles will benefit those from the working class, those who really need transportation,” Ching said.—Sherylin Untalan/AOL, GMA Integrated News