APEC harmonizes rules on e-vehicles

MANILA, Philippines — Member countries of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), including the Philippines, are harmonizing regulatory policies on electric vehicles (e-vehicles) to accommodate new and greener car models and new businesses in the region.

Officials from member countries are working with the auto sector to introduce common standards among APEC economies that address e-vehicles’ unique safety, design and performance requirements and preempt mismatches between operating frameworks in the region.

This includes bridging potential regulatory divides such as variations in battery and charging parameters, emergency rescue protocols and data protection rules to maximize the compatibility of e-vehicles across Asia-Pacific auto markets and promote trade within the sector.

Member countries are reconciling standards in areas such as e-vehicle recycling, including battery re-use and re-manufacturing, as well as high power and wireless charging, and building integration.

“APEC is aligning e-vehicle standards to smooth the transition from an internal combustion-centric world and drive sustainable growth,” APEC Automotive Dialog chair Phan Anh Tuan said.

APEC said the move to implement common standards stands to lower e-vehicle manufacturing costs, and improve their affordability and convenience for consumers, which follows the APEC electric vehicles roadmap formed during the APEC leaders in Beijing.

This will allow car manufacturers in the region to position and take advantage of the transition to e-vehicle production.