MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy has unveiled a streamlined and unified electric vehicle (EV) classification system to accelerate the country’s shift toward green mobility.
The DOE has amended the EV recognition guidelines, establishing a clear and comprehensive framework to ensure full alignment with the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA).
Under the updated guidelines, stakeholders are now mandated to submit an EV charger monitoring form every quarter to maintain up-to-date market data.
This policy ensures that any EV no longer actively marketed is removed from the recognized EV list once formally reported.
For EVs intended solely for promotional use, the DOE said applicants should submit a specific notice and may receive a provisional clearance or a non-marketing certificate.
Recognized EVs, as defined by the DOE, are vehicles advertised, promoted or sold by road transport vehicle manufacturers, assemblers, importers and rebuilders.
The DOE maintains a list of recognized EVs for easy access and reference when granting incentives provided under EVIDA.
“The issuance of this policy is a critical step toward building a more organized, accessible and future-ready EV market in the Philippines,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.
“By harmonizing our EV recognition guidelines, we are reducing administrative burdens, increasing transparency and accelerating EV adoption nationwide,” Garin said.
The amended rules, set to take effect on Sept. 20, have also introduced a harmonized EV classification system with detailed categories for battery, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, light, range-extended and fuel cell EVs.
A total of 29,715 EVs were registered from January to July, already exceeding the 24,286 recorded in full-year 2024, latest data from the Department of Transportation showed.
According to the DOE, EV registrations now account for nearly five percent of new vehicle registrations, marking a threefold increase since 2023.