P60-B EV Incentive Scheme Faces Scrutiny Over Exclusion of Motorcycles, Trikes

The Philippines’ P60-billion incentive scheme for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, slated for rollout, is encountering pushback from a leading industry group. The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (Evap) has questioned the program's focus on four-wheeled vehicles, excluding motorcycles and tricycles. Willy Tee Ten, president of Evap, expressed puzzlement over the program's design, arguing that a broader scope is necessary to achieve the goal of EV adoption. In the Philippines, tricycles are a primary mode of transport in urban areas, and their electrification could significantly alleviate traffic congestion and improve air quality. Motorcycles are also widely used by the general public, making their electrification crucial for direct impact on citizens' lives. The government aims to attract EV manufacturing hubs within the country through this incentive program, fostering job creation and technological innovation. However, industry groups like Evap believe that expanding the program's reach can accelerate the EV transition more effectively and broadly. They emphasize that covering a diverse range of vehicle types is key to broadening consumer choice and boosting overall market growth, especially in the nascent Philippine EV market. This issue is part of a larger context of transitioning to a sustainable transportation system in the Philippines. While the government's intentions are understandable, a more comprehensive policy formulation that considers on-ground needs and the realities of EV adoption is required.