Philippines Urged to Include Two- and Three-Wheeled EVs in Incentive Plan

The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) is pushing for the inclusion of two- and three-wheeled vehicles in the government's Electric Vehicle Incentives Strategy (EVIS), citing their critical role in achieving national clean mobility targets. "We totally support the local production of [EVs,]... But, I would really request that we can review the EVIS on a more detailed basis," EVAP President Willy G. Tee Ten told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Tuesday. He added, "The President won’t get what he wants if motorcycles don’t shift to electric," highlighting the significance of electrifying two-wheeled transport. The Philippine Energy Plan includes a Department of Energy target for EVs to constitute half of the vehicle fleet by 2040 and 60% by 2050. Mr. Tee Ten also questioned the low uptake of the EVIS program, stating, "I need to know more about the EVIS Program. If it’s really good, many applicants should be lining up for it." Executive Order No. 121 earmarks fiscal support of P60 billion for EVIS, currently designated for four producers of four-wheeled EVs. In April, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. signaled its intent to participate in the EVIS program by proposing hybrid electric vehicles for production at its Laguna plant. Philippine EV sales surged 136.4% year on year to 38,286 units in the seven months to July, according to a joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz