The Philippines’ electric vehicle market is buzzing with activity! Record sales growth is electrifying the nation’s transport, signaling a massive shift towards sustainable mobility. From impressive sales figures to ambitious charging infrastructure plans and local battery production, what does this mean for the future of driving in the archipelago?
The Philippines is experiencing a groundbreaking era in its transportation sector, marked by an unprecedented surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales, a pivotal moment highlighted by the return of the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit. This annual gathering underscores the nation’s accelerating commitment to sustainable mobility, driven by a confluence of supportive policies, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences.
Recent data from the Department of Energy and the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) illustrates this dramatic shift. Four-wheeled electric vehicle sales soared to 3,880 units in 2024, a remarkable 277.5% increase from 1,028 units in 2023. Within this segment, battery-electric vehicles dominated, accounting for approximately 75% of sales, while hybrid electric vehicles made up 23% and plug-in hybrid vehicles a smaller 2% share.
The growth in two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles has been even more dramatic, skyrocketing from a mere 172 units in 2023 to an astonishing 43,441 units in 2024. Category L2 two-wheeled vehicles, typically electric motorcycles and scooters designed for urban travel, constituted a substantial 93% of this segment, reflecting a strong consumer preference for efficient personal mobility solutions in dense urban environments.
EVAP President Edmund Araga attributes this robust growth to key factors: proactive government policies, the persistent volatility of petrol prices, and a significant expansion in the availability of diverse electric vehicle models and brands. Araga emphasized that consumers now enjoy a broader array of choices, fostering greater adoption across various segments as the nation charges ahead with its electrification goals.
Critical to this transition is the development of a comprehensive charging infrastructure. The Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI) outlines ambitious targets, aiming for 7,300 EV charging stations nationwide by 2028, expanding significantly from 992 stations recorded in 2025. Long-term projections anticipate 20,400 charging stations by 2040, designed to support an estimated 2.5 million electric vehicles, primarily concentrated in urban hubs like Metro Manila.
Beyond infrastructure, the economic potential of the EV sector is substantial. The Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS), currently awaiting approval, projects an impressive ₱11.4 trillion in economic output and the creation of up to 680,000 jobs. These opportunities span critical areas such as EV assembly, battery production, charging station installation, and essential maintenance services, positioning electric vehicles as a significant economic driver.
Further bolstering the country’s position in the global EV supply chain is the StB Giga Factory Inc. in Tarlac, inaugurated in September 2024. As the Philippines’ first lithium battery manufacturing facility, it produces advanced lithium iron phosphate batteries for both renewable energy and electric vehicle applications, with a planned annual capacity to power 18,000 electric vehicles by 2030, marking a crucial step towards localized production.
The Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, operating under the theme “Charge Ahead, Ignite the EVolution,” serves as a vital platform for industry discussions, innovation showcases, and new model presentations. It brings together manufacturers, charging infrastructure providers, battery technology companies, and government agencies, all working collectively to propel the nation towards its ambitious transportation electrification goals and sustain momentum in this dynamic sector.
