Manila: An official of the Department of Energy (DOE) is optimistic about higher registration of electric vehicles (EVs) once an executive order clarifying rules on the use of EVs comes out. DOE Energy Utilization Management Director Patrick Aquino, in an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday, said an Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) technical working group has already submitted its recommendations to the Office of the President.
According to Philippines News Agency, Aquino highlighted the ongoing changes within key government positions, including the secretary roles at the DOE, Department of Transportation (DOTr), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). These changes have necessitated a forthcoming EBITDA TWG meeting in the coming quarter to reassess and push forward the recommendations to the Office of the President.
Aquino refrained from providing a timeline for the release of the executive order, emphasizing the unpredictability of the Office of the President’s schedule. However, he assured that the recommendations would be reviewed and submitted for consideration once more.
The executive order aims to tackle several issues, such as the use of EVs on major roads and their registration, in addition to establishing uniform policies across local governments. Aquino pointed out the increasing registration of EVs, which has been enhanced by public awareness of their benefits since the passage of EVIDA in 2022.
Recent data from the EV industry indicates a significant rise in the sales of four-wheeled EVs, reaching 3,880 units in 2024, a substantial increase from 1,028 units the previous year. Additionally, sales of two- and three-wheeled EVs surged to 43,441 units last year from just 172 units in 2023.
Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines president Edmund Araga, referencing data from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), noted that registered EVs in the first seven months of this year have already matched the total registrations for the whole of 2024, totaling 29,715 units.
