The Asian Transport Outlook (ATO) project – supported by the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank - together with the Urban Electric Mobility Initiative (UEMI) and the EU-supported SOLUTIONSplus project, are producing e-mobility profiles that focus on taking stock of the main developments relating to e-mobility transition in Asian economies. This edition of the newsletter presents the profiles for Philippines. 

The Philippines is focused on achieving sustained economic growth and social development, anticipating an annual urban population increase of 1.3 million and a GDP per capita growth of 4.4% until 2050. This growth is expected to drive a 3.0% annual increase in passenger transport and a 3.6% growth in freight transport.  

In 2018, the Land Transportation Office recorded a significant rise in new battery electric vehicles, particularly motorcycles, reaching 4,362 registrations, double the previous year. Despite limited charging infrastructure, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines forecasts an 8%-12% annual growth until 2024, generating $33.6 million from approximately 200 thousand units sold.  

The Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), effective since April 2022, regulates various aspects of electric vehicles, encouraging the sector's development. The government provides fiscal incentives such as exemptions for fully built EV imports, eight years of duty exemption for charging station imports, and discounts on EV purchases, motor vehicle charges, registration, and inspection fees.  

Non-fiscal incentives include priority registration, exemption from certain vehicle reduction programs, and expedited processing for EV-related activities. These initiatives aim to bolster the electric vehicle industry in the Philippines and contribute to sustainable economic and environmental objectives. 

Further details of the report can be found here.