In keeping with its nationally determined contributions (NDCs) target to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030, the Philippines has enacted the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) of 2022.
This legislation provides a roadmap for the country’s expansion and development of EVs and EV charging infrastructure. It also provides financial and non-financial incentives for companies manufacturing EVs and charging stations while giving purchasers tax breaks.
The Philippines EV profile
According to data from the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), 13,934 electric vehicles (EVs) were registered in the Philippines between 2010 and 2021. The vast majority of these registrations, 12,740 units or 91%, are electric scooters, bikes, and motorcycles.
The remainder includes 815 e-utility vehicles, 311 e-cars, and 43 e-sport utility vehicles. E-trucks and e-buses have the fewest registrations, with only 12 and 10 units, respectively. During this period, there were just 164 charging stations throughout the country, including charging points and battery-swapping stations (Profile of the, 2023).
Energy Tracker highlights that between 2022 and 2023, there was a 50% increase in EV registrations in the country, and it expects that this EV growth will expand from 2025 and thereafter (Koons, 2024).
As of 2023, there are over 16,000 registered electric vehicles in the Philippines and 592 EV charging stations. Despite this increase, electric cars account for less than 0.1% of the country’s total registered vehicles, which exceeded 13 million during this period.
This slow growth of EVs is due to limited charging infrastructure, higher upfront costs, and a lack of widespread public awareness. Addressing these challenges is crucial for accelerating EV adoption.
The availability of charging stations has been a crucial factor in determining the nation’s readiness to adopt EVs as a method of transportation. Public charging stations make EVs more convenient to use.
Although most EV owners charge at home, public and workplace charging stations can increase the daily proper range of all-electric vehicles and reduce the gasoline consumed by PHEVs.
Current number of EVs in the Philippines and EV charging stations and its growth target
Forecasts from CRI show that 6.6 million EVs could be on the road by 2030. Hitting this target is critical to having EVs comprise 50% of vehicles on the road by 2040. To meet this target, the government must support EV manufacturers and consumers more.
ADB’s US$100 million financing to boost the Philippines’ EV uptake
On January 27, 2025, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Philippine conglomerate Ayala Corporation signed a US$100 million financing package to develop electric mobility systems in the Philippines.
The agreement will procure and install electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) and acquire electric vehicles (EVs) for commercial use, furthering ADB’s commitment to sustainable transport, including its previous initiatives for electric jeepneys (e-jeepneys) and electric tricycles (e-trikes).
According to ADB, “This project is a significant step towards a sustainable and low-carbon future for the Philippines,” said ADB Country Director for the Philippines Pavit Ramachandran.
“By fostering the development of a robust electric mobility ecosystem, we are addressing critical environmental challenges such as air pollution and driving economic growth by creating green jobs, enhancing energy security, and promoting inclusive and resilient urban development,” he added.
Maintenance of these EVS and EV charging infrastructure
The Philippines’ efforts to decarbonize its transportation sector and transition to cleaner vehicles represent a positive step forward. The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) financial support is crucial for helping the country achieve its target of expanding its EV adoption and EV charging stations nationwide while gradually phasing out ICE vehicles.
As the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) moves forward, the Philippines needs to develop comprehensive plans for maintaining these vehicles and their supporting infrastructure.
A significant portion of the funding should be dedicated to enhancing the nation’s capacity to maintain its EVs and related facilities. This will help ensure that the Philippines enjoys the long-term benefits of a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system, as well as improved health for its citizens and the environment.
Like any equipment, EV charging infrastructure requires regular maintenance to ensure proper and efficient operation.
Lifespans of EV charging infrastructure
Understanding the lifespan of EV charging stations involves knowing the typical lifespans of different chargers.
EV chargers typically last 10 to 20 years. Wall-mounted and Level 1 chargers usually last 10-15 years, whereas Level 2 and 3 chargers are designed for a longer lifespan of over two decades. The standard cable used with EV chargers can endure over 10,000 full charges or approximately 27 years of daily use.
The life of the EV charging equipment also depends on its physical setup and exposure to extreme weather events. For example, frequent exposure to rain, snow, and extreme heat can speed up the wear and tear of the charging equipment.
The importance of maintaining EV infrastructure
Proper maintenance of EV charging infrastructure includes secure storage of cables, regular component inspections, and keeping equipment clean. Repairs may be needed, especially when warranties expire, leading to high costs.
Clarifying maintenance cost responsibilities and whether the site host, charging network, or installer is liable is crucial. Maintenance contracts should specify response times, repair timelines, and uptime guarantees for efficient operation (Alternative Fuels, n.d.).
EV charging station owners or managers could recover the maintenance cost by charging a fee for using the charging infrastructure. Fees can be collected at the charging unit, via credit card, over the phone, or at a nearby establishment.
While the Philippines has made significant strides in advancing the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) through legislation like the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) and financial backing from entities like the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the growth of the Philippine EV infrastructure is still in its early stages.
As it works to achieve its ambitious target of having 6.6 million EVs on the road by 2030, maintaining and expanding the EV charging infrastructure will be crucial.
To ensure the long-term success of this transition, the government and private sector stakeholders must prioritize installing EV service infrastructure, such as new charging stations, and maintaining and repairing them regularly.
This will require adequate financial resources and clear responsibilities for upkeep, ensuring that the EV network remains reliable, efficient, and sustainable.
Sources:
ADB, Ayala Sign $100 Million Financing Deal to Support Electric Mobility in the Philippines. (2025, January). ADB. Retrieved from https://www.adb.org/news/adb-ayala-sign-100-million-financing-deal-support-electric-mobility-philippines
Profile of the Electric Vehicle Industry in the Philippines. (2023). NTRC Tax Research Journal. Retrieved from https://www.ntrc.gov.ph/images/journal/2023/j20230304b.pdf
EVCS Unbundling Advisory: “BE INFORMED: DOE – Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) Unbundling of Charging Fees for the month of June 2024.” Republic of the Philippines Department of Energy. Retrieved from https://doe.gov.ph/announcements/evcs-unbundling-advisory-%E2%80%9Cbe-informed-doe-%E2%80%93-electric-vehicle-charging-stations-evcs-5
Operation and Maintenance for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure. (n.d.) US Department of Energy. Retrieved from https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity-infrastructure-maintenance-and-operation#
Koons, E. (2024, October 31). Accelerating Electric Cars in the Philippines in 2025. Energy Tracker Asia. Retrieved from https://energytracker.asia/electric-cars-in-the-philippines/
What is the lifespan of an EV charging station? (2025). Danlec Electrical Solutions. Retrieved from https://danlec.uk/ev-chargers/what-is-the-lifespan-of-a-ev-charging-station/.
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