Driving Forward: Pathways to Sustainable Philippine E-mobility
The global shift towards renewable energy prompts the crucial question of how the Philippines’ shift to electric mobility can go beyond plans and lip-service, becoming truly affordable and equitable for the everyday consumer.
Among all the technological developments in the mobility sector, the electric vehicle (EV) transition is definitely top of mind. We’ve all heard of brands like BYD, Tesla, and Bestune, and perhaps some of us drive them. We also have many strategies nationally, such as Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) mandating minimum EV shares for government fleets and creating incentive schemes to make EVs more attractive to consumers. But there’s a long way to go. Here’s my 2026 wishlist for three clear pathways we can focus the ecosystem’s efforts on to ensure that electric mobility becomes a mainstream consumer choice.
Filipino-first Market Solutions for 2W and 3W Mobility
A barrier to EV adoption is segment supply. Private use EV brands are making strong moves to test the local market and establish brand presence, and Filipino consumers are very open to novelty. However, a car-first electrification strategy that other nations are taking would fail in our context. Two-wheel (2W) and three-wheel (3W) mobility along with public transport take up the largest share of transport nationally. While cost and emissions-reduction benefits are clear, electric two-wheel (e2W) and electric three-wheel (e3W) still comprise a small share of their overall markets. Currently, the number of e3W is estimated in the few thousands, and even ePUVs are 0.2% of the total PUV fleet. The fit-for-purpose quality of e3Ws specifically raises concerns about range and passenger capacity.
EVs in general do not waste energy in traffic, which is the biggest cost sink in places like Metro Manila. Maintenance is cheaper long term because there is no need for oil and there are fewer moving parts. According to the Department of Energy, though the upfront cost of a e3W is three times higher than a 3W, the cost to charge is about PHP 500 lower than the cost of fuel. Bringing consumers in for long term benefits may be a hard sell, but this is not impossible. Facts are not communicated well enough, leading to some consumer apprehension. There needs to be more venues where consumers can be made aware of the benefits of EVs, perhaps through the Manila International Auto Show and other live demonstrations to attract consumer demand.
Coordinated Public Charging Infrastructure
Charging infrastructure nationwide needs to be established before demand can catch up. Many Filipinos would adopt EVs if charging stations were accessible and affordable. Charging infrastructure today is under-built and predominantly concentrated in malls in NCR. Many motorists do not have garages for home charging. The government, including LGUs, must stop treating chargers as a private luxury and start treating them as public infrastructure. This would include predictable permitting, making space for street-level chargers, and standardized connectors. Apart from the consumer side, it is also notable that the e3W segment is regulated by LGUs, making providing regulatory guidance and accessible servicing options crucial.
Just Transitions: Leaving No One Behind
For e-mobility to succeed, a just transition would require proactive measures for workforce development and vulnerable groups. This is necessary as new EV industry roles would require retraining. Jeepney and tricycle drivers risk job displacement and informal workers need meaningful participation. Clear pathways to certification and marketing training to women and marginalized groups must be implemented in any EV strategy. If the transition hurts workers, it will be socially and politically unfavorable. If it supports workers, it can create new green-jobs. While domestic supply chains may be nascent, we have the opportunity to ensure that electrification is not only a strategy to lessen pollution and costs, but also a labor-market opportunity.
