In just 2 years, EV numbers growing tenfold–expected to soar even more
From 2022 to 2023, electric vehicle units sold have grown from 1,072 units to 10,602 units based on figures from Statista. These figures are expected to jump even further, particularly in the last part of 2024, from September to December.
This was revealed to us by the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) president, Edmund Araga, during the pre-event press conference of the upcoming 12th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit to be held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Mall of Asia this October 24- 26, 2024.
“There were a lot of factors that contributed to the growing number of electric vehicles in the country. There are many players now compared to before. Some even offer not just one electric vehicle but more than 10 EVs,” said Araga in an exclusive interview with Inquirer Motoring after the presscon held at the F1 Hotel in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
“They have established information now. Plus, the cars now have more features compared to before,” he added.
“Also, another factor is the many charging stations being put up in various places. Because of a more established structure now, people are more confident with EVs. Consumers are more and more patronizing these products nowadays.”
Furthermore, according to him, the government has also been instrumental in the growth of EVs. Particularly, it was two years ago when the EV Industry Development Act (Republic Act No. 11697), more popularly known as the EVIDA Law was enacted. Eventually, the legislation paved the way for the Comprehensive Roadmap for the EV Industry (CREVI) that was rolled out by the Department of Energy (DOE) last year. These laws have greatly brought enthusiasm to the buying motoring public.
In fact, for his part, President Ferdinand ‘Bong Bong’ Marcos has likewise consistently pushed for EVs. He recently even mandated government agencies to make EVs account for 10 percent of their fleet—double the minimum of 5 percent requirement stipulated in the EVIDA Law. Moreover, he even reiterated his intention to accelerate the adoption of EVs in the public and private sectors “through various schemes and incentives”.
Biggest annual EV exhibition and conference
For the upcoming summit this October, with a theme: “Spark Change, Drive Electric”, Araga said that they will now be occupying three halls of the SMX Convention Center.
“We’re expecting more than 10,000 delegates and participants for the summit. This will be composed mostly of people from the academe both locally and internationally,” he shared.
“This year, we also have five co-presenters with the addition of Vinfast into the fold,” he continued. The Vietnam-based carmaker joins Dongfeng, Nissan, BYD and Hyundai in backing up the annual summit.
The 12th iteration of the summit is expected to showcase the latest technologies, innovations, products, and accessories from major EV companies, not just in the country, but the region, as well.
From here, the 17-year EVAP is looking forward to the demand for EVs to further rise, not just in the next three months, but in the years to come.
