THE continuous fuel price hikes have left Filipinos turn to alternative mobility options and there’s no denying that electric vehicles (EVs), whether it’s two-, three- or four-wheelers, are gradually taking over Philippine roads.
And for those who plan to take the shift, or have already shifted, to EVs can get to know more about this growing industry in the 11th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS) to be held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City from October 19 (Thursday) to October 21 (Saturday). With this year’s theme “Plug-In and Accelerate,” the event is organized by the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) and the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) in partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE) and Nissan Philippines, Inc.
Still unknown to many is that the use of electric vehicles is being supported by the government through Republic Act No. 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which lapsed into law last April 2022. It is this law that gives incentives to EV owners, such as allocation of dedicated parking slots in commercial establishments, designation of green routes with the help of local government units, and exemption from traffic coding schemes.
The summit will be divided into two parts – a two-day conference that includes the launch of the Philippine EV Battery Consortium, and the exhibition of EV product lines from participants and partners on the third day.
Motorcycle, three-wheeler EVs on the rise
According to DOE Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB) Director Patrick Aquino, data from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) showed that out of the 14-million registered vehicles in April 2022, over 10,000 EVs were registered and around 8,000 of those were two- and three-wheelers (battery electric motorcycles or bicycles).
And there’s no doubt that using EVs is cost-effective compared to its petrol-fueled counterparts. Based on the agency’s study way back in 2017, the average cost to operate an EV is around P20 per kilowatt hour which is equivalent to P40 per liter.
“But the price of electricity right now doesn’t reach P20 per kilowatt hour and petroleum prices is above P40 per liter. Mas mataas ka sa P40. Mas mababa ka sa P20. Mas lamang ka sa EV.“
The study also looked at the driving behavior of Filipinos. It revealed that majority of Filipino drivers do not drive reaching or exceeding a hundred kilometers a day.
“The possible scenarios are when you operate an EV, you can either charge when you reach your destination or when you get home. The need for fast charging will only happen if you travel outside Metro Manila,” Aquino said.
New EVs from big brands
Joining the number of brands participating in the 11th PEVS include BYD, which is distributed by AC Motors. However, Antonio Zara III, Distribution & Retails Head for AC Motors, said the company is set to stimulate the demand for EVs not only with the introduction of the BYD brand but Ayala Corporation’s EV ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Nissan Motors Philippines is set to surprise EV enthusiasts with its latest technologies as well as the Leaf, which has been a staple in previous EV shows.
To know more about EVAP and the 11th PEVS, visit www.evap.com.ph and www.evap.com.ph/summit.