Filipinos are becoming increasingly open to transitioning from gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce spending on fuel, whose prices remain elevated, according to consulting firm Deloitte.

Based on Deloitte’s 2026 Global Automotive Consumer Study, 34 percent of Filipinos want their next car purchase to be an EV, such as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or battery EV, up from 27 percent last year.

While 62 percent of Filipinos still prefer internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles that use fuel, interest in such vehicles declined from 68 percent last year in line with the increase in petroleum prices.

The study showed that lower fuel costs are the main reason why 62 percent of Filipinos want EVs for their future vehicle purchase, followed by concerns for the environment (49 percent) and a better driving experience (45 percent).

“Lower fuel costs remain a key motivator for consumers considering electrified options. However, concerns about driving range, charging time, cost factors, and public charging availability continue to shape adoption,” the study read.

For Filipinos, the top drawback when it comes to EVs is the lack of public charging infrastructure at 48 percent, leaving 60 percent of drivers with no choice but to charge their vehicles primarily at home.

When charging outside their homes, 39 percent of Filipinos prefer dedicated EV charging stations, with cost playing an important factor.

Other concerns about EVs in the country are the eventual cost of replacing the battery, the time required to charge them, and driving range.

The latest joint data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed that sales of EVs expanded by 36 percent to 11,800 units in the first quarter from 8,664 units in the same period last year.

Hybrid EVs cornered 70 percent of the market, with 8,261 units sold, followed by plug-in hybrid EVs with 1,250 units, and battery EVs with 2,289 units.

To capture the growing interest of the local market in EVs, the government is looking to encourage the entry of manufacturers through an incentive program called the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS).

While details of the program are not yet final, EVIS aims to narrow the cost gap between EVs and traditional motor vehicles, encouraging Filipinos to make the transition.

Asked about the timeline for the program, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the government is planning to launch EVIS “soon.”