An electric vehicle (EV) battery consortium, which seeks to utilize indigenous minerals for EV battery component to lower the cost of EVs, will be launched at the 11th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS) in October this year.

Edmund Araga, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), announced that the launch of the Philippine Battery Consortium will be one of the highlights of the PEVS to be held from Oct. 19-21 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

“Another development that we are excited about is the establishment of the Philippine Battery Consortium in addressing concerns on battery supplies and costs. That will be launched during the 11th PEVS,” Araga announced.

“We are engaging in collaboration activities with industry players with assistance from our ASEAN neighbors in coming up with an alternative battery component production utilizing indigenous minerals, considering the significant cost contribution of batteries in the overall acquisition cost of EVs,” said Araga.

He said that the launch is timely as the 11th PEVS seeks to focus on strengthening and localizing EV and battery supply chains for wider EV adoption. “The PEVS 2023 aims to further ‘Plug-In and Accelerate’ EV adoption nationwide,” he added.
This year’s PEVS is jointly organized with the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) and in partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE) and Nissan Philippines Inc.

With the theme, ‘Plug-In and Accelerate,’ the three-day summit will occupy three halls of the SMX Convention Center to accommodate more exhibitors and facilitate more insightful industry discussions and networking opportunities.

The summit will feature a two-day conference on October 19 and 20 will focus on strengthening and localizing EV and battery supply chains to further support a wider adoption of EVs through policy dialogues and moderated exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices.

The three-day exhibition from October 19 to 21 will showcase foreign and local players exhibiting the latest EV models, battery and charging technologies, and other innovative products and solutions.

The 11th PEVS will come a year after Republic Act No. 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) was enacted. “Following its enactment, the national government also approved an Executive Order temporarily removing import duties on completely built-up units of EVs for five years,” said Araga.

He noted the release of the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI) by the DOE, envisioning a domestic EV industry with a strong export potential and greater push for EV adoption nationwide. Other government agencies are also providing support, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The 11th EVS will also hold learning sessions on how other countries implement and succeed in developing EV supply chains, electrified ride-hailing, green logistics, e-bus services and e-taxi fleets as well as ensuring safety in EV operations and battery manufacturing and servicing. Here is the initial lineup of topics to be discussed in the plenary and moderated sessions.

‘”Through a series of focused panel discussions, we intend to situate the Philippine EV supply chain and exploit existing capabilities of local auto parts, electronics and CIT sectors as well as discuss the incentives program of the government,” added Araga who is also continuously calling for unwavering support from public and private sectors to further accelerate EV adoption in the country.

The 11th PEVS will also recognize personalities and institutions advocating and promoting the adoption of electromobility in the Philippine transportation sector through the conferment of the E-mobility Awards.