The country’s latest electric vehicles and suppliers in related industries are all set to give the buying public a glimpse of the possibilities of sustainable motoring in the upcoming 2024 Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS), scheduled to take place on October 24-26, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center in Manila. Stakeholders from the government and automotive industry are set to discuss key issues related to the growth and future of the EV sector.
With the theme, “Spark Change, Drive Electric,” the event’s organizer, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), together with the Philippine Department of Energy and various manufacturer partners, recently held a pre-event press conference to discuss the future of transport electrification in the country. These discussions focused on infrastructure, government support, industry developments, and safety concerns, all with the goal of accelerating the adoption of EVs in the country. Here is a summary of the key points raised during the pre-summit Q&A sessions.
Government's push for EV infrastructure expansion
A major focus of the discussions has been the need for sufficient EV charging infrastructure to support the increasing number of electric vehicles. Patrick Aquino, Director of the Department of Energy (DOE), emphasized the government's commitment to expanding the number of charging stations nationwide. Currently, there are 639 EV charging points installed across the country, with plans to increase this number by adding stations at gasoline outlets and public parking lots. Aquino also mentioned the Philippine Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI), which envisions a future where 100% of the electricity for EV charging stations comes from renewable energy sources. As part of this initiative, solar-powered charging stations will be installed. Aquino assured that the government is consulting with private entities to ensure the successful implementation of charging mandates at key locations, such as gas stations and commercial spaces.
Standardization of charging protocols
Concerns were raised about the lack of standardization among EV chargers in the market. Asked if there would be a unified protocol for EV chargers in the near future, Aquino replied that the government is working to standardize the CCS2 combo configuration for all public EV charging stations. However, he mentioned that some exceptions will be made for public transport vehicles from China, which use the GBT protocol. Aquino also clarified that fast charging, or DC stations (Mode 4), are likely to prohibit the use of adapters due to safety risks.
Incentives to encourage EV adoption
When asked about the incentives available for companies setting up EV charging stations. Aquino explained that under the Energy Efficiency Project, companies can recover up to 50% of their capital expenditures when investing in EV-related infrastructure. Furthermore, charging stations powered by renewable energy can benefit from VAT exemptions on charging fees. Aquino also discussed the EVIDA (Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act) mandate, which requires that at least 5-percent of government and corporate fleets be electric, with a future goal of 10-percent. These incentives and requirements aim to drive both private and public sector adoption of electric vehicles.
Safety in EV usage and charging
Safety concerns, particularly regarding fire risks associated with EV batteries and charging, were a significant topic of discussion. Mr. Aquino from the DOE addressed these concerns by explaining the protocols established in collaboration with the Bureau of Fire Protection. The government has already implemented restrictions on fast charging in enclosed areas to mitigate risks, and new guidelines are forthcoming to ensure that operators of EV charging stations are well-prepared to handle emergencies. Additionally, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) has been conducting training programs on fire safety, including sessions led by a South Korean expert, according to Edmund Araga, EVAP President. These initiatives aim to educate both industry professionals and consumers on the safe use and management of electric vehicles.
New EV models and market trends
Automakers took the opportunity to announce exciting developments in their EV lineups ahead of the summit. BYD Cars Philippines confirmed plans to introduce an affordable compact electric vehicle priced below ₱1 million. Additionally, they will showcase a high-performance sedan during the summit, expanding its product offerings in the Philippines.
Nissan Philippines also announced their exhibition of the Ariya, a globally recognized electric vehicle that combines performance and technology. These announcements reflect the growing competitiveness of the local EV market, with automakers aiming to make EVs more appealing and accessible to a wider range of consumers.
Industry collaboration and the future of EVs
Collaborative efforts between the government and private sector are crucial for advancing the EV industry. VinFast, a new player from Vietnam, expressed its commitment to establishing a strong presence in the Philippines and offering top-tier after-sales service to local customers. Hyundai also reiterated its dedication to the EV market, focusing on high-performance electric vehicles and energy recovery systems. DongFeng highlighted its learnings from past participation in EV summits, which have helped shape its strategy for entering both the passenger and commercial EV markets. Although hydrogen-powered vehicles were discussed as a potential future technology, the government acknowledged the high costs associated with hydrogen production and transportation. For now, the DOE remains focused on supporting mainstream electric vehicle technologies.
As the 2024 Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit approaches, the discussions have shed light on the key challenges and opportunities facing the Philippine EV industry. The government's efforts to expand EV infrastructure, incentivize adoption, and ensure safety protocols are critical steps toward achieving a sustainable transportation future.
At the same time, automakers are introducing new models that cater to different segments of the market, making EVs more accessible and appealing to the public. With strong collaboration between government and industry stakeholders, the summit is poised to play a pivotal role in driving the next phase of electric vehicle adoption in the country. The event, slated to happen from October 24 to 26, at the SMX Convention Center in Manila, will serve as a platform for innovation, cooperation, and growth, ultimately supporting the broader goal of a cleaner, more energy-efficient transportation ecosystem in the Philippines. Interested parties may register online at www.pevsummit.com for more information.