DOE introduces new framework to classify, regulate EVs
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The Department of Energy (DOE) is poised to bolster the country's electric vehicle (EV) fleet through updated guidelines on EV adoption.
In a statement on Tuesday, Sept. 9, the DOE announced that the amended EV Recognition Guidelines will provide a comprehensive framework for classifying various types of EVs for stakeholders.
The new framework includes detailed categories for Battery EVs (BEVs), Hybrid EVs (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid EVs (PHEVs), Light EVs (LEVs), Range-Extended EVs (REEVs), and Fuel Cell EVs (FCEVs).
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin stated that the updated policy will help boost the EV market in the Philippines.
“By harmonizing our EV recognition guidelines, we are reducing administrative burdens, increasing transparency, and accelerating EV adoption nationwide,” she said.
The updated rules, which take effect on Sept. 20, will also require stakeholders to submit a quarterly EV Charge Monitoring Form to ensure consistently updated market data.
“Data revisions will be permitted except for core specifications, such as EV classification, which will require a new application,” the DOE said. “EVs no longer marketed will be removed from the Recognized EV List once formally reported.:
Additionally, non-promotional or non-marketing EVs will be required to submit a specific notice and obtain either a Provisional Certificate or a Non-Marketing Certificate.
To ensure stricter regulation, the DOE will also conduct physical inspections to check for potential discrepancies in the EV industry.
This guideline update follows the latest data from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Land Transportation Office (LTO), which recorded 29,715 registered EVs from January to July of this year.
This figure is 22.35 percent higher than the total of 24,286 EVs registered in 2024.
“EV registrations now represent nearly five percent of new vehicle registrations, marking a threefold increase since 2023,” the DOE noted.