THE Department of Energy (DoE) said it updated the system for classifying electric vehicles (EVs) to harmonize the categories and reduce the administrative burden of regulating the segment.
In a department circular dated Sept. 4, the DoE amended the EV Recognition Guidelines to provide detailed criteria for classifying vehicles as battery EVs, hybrid EVs, plug-in Hybrid EVs, light EVs, range-extended EVs, and fuel cell EVs.
The DoE said that the framework aims to ensure consistency across EV technologies and provides clear guidance for industry and regulators.
“The issuance of this policy is a critical step toward building a more organized, accessible, and future-ready EV market in the Philippines,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said in a statement.
“By harmonizing our EV recognition guidelines, we are reducing administrative burdens, increasing transparency, and accelerating EV adoption nationwide,” she added.
Citing the Land Transportation Office, the DoE noted growing momentum in EV adoption, with 29,715 EVs registered in the first seven months, surpassing the full-year total of 24,286 in 2024.
EV registrations now accounts for nearly 5% of new vehicle registrations. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera
