MANILA, Philippines — Sales of electric vehicles (EV) in the Philippines reached more than 10,000 units last year, with hybrid models—those that use both an internal-combustion engine and an electric motor for propulsion —driving growth, according to the latest industry data released by the government on Wednesday.
During his presentation at the public hearing conducted by the Tariff Commission, Elvin Raymond Garcia, the Board of Investment supervising investment specialist for the heavy industry division of manufacturing industry services, presented data showing that 10,602 units of EVs were sold in 2023.
Garcia said the data came from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association.
Hybrid EVs were top sellers
A breakdown of the data he presented showed hybrid electric vehicles (HEVS) accounted for most of the sales volume, with 9,293 units sold in the local market.
At the same time, 106 units of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles were sold, as well as 462 units of battery electric vehicles.
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Asked during the hearing why sales of HEVs were high in the local market, Garcia said: “Their prices are getting competitive … And of course, there’s no need for (buyers) to wait for the widespread adoption of electric charging stations.”
In a follow up discussion with the Inquirer, Garcia said EV sales in 2022 reached only 1,072 units based on data from the Land Transportation Office.
While data from the two sources suggest that sales volume grew nearly tenfold on an annual basis, Garcia said that data from the transportation agency is unclear whether it includes hybrids in their tally.
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The government is currently mulling over whether to include HEVS in the tax measure which temporarily suspended or lowered import tariffs for these vehicles and their associated parts and components. —Alden M. Monzon