Sparse charging stations slowing Filipinos’ shift to EV

MANILA, Philippines — Although the war-driven rise in fuel prices has stoked greater interest in electric vehicles (EVs) in the Philippines, the country’s still-limited charging infrastructure risks slowing that transition, according to a study by global advisory firm Deloitte.

In its 2026 Southeast Asia Automotive Consumer Study, Deloitte found that the lack of public charging infrastructure remained the top concern among Filipinos considering battery EVs, cited by 48 percent of respondents.

There are about 1,600 accredited charging stations nationwide, based on Department of Energy data as of the end of April. These include 781 alternating current chargers, 291 direct current chargers, and 528 battery-swapping stations.

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Such gaps in infrastructure also feed into Filipinos’ next biggest concern: “range anxiety.” Around 40 percent of respondents identified driving range as a key concern, while 41 percent cited charging time, and another 41 percent pointed to the eventual cost of battery replacement.

“These concerns remind us that electrification is not just about vehicles—it’s about building a resilient ecosystem that thoroughly supports customers throughout their vehicles’ lifecycle,” said Carlo Navarro, consumer industry leader at Deloitte Philippines.

Even so, the report pointed to Filipinos’ growing openness toward electrified mobility.

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Deloitte said that 20 percent of Filipinos prefer hybrid electric vehicles for their next purchase, while 11 percent are eyeing plug-in hybrids and 3 percent are considering fully battery-powered EVs.

Gasoline and diesel vehicles, however, still dominate at 62 percent. This was the second-highest preference rate in Southeast Asia, next only to Malaysia’s 65 percent, indicating that Filipino consumers still largely favor conventional internal combustion vehicles. /atm