The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) has called for the expansion of charging infrastructure beyond major urban centers, saying wider coverage is needed to make electric vehicles practical for motorists and businesses nationwide.
EVAP raised the issue during a meeting with Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on strengthening government and industry support for electric mobility.
The group said charging stations and other support facilities must be deployed in the provinces and along major transport routes to broaden EV adoption.
Although electric vehicles are becoming more visible in cities, limited charging access outside urban areas remains a barrier for motorists making provincial or long-distance trips.
EVAP said sustained infrastructure investment would determine whether government policies translate into practical transportation options for Filipinos, particularly those living outside Metro Manila and other highly urbanized areas.
The discussions also covered possible updates to Republic Act No. 11697, or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), to reflect the growth of EV demand and address the changing requirements of motorists and industry participants.
“Our continued partnership with Senate President Gatchalian reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that our policies evolve as quickly as the demand for electric vehicles is growing. Filipinos are ready to make the switch, and it is our responsibility to partner with the government to make sure the right policy and infrastructure support are in place,” EVAP president Willy Q. Tee Ten said.
EVAP linked the need for stronger policy and infrastructure support to the fuel price crisis, which it said was prompting more Filipinos to consider electric alternatives.
The meeting also touched on government support for the Philippine EV Summit, scheduled for Oct. 22 to 24, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center in Manila.
“We are grateful for Senator Gatchalian’s sustained support as a long-time advocate of promoting electric mobility in the country. We look forward to welcoming him and other champions of the EV cause at PEVS this October, as we chart the country’s path toward a cleaner and more resilient transportation future,” Tee Ten said.
