Filipino consumers show the strongest environmental motivation in Asia-Pacific when it comes to buying new energy vehicles (NEVs), according to a study released by global automotive distributor Inchcape.
The company’s “Drivers of Change” research found that 82% of Filipino respondents said they would consider purchasing an NEV primarily for environmental reasons, the highest level among seven Asia-Pacific markets surveyed.
The study, conducted by Inchcape’s Centre for the Future of Mobility, surveyed nearly 3,600 respondents across seven Asia Pacific markets.
Despite strong interest, actual NEV ownership in the Philippines remains at 14%, suggesting the local market is still in an early stage of transition to electrified mobility.
“The shift to sustainable mobility in the Philippines is happening in a very pragmatic way,” said Alex Hammett, managing director for South Asia & Pacific at Inchcape.
“Filipino consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental benefits of electrification, but their decisions are ultimately shaped by practicality: affordability, reliability, and how a vehicle supports everyday mobility. That is why a multi-pathway approach, offering both hybrids and full electric vehicles, is important to accelerate adoption.”
The research also found that economic mobility plays a major role in car ownership in the Philippines. Among respondents planning to buy a vehicle soon, 81% cited access to work as their main motivation, while 59% said owning a car would help them reach better job opportunities located farther from home.
Hybrid vehicles are emerging as a preferred transition technology for many Filipino consumers. The study showed 82% of respondents believe hybrids offer the best balance of cost efficiency and environmental benefit, higher than the 69% regional average.
Inchcape said it is preparing for the shift toward electrified mobility by building technical capabilities across its Philippine network, including training technicians and sales staff to advise customers on battery performance, safety, and overall ownership costs.
“As the market evolves, our role goes beyond selling vehicles. We are helping build the capabilities and confidence needed to support the shift to electrified mobility,” Hammett said.
