Cover Over-reliance on cars is evident now more than ever in the Philippines, especially on major roads like EDSA. We discuss this in this article about electric vehicles (Photo: Getty Images)
Over-reliance on cars is evident now more than ever in the Philippines, especially on major roads like EDSA. We discuss this in this article about electric vehicles (Photo: Getty Images)
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Electric vehicles are starting to take over the road. Is the Philippines ready for this change? In this interview, Tatler talks to motoring columnist Atty Karen Jimeno
Car-centricism has become a pressing issue in the Philippines, not only because of road congestion but also due to its negative impact on the environment. An official IQAir data from 2016 reveals that motor vehicles account for a staggering 80 per cent of the country’s air pollution, with the remaining 20 per cent attributed to stationary sources such as factories and the open burning of organic materials. Using electric vehicles could be a viable alternative, as it promises to reduce carbon emissions, insofar as the source of energy is clean and sustainable. However, this is not the case in the Philippines, where much of the country’s power still comes from coal.
Motoring columnist Atty Karen Jimeno stresses that while electric vehicles have lower emissions, the environmental benefit might be diminished if the electricity used to charge them is generated from coal-powered plants. “In the Philippines, where 60 per cent of our power is from coal, using electric vehicles [still] defeats the purpose–especially if dirty fuels power your car,” she tells Tatler.
“If these cars’ energy is still primarily sourced from coal, the environmental benefits will be limited. There needs to be a stronger push to increase the share of renewable energy in the grid so that the shift to electric vehicles can positively impact the environment.”
In case you missed it: Deep Dive: Tracing the rise of electric vehicles and the brands available in the Philippines
Above In this interview with motoring columnist Atty Karen Jimeno, we learn whether the Philippines is ready for electric vehicles in 2025 (Photo: Getty Images)
In this interview with motoring columnist Atty Karen Jimeno, we learn whether the Philippines is ready for electric vehicles in 2025 (Photo: Getty Images)
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Another roadblock, she adds, is the lack of charging stations necessary to support electric vehicles on longer trips. This, she explains, makes widespread adoption even more challenging.
“If you are an electric vehicle owner, there is no way you can entirely rely on the vehicle without gas stations along your route. For someone who travels regularly, either for work or on weekends, the lack of charging stations makes these vehicles less practical—if you can’t charge your car while you’re on the go, you might become more inclined to stick with a combustion engine vehicle. The infrastructure for charging stations is a huge consideration.”
To properly introduce electric vehicles, the Philippines needs to invest in expanding the charging infrastructure. Jimeno suggests installing more power stations along major travel routes.
More from Tatler: How Green Are Electric Vehicles Really?
Above The lack of charging stations is a primary roadblock when it comes to the shift to electric vehicles (Photo: Getty Images)
The lack of charging stations is a primary roadblock when it comes to the shift to electric vehicles (Photo: Getty Images)
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As of last year, the Philippines has established 338 operational charging stations that can be found in SM Supermalls around Taguig, North Edsa, Pasay and Mandaluyong. Outside Metro Manila, electric vehicle owners can charge in regions such as Negros Occidental, Bataan and Davao.
This number is far from the target of 7,300 charging stations set for the 2023 to 2025 period, as revealed by Neil Stephen Lopez, assistant executive director of the Electric Vehicles Association of the Philippines, during his 2024 presentation at the launch of the Auto Parts Philippines Expo in Pasay City
Above In 2025, the Philippines still faces roadblocks that make the use of electric vehicles less feasible (Photo: Getty Images)
In 2025, the Philippines still faces roadblocks that make the use of electric vehicles less feasible (Photo: Getty Images)
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In January 2025, the Department of Energy (DOE) added 113 accredited electric vehicle charging stations across the country, with 47 of them operated by Ayala Group’s ACMobility.
These charging stations are strategically located in key areas of Makati, including Valero 2, Dela Rosa 1 and other high-traffic spots like the Makati Stock Exchange and Solaris One, catering to office workers, commuters and residents. ACMobility plans to expand further, adding 27 more charging points, including 19 fast chargers that significantly reduce charging time.
“The Philippines has to introduce policies incentivising private sectors to put up charging stations—this will help make the cost of charging more competitive,” Jimeno says.
“Electric-powered cars could become more affordable by reducing taxes or finding other ways to lower costs”
Jimeno suggests a public-private partnership for infrastructure projects like charging stations, similar to how road development is handled. “Charging should not be more expensive than buying fuel. For me, the fundamental step is to start with the charging stations. The government can play a key role by implementing policies that make it attractive for the private sector. Alternatively, the government could fund or build charging stations, possibly offering subsidies.”
In February 2025, DOE Director Patrick Aquino revealed they are looking to start requiring gas stations to have electric vehicle charging points this year pursuant to Republic Act No 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development (EVIDA).
Above The government could provide incentives to private sectors that will put up charging stations for electric vehicles (Photo: Getty Images)
The government could provide incentives to private sectors that will put up charging stations for electric vehicles (Photo: Getty Images)
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EVIDA states that “all government regulations related to the electric vehicle industry shall be formulated to facilitate the creation of an enabling environment for competitive, equitable and nondiscriminatory private sector participation, with preference for indigenous technologies, to attain the long-term goal of energy security, energy sufficiency and stable energy prices”.
See also: 9 sustainable, local brands to shop for womenswear
Above Is the Philippines ready for electric vehicles? (Photo: Getty Images)
Is the Philippines ready for electric vehicles? (Photo: Getty Images)
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Future Thinking
When asked if the Philippines is ready for the transition to electric vehicles, Jimeno says, “I would say we are not quite ready [for electric vehicle transition] yet, mainly due to the lack of infrastructure. However, if we look at whether we are capable of being ready, I would say yes.” For Jimeno, the government can take the lead in addressing the high costs of automobiles in the Philippines, one of the most expensive car markets compared to the US or Europe.
“Electric-powered cars could become more affordable by reducing taxes or finding other ways to lower costs,” she says. Jimeno says that the bigger question is not whether the Philippines is ready for electric vehicles but whether it can handle the broader challenges that come with the transition. She mentions that with the country’s problems in mass transit and heavy car reliance, shifting entirely to electric power would only add more strain to the Filipinos’ already overstretched grid.
Above “Charging should not be more expensive than buying fuel. For me, the fundamental step is to start with the charging stations." says Atty Karen Jimeno (Photo: Getty Images)
“Charging should not be more expensive than buying fuel. For me, the fundamental step is to start with the charging stations." says Atty Karen Jimeno (Photo: Getty Images)
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“Before declaring that we are ready for electric vehicles, we need to address not just the charging stations but also ask: Do we have enough power supply? Will it be affordable for electric car owners? And is the power supply clean? If the answer is no, switching to electric vehicles won’t have the intended environmental benefits. Without solving these issues, we can’t truly say we’re ready for change.”
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Credits
Images: Getty Images
Interview: Gabriel Bohol
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
