The Department of Energy has issued a detailed electric vehicle (EV) classification system to reinforce the country’s drive for a more sustainable and future-ready transportation sector.
The DOE, in a statement on Tuesday, said the Department Circular No. DC2025-09-0015, which takes effect on September 20, 2025, amends the current EV Recognition Guidelines and establishes a consistent, comprehensive framework for classifying EVs.
The agency said that this new policy ensures full alignment with the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act and supports the nationwide effort to accelerate EV adoption as it harmonizes EV classification system with detailed categories for Battery EVs, Hybrid EVs, Plug-in Hybrid EVs, Light EVs, Range-Extended EVs, and Fuel Cell EVs.
DOE said that such move ensures consistency across technologies and provides clear guidance for stakeholders.
Under this policy, stakeholders are also required to submit the EV Charger Monitoring Form quarterly, by the 15th of the month following the quarter’s end to maintain up-to-date market data, among others.
DOE said that data revisions will be permitted except for core specifications, such as EV classification, which will require a new application.
However, the agency said that EVs no longer marketed will be removed from the Recognized EV List once formally reported.
On the other hand, for EVs intended solely for promotional or non-marketing purposes, applicants must submit a specific notice and may receive a provisional certificate or non marketing certificate, as the DOE will also conduct physical inspections to address documentation discrepancies.
“The issuance of this policy is a critical step toward building a more organized, accessible, and future-ready EV market in the Philippines. By harmonizing our EV recognition guidelines, we are reducing administrative burdens, increasing transparency, and accelerating EV adoption nationwide,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.
Citing the most recent data from the Land Transportation Office, DOE said that as many as 29,715 EVs were registered from January to July 2025, which already surpassed the full-year total of 24,286 in 2024.
DOE added that EV registrations now represent nearly five percent of new vehicle registrations.
The agency added that as of the end of August 2025, there are 1,122 EV charging points throughout the country, comprised of AC points, DC points, and battery swapping stations.
