In the 2000s, the use of electric vehicles in the Philippines was merely a collective vision of a special interest group.
Even though affordable EVs and the supporting infrastructure of charging stations were still just glimmers of hope and wishful thinking in those years, this group was already conjuring up a landscape where the Filipino’s electrified mobility is ecologically and economically one with the environment.
This idea gave rise to the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) around the same time that Nissan unveiled the LEAF on August 1, 2009, as the world’s first mass-market zero-emission electric vehicle (EV).
To achieve this long-term goal, EVAP collaborated with the executive and legislative branches of government to create and implement laws that encourage people to shift to electric vehicles (EVs).
Philippine EV summit
To showcase EVs and related products of EVAP member companies, the association hosted its inaugural event at the Meralco Gym in 2010. Encouraged by the enthusiasm despite the small turnout, EVAP mounted its second event in 2012, which featured more electric vehicles, more exhibitors, and more media coverage. Now popularly known as the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS), the event has attracted existing car brands to introduce their electric vehicle (EV) models to the local market, as well as EV start-ups from China and other markets to bring their products to the Philippines.
The PEVS grew in strength each year, with an increasing number of exhibitors, participants, and attendees. It was instrumental in encouraging EV-related industries, such as battery and charger manufacturers from other countries, to view the Philippines as a highly potential market. It encouraged foreign investors to establish electric vehicle (EV)-related businesses in the country, thereby contributing to increased employment opportunities and industrial growth. The 12th PEVS, held in 2024 at the SMX Convention Center in MOA, Pasay City, featured the most significant number of exhibitors, EV models, participants, and attendees since the summit’s inception.
Landmark legislations
By 2017, top-tier car brands with electric vehicle (EV) models were forming alliances with new upstart EV brands to create a larger and stronger electric vehicle association. In 2020, the Asian Federation of Electric Vehicle Associations (AFEVA) was established to promote unity and technical cooperation among EV associations in the region. As one of the first EV associations in Asia, EVAP played a pivotal role in the formation and organization of AFEVA, which is currently led by EVAP President Edmund Araga.
In 2022, Republic Act No. 11697, or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which EVAP championed from the outset, was enacted into law. EVIDA opened the gateway for EV manufacturers and charging infrastructure companies to invest in the growing local electric vehicle (EV) market. The following year, the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI) was released, with guidance from EVAP, to align multiple policy directions and programs and address the challenges of the growing EV industry. EVAP secured government support through the TRAIN Law, Executive Order 12 (2023), Executive Order 62 (2024), the CREATE Law, and the EV Incentive Strategy.
Electrifying the future
As the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow and the number of EVs on the road increases, the number of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) is also rising. As of 2024, there were 922 charging points nationwide, with 147 accredited EVCS providers, generating 10,407 new jobs from investments amounting to ₱ 1.99 billion. EVAP also advocates the establishment of manufacturing facilities for electric vehicles (EVs), batteries, and battery materials, such as nickel processing plants, which would amount to another P1 billion in investments.
More than just electric vehicles (EVs), charging stations, batteries, and manufacturing plants, EVAP aims to promote the joy of driving and the excitement of racing competitions with electric vehicles (EVs). It is also laying the groundwork for an all-electric vehicle (EV) race series towards the end of the year. The association plans to conduct workshops on EV competition driving since electric motors produce almost instantaneous torque compared to gasoline-powered engines.
Ultimately, EVAP plans to bring the ABB FIA Formula E races to the Philippines to boost local and foreign tourism, promote clean and green electric motorsport, and develop local talents.
With 88 active member-companies and an academe chapter with 7 pioneering university members, EVAP is moving forward to a brighter, exciting, electrified future. With an increasing number of EV brands and models now in the country, EVAP is also creating plans to award the “best of the best” in the EV industry to promote excellence among its member companies further.
EVAP officers will announce their exciting plans at the 13th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, scheduled to take place from October 23 to 25, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. With activities aimed at putting the EV industry in the forefront, there’s no doubt that EVAP truly stands for “Electric Vehicles Always Prioritized”.
