Zero tariff for electric vehicles pushed until 2040

The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) is advocating for the extended implementation of zero tariffs on electric vehicles until 2040, according to an interview by reporters at ACMobility’s EV Safety Learning Program launch. EVAP vice president Carla Buencamino expressed hope that the government would consider their request for maintaining the tariff-free policy for electric vehicles, battery electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

The government has removed the tariffs on EVs and related components until 2028, with the goal of raising targets to have EVs account for 60 percent of the country's vehicles by 2040 and 80 percent by 2050. The EVAP's vice president emphasized the need to sustain incentives to encourage EV adoption and support continued growth. The government aims to reduce reliance on fuel imports amid the global oil crisis, with EV penetration goals set for 50 percent by 2040 and 60 percent by 2050.

Senate Bill 2270, filed by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, seeks to amend the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act by extending fiscal and non-fiscal incentives and imposing a zero percent import duty on EVs, related equipment, and infrastructure. The EVAP supports these initiatives, stating the need to continue supporting the EV industry.

Beyond incentives, the EVAP wants the government to take a leading role in EV adoption as a large procurement body. President Marcos reiterated his support for EVs in his last State of the Nation Address, noting that the private sector has already shown significant adoption, and the government should continue to support the transition.

To facilitate EV growth, better charging infrastructure is required, and EVAP's vice president mentioned that ACMobility is on track to reach its target of over 1,000 EV charging points by the end of the year, with around 70 percent of its charging points located in the Greater Metro Manila area. ACMobility's EV charging solutions arm, Greenstrum, provides support to businesses looking to install their own EV charging capacity.

The EVAP also launched the EV Safety Program to address common misconceptions about EVs and help consumers make informed decisions on the shift to electric mobility.