PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the Department of Energy (DOE) to fast track the implementation of action plans and strategies to develop the electric vehicle (EV) industry in the Philippines.

Daphne Osena-Paez, Malacanang press briefer, said President Marcos wants the DOE and other concerned agencies to expedite such program particularly on the public transportation sector.

“President Marcos has instructed the concerned agencies to work together to study the integration of the ev industry so that we can strengthen the local manufacturing of electric vehicles and supporting battery charging mechanisms,” Osena-Paez said.

The Philippines is still far from its target of 2.45 million EVs and around 65,000 EV charging stations (EVCS) by 2028.

Marcos said the DOE and other agencies should focus on finding ways to lower the cost of production, financing an charging infrastructure to ensure a seamless EV industry.

“President Marcos also directed the Secretary Raphael Lotilla to focus on supporting the acquisition of electric vehicles by commercial fleets like government or private company cars and public transportation fleets.

“Because by focusing on the fleets it will make battery charging and the maintenance simpler and more efficient,” Osena-Paez added.

President Marcos said the government is studying the process of transitioning to EV which will be made in compliance with the EV Industry Development Act (EVIDA) to accelerate the development and utilization of EVs towards improving energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

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Chona Yu