Government eyes comprehensive roadmap for e-vehicle development

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy and other agencies are targeting to come out with a comprehensive roadmap for the electric vehicle industry by the first quarter of next year.

The roadmap will be developed in cooperation with partner agencies such as the Department of Transportation, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Science and Technology to further guide the electric vehicle industry on the objective of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act or EVIDA.

It is expected to provide an annual work plan to accelerate the development, commercialization, and utilization of electric vehicles in the country.

“With our collaboration, we envision developing standards and specifications for EVs and charging stations, construction of dedicated parking slots, green routes in cities and municipalities, the installation of charging stations, development of the local manufacturing of the EV industry, research, and development, capacity building, training, and technical skills development for a safe environment for EVs,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said.

“In fact, we are now at the exciting stage where EVs are beginning to emerge,” he said.

Lotilla said there are around 9,000 registered electric vehicles and 300 charging stations deployed nationwide.

He is urging industry stakeholders to accelerate the development, commercialization, and utilization of EVs as an alternative fuel for the transport sector.

With the industry’s support and cooperation, the DOE sees that the existing numbers of electric vehicles and charging stations will gradually increase with the enactment of Republic Act 11697 or the EVIDA and the issuance of its implementing rules and regulations early last month.

“The time is on your side now to gather ideas and strategies to overcome the challenges and fulfill our trust of transitioning to a low-carbon and energy-efficient transportation system,” Lotilla said.

“Let us start the ball rolling by accelerating the development, commercialization, and utilization of EVs in the country as our alternative fuels for the transport sector,” he said.