DTI pushes for investments on EVS
‘We want a shift to electric vehicles and that is why we are making it easy to bring electric vehicles here so there will be a basis for setting up infrastructures for the vehicles, including charging stations’
The Department of Trade and Industry wants to see more investments for the development of an electric vehicle industry. Part of the plan is to put up multiple charging stations around the country. | Photograph courtesy of pexels.com
Citing the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (Republic Act 11697) which is intended to promote innovations in the field of clean energy and sustainable transportation, the Department of Trade and Industry said it wants to pursue more local and foreign investment in electric vehicles next year.
In a recent conversation with reporters, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the DTI even welcomes proposals to include hybrid cars in the future.
"But for electric vehicles, the motivation is clear. We want a shift to electric vehicles which is why we are making it easy to bring electric vehicles here so there will be a basis for setting up infrastructures for the vehicles. And these main infrastructures consist of charging stations," Pascual told reporters.
He said part of the plan is to put up multiple charging stations in the country.
"Of course, if there are enough vehicles, we can start developing small businesses that will service EVs as it is part of the requirements to have an ecosystem for electric vehicles," Pascual said.
"Eventually, we will learn to produce some of the components and initially target the export market where the electric vehicles are being assembled. Then eventually, there will be moves to bring the assembly of electric vehicles here so we can also have local suppliers already developed by that time," Pascual added.
EV industry
RA 1197's implementing rules and regulations took effect last 20 September 2022. The act provides guidelines for the development of the Philippine EV industry that will lead to the wider adoption of EVs in the country, lessen reliance on imported fuel and reduce pollution.
The development of standards and specifications for EVs and their charging stations are included in the law's IRR, aside from the construction of dedicated parking slots, the installation of charging stations; development of the local manufacturing of the EV industry; EV demand generation, research, and development; and capacity building, training, and technical skills development for a safe environment for EVs.