EVAP opens EV showcase amid sales surge
ASEAN cooperation in electric mobility is the focus of the 14th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines
The 14th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS) opened on 22 October at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, as sales of electrified vehicles continued to rise despite a decline in the country’s overall vehicle market.
Figures released by the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) showed that electrified vehicle sales jumped 136.4 percent to 38,286 units from January to July 2026.
Battery-electric vehicle sales alone grew by about 300 percent to 10,476 units, while total vehicle sales fell 10.2 percent during the same period.
The three-day event, which runs until 24 October, carries the theme “Driving ASEAN Forward: Building an Integrated Electric Mobility Ecosystem.” It also comes as the Philippines chairs ASEAN this year.
More than 15 vehicle brands are participating in displays and test drives. These include Toyota, BYD, Kia, Nissan, MG, Geely, Zeekr, MINI, Lotus and Changan, among others.
EVAP president Willy Q. Tee Ten said the continued increase in global oil prices has made the country’s dependence on conventional fuels a growing concern.
“Every time global oil prices increase, our jeepney drivers, our logistics sector, small business owners, and every Filipino family suffers. This is not just an energy issue. This is an economic and national security issue,” Tee Ten said during the opening program.
He added that more Filipinos are now considering electric vehicles as additional brands enter the market and buyers gain access to more choices.
Apart from vehicles, the summit features charging equipment for residential and commercial use. Banks, financing companies and insurance providers are also present to help prospective buyers understand the costs of EV ownership.
Department of Energy figures showed that the Philippines had 1,569 charging points and 258 accredited charging station providers as of 31 March.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. and Trade and Industry supervising investment specialist Elvin Raymond Garcia delivered messages during the opening program.