An electric future

Seeing a Tesla Roadster cling to an upside-down track before launching into the air feels like watching a scene from both Spider-Man and Back to the Future. Elon Musk does not disappoint — the launch of his flying car broke the internet. The demonstration looked almost AI-generated, and that was the reason why Elon wanted a live audience, in order to prove that the demo was real. While production remains a future promise, it challenges us to imagine what transportation could become.

In the Philippines, our immediate task is making ordinary electric vehicles (EVs) a practical choice nationwide. There is encouraging progress, with the Department of Energy (DoE) reporting nearly 67,000 electric and hybrid vehicles sold from January to August 2026. However, growing sales must be matched by infrastructure that allows motorists to travel confidently beyond major cities.

Charging stations must reach provincial centers, highways, ports, workplaces and residential developments. Condominium residents should have workable charging arrangements, while motorists need reliable equipment, transparent prices and convenient payment. The government must simplify permits and coordinate electricity connections, particularly in communities where commercial demand alone cannot initially attract investment.

The transition from internal-combustion engines (ICE) will take years, making early preparation essential. Government should establish a realistic timetable for progressively phasing out new vehicles powered solely by these engines, reviewed against affordability, electricity supply and charging coverage. The argument that this is “anti-poor” must be addressed with financial support for our PUV drivers, and existing owners must have reasonable time to replace their vehicles.

As a lawyer, my position is that our laws and regulations must prepare for this transition. The Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act, signed in 2022, provides a foundation, but there is more to be done. At the local level, for instance, it is highly difficult to obtain permits for charging stations — this must be addressed, as well. Vehicle standards, building requirements, consumer protection, battery safety and recycling must develop alongside the market, with responsibilities clearly assigned among agencies.

Our island geography presents another challenge. Montenegro Shipping Lines and Island Water announced restrictions on electric and hybrid vehicles following the MV June Aster fire, although Marina said no final finding had established that the EV aboard caused the incident. The government must provide science-based carriage standards and crew training so temporary precautions do not become indefinite barriers to inter-island travel.

Battery fires present risks that must be managed. Encouraging EV purchases while leaving owners uncertain whether they can board a ferry undermines nationwide adoption. Electrification must also accompany better public transport and cleaner, dependable electricity.

Filipinos should have the opportunity to embrace new technology wherever they live. That requires leaders who plan beyond their terms, remove unnecessary obstacles and invest in systems whose benefits may mature under their successors. The Tesla Roadster reminds us to imagine boldly, but our leaders must turn ambition into practical progress by placing society’s future ahead of personal interests.

For comments, email darren.dejesus@gmail.com.