Electric vehicles are finally making their way to the Philippines. Chinese automakers such as BYD, Dongfeng, and GWM, along with the SAIC-backed MG, have introduced a wide range of EVs and range-extended hybrids. New players like Vietnam’s VinFast and established names such as Nissan, Hyundai, and Kia have also entered the market. And now, the biggest name of them all, Tesla, has officially set up shop in BGC, with the first batch of Tesla-sold cars expected for delivery in early 2025.
Beyond the increasing variety of EV models, rising fuel prices have made electric and hybrid vehicles an appealing choice for commuters seeking relief from volatile fuel costs and the hassle of color coding restrictions. EVs have gained such traction that sales are projected to hit 18,000 units by the end of the year.
I, too, have joined the EV movement. What started as a secondary vehicle has quickly become our daily driver, transforming our perspective on driving. Over the past five months, our experience with an EV has been eye-opening—offering unexpected joys, newfound conveniences, and a fair share of lessons worth sharing.
Charging Infrastructure: Available but Still Evolving
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that the charging infrastructure is already here—but mostly if you live in Metro Manila. Charging stations, particularly those located in malls and select gasoline stations, are accessible and far cheaper than refueling with gasoline. However, as EV adoption increases, competition for charging spots has become more noticeable, making the demand for additional stations even more pressing.
Malls have become the primary charging hubs, but they are increasingly crowded with EV users. Unlike the early days when EV chargers in malls were easy to access, it is now common to find all the charging slots occupied. This growing congestion highlights the need for more charging stations to accommodate the expanding EV population.
The best way to charge, however, is at home. Plugging in your car overnight ensures that it’s ready whenever you need it. More importantly, it is significantly cheaper. While public charging stations have started imposing fees—PHP35 per kWh for DC fast chargers and PHP28 per kWh for AC chargers—the standard residential rate is just over PHP12 per kWh, making home charging the most cost-effective solution.
Misconceptions and Myths Still Linger
Apprehensions about new technology are common, and misinformation continues to slow down EV adoption in the Philippines. One of the most prevalent myths is that EVs are a fire hazard and prone to spontaneous combustion.
Social media exaggerations haven’t helped, but studies from Europe, the US, and Oceania (Australia and New Zealand) debunk this claim. In fact, research by AutoinsuranceEZ.com shows that hybrid vehicles are the most fire-prone, with 3,474 fires per 100,000 units sold, followed by internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles at 1,529 per 100,000. EVs rank the lowest, with only 25 fires per 100,000 units sold.
That said, EV fires, though rare, are more complex to manage due to the nature of lithium-ion batteries. Modern EVs mitigate this risk with active cooling systems, but if a fire does occur, the best course of action is to evacuate immediately and call the fire department, as lithium fires can reignite unexpectedly.
EVs Make City Driving More Enjoyable
Shifting to an EV has reignited my love for driving. The instant torque and acceleration make it feel like piloting a rocket—without the guilt of excessive fuel consumption. Traffic is also less stressful, as EVs consume minimal power when idling, unlike gas-powered cars that burn fuel even when stationary.
Another perk is regenerative braking, which recovers energy each time you slowly brake or coast. However, this feature is less effective in bumper-to-bumper traffic, where there isn’t enough momentum for significant energy recovery. That means while EVs are efficient in the city, rush-hour jams on EDSA are still as exhausting as ever.
Highway Driving and Road Trips Present Challenges
While EVs excel in urban settings, long-distance highway drives expose some limitations. Unlike gas-powered vehicles, which become more fuel-efficient at cruising speeds, EVs consume energy at a steady rate and even more when climbing steep roads. A trip to Baguio highlighted this downside, as uphill climbs significantly drained battery life.
Another challenge is the lack of charging infrastructure outside Metro Manila. As of now, only three expressway gas stations offer EV chargers, and while the Department of Energy has announced plans to expand this, road trips still require meticulous planning. Some hotels now offer charging stations, but spontaneous long-distance drives remain difficult.
The Future of EVs in the Philippines
Despite its challenges, the EV revolution is undeniably here. Manila’s daily commutes rarely exceed 50 kilometers, while most of Luzon’s top destinations are within 500 kilometers of the capital—well within the range of most EVs. Charging infrastructure is expanding, albeit not as fast as demand, but with proper planning, EV ownership is becoming more practical.
The transition won’t happen overnight, but momentum is building. As infrastructure improves and more people embrace EVs, the barriers to adoption will continue to fall. While some concerns remain, the advantages of EVs—lower operational costs, zero tailpipe emissions, and a significantly improved driving experience—far outweigh the drawbacks.
Despite the caveats, there’s also a lot to love about EVs. If you’re still on the fence, why not just go for a test drive to see the difference?
Words by Gabriel John Pe
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 25 No. 7 Issue.