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Philippines sees surge in EV demand as high fuel prices drive shift
🇸🇬 Singapore /Economy & Trade

Philippines sees surge in EV demand as high fuel prices drive shift

From CNA · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Electric vehicle sales in the Philippines surged 36% in the first quarter of 2026 due to high fuel prices.
  • Drivers are switching to EVs to save on soaring gasoline costs, with one resident cutting monthly fuel expenses from 8,000 pesos to a few hundred.
  • Despite increased demand, challenges like limited supply and an inadequate charging network persist.

Soaring fuel prices have dramatically accelerated the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Philippines, with sales jumping 36% in the first quarter of 2026. This surge reflects a growing number of motorists seeking alternatives to expensive gasoline.

In one whole day, with one single charge, when (I get) home, I still have 40 to 50 per cent (of battery life left).

— Rommel AceronManila resident and EV owner, describing his vehicle's battery performance.

Rommel Aceron, a Manila resident who relies heavily on his vehicle for work, shared his experience of significant savings after switching to an EV. He noted that a single charge lasts a full day, leaving him with 40-50% battery life upon returning home. His monthly fuel expenses have plummeted from approximately 8,000 pesos (US$130) for gasoline to just a few hundred pesos for electricity.

Instead of me spending 8,000 pesos (US$130) per month for gasoline, now I’m just spending a few hundred pesos.

— Rommel AceronManila resident and EV owner, detailing his savings on fuel.

The energy shock, exacerbated by the conflict in the Middle East, has doubled local gas prices since March, making EVs an increasingly attractive option. Mike Lim, founder and CEO of EV Supreme, reported an eightfold increase in sales at his Metro Manila dealership since the oil crisis began, emphasizing the need for alternative mobility solutions.

Some way, somehow we have to find an alternative solution in terms of mobility, transportation and commuting. Probably one way to resolve (the soaring fuel prices) is by using electric vehicles.

— Mike LimFounder and CEO of EV Supreme, commenting on the shift to EVs.

However, the rapid rise in demand has outpaced supply, leading to bottlenecks and long waiting lists for new EVs. Willy Tee Ten, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines, acknowledged that most brands are experiencing waitlists due to the unexpected surge in demand. Dealers are actively seeking additional vehicle allocations from overseas manufacturers and attended the Beijing International Auto Show to secure more supply. The Philippines has set an ambitious target of 50% EV adoption by 2040, supported by government incentives like specialized car loans, but the lack of charging infrastructure remains a significant hurdle.

Most of the brands have a waitlist now, because nobody anticipated (demand) to be (so high).

— Willy Tee TenPresident of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines, discussing supply bottlenecks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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