EV chargers set to be granted expedited-permit treatment
by CEDTyClea · BusinessWorld OnlineTHE Department of Energy (DoE) said it is working on a joint memorandum circular (JMC) with several other agencies to accelerate the permit process for installing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
“Right now, on the average, what we’re seeing is it takes at least six months just to get the permitting done,” Patrick T. Aquino, director of the DoE-Energy Utilization Management Bureau, told reporters on the sidelines of the 10th Philippine International Motor Show on Thursday.
The JMC will be issued by the DoE and the departments of Interior and Local Government and Public Works and Highways, as well as the Anti-Red Tape Authority.
About 1,600 EV charging stations were rolled out by the end of April, he said, with the target set at 7,000 stations by 2028.
The DoE also plans to establish the Fuel Economy Performance Rating System, Mr. Aquino said.
“This initiative will help consumers with more meaningful and comparable information on vehicle fuel economy performance while promoting continuous improvements in fuel efficiency across,” he added.
In 2025, the Philippines registered 60,906 EVs, Mr. Aquino said. The government estimates that 312,000 EVs will be on the road by 2028.
“This growth reflects increasing market interest, expanding participation across the value chain, and continuing efforts to strengthen the enabling environment for electric mobility,” Mr. Aquino said.
In the first four months, EV sales surged 158.9% year on year to 17,655 units, according to auto and truck manufacturers. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz