The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued new harmonized guidelines on the recognition and classification of electric vehicles (EVs) to streamline industry processes and accelerate adoption across the Philippines.

Under Department Circular (DC) No. DC2025-09-0015, which takes effect on September 20, 2025, the agency introduced revisions to its 2023 EV recognition rules to fully align with the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA).

The circular introduces a clearer and more comprehensive classification framework for Battery EVs (BEVs), Hybrid EVs (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid EVs (PHEVs), Light EVs (LEVs), Range-Extended EVs (REEVs), and Fuel Cell EVs (FCEVs).

Stakeholders are required to submit the EV Charger Monitoring Form every quarter to ensure up-to-date market data. EVs that are no longer marketed will be removed from the Recognized EV List once reported. For promotional or non-marketing EVs, provisional or non-marketing certificates may be issued, and the DOE will conduct physical inspections to verify submissions.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said the issuance of the new policy is a “critical step toward building a more organized, accessible, and future-ready EV market in the Philippines.” She added that harmonizing guidelines will reduce administrative burdens, increase transparency, and accelerate EV adoption nationwide.

Momentum for EV adoption is rising in the country. Data from the Land Transportation Office showed 29,715 EVs were registered from January to July 2025. This surpassed the 24,286 units registered in all of 2024. EVs now account for nearly five percent of new vehicle registrations, a threefold increase compared to 2023.

The circular was published in the Official Gazette on September 5, 2025, and will take effect later this month. The full text is available on the DOE website.

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