The buzz around electric cars is hard to miss, mainly due to their role in promoting cleaner mobility. Per recent studies, there are currently
16,000 electric vehicle (EV) units in the Philippines. EV registrations also more than doubled in the first half of 2022 compared to 2021 with no signs of slowing down, thanks to the global attention electric cars continuously receive.
Despite the innovation that electric cars bring in sustainable transportation, questions about their regulatory treatment naturally arise. These include EV traffic management policies, such as number coding.
In the Philippines, number coding regulates when private vehicles should or should not hit the streets to ease the chaos of daily traffic jams. Are electric cars exempt from these rules?
This blog tackles that question head-on by breaking down electric vehicle coding, how it works, and whether EVs get a free pass.
Are Electric Cars Exempted from Number Coding in the Philippines?
According to
Republic Act No. 11697, or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), battery, hybrid, light, and plug-in hybrid EVs in the Philippines are exempt from number coding. EVIDA prevents car owners from buying another vehicle to circumvent the number coding scheme.
The exemption supports the law's primary goal of promoting the local EV industry's growth to achieve sustainability and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. So, if you're considering purchasing an EV and worried about certain restrictions, you can rest assured that electric car no-coding in the Philippines is real.
Aside from the no-coding privilege, EVIDA outlines the following non-fiscal incentives for EVs:
- Priority registration and renewal of registration
- Issuance of a special type of vehicle plate
- Quick processing of franchise applications and renewals for operators using EVs exclusively
- Fast-tracked import processing for EV manufacturers and importers
- Permit for foreign nationals to work under technology transfer agreements
You also enjoy or encourage these benefits as an EV or hybrid car owner:
- 100% excise tax exemptions for fully battery-operated vehicles and 50% for hybrid ones
- More job opportunities for local skilled workers
- Reduced reliance on imported fuel
- EV charging stations at gas stations
- Priority parking at various establishments
- Savings on fuel costs
- A greener environment and cost-effective vehicle upgrade
4 Classifications of EVs in the Philippines
Not all EVs are the same. The following classifications can help determine what fits your preferences and what vehicles qualify as electric vehicles under Philippine laws.
1. Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs)
BEVs are automobiles propelled by a rechargeable electric traction battery. With no traditional internal combustion engine to support its movement, it relies entirely on electric power for propulsion.
BYD Atto 3 is a prime example of a BEV. It can charge quickly with DC fast charging in 30-60 minutes. Alternatively, you can use AC charging, which takes 7-8 hours. This five-seater can reach 480 kilometers on a single charge and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds.
Plus, it comes with various safety features, like a 360-degree camera, six airbags, and advanced systems to help keep the car stable and assist with braking.
2. Light electric vehicles (LEVs)
LEVs are small and lightweight electric cars used for short-distance trips.
Under the Department of Energy categorization, LEVs include electric scooters, bicycles, personal transporters, and similar vehicles weighing less than 50 kilograms.
This EV type has smaller batteries for covering shorter ranges, making them last-mile mobility solutions. If you're looking for the perfect electric vehicle for leisurely drives around your city, LEVs are the ideal machines.
3. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)
HEVs are electric vehicles equipped with a rechargeable battery and a fueled power source, such as an internal combustion engine, for propulsion. These EV variants utilize electricity and fuel together to move. HEVs have better gas mileage and produce fewer emissions from the tailpipe. They are great for saving fuel and reducing pollution.
4. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)
Similar to HEVs,
PHEVs use a combustion engine and rechargeable battery. These energy sources allow the car to operate in electric mode for a certain distance before switching to conventional fuel propulsion or utilizing a combination of electric and fuel power. Most PHEVs have bigger and more powerful batteries and can produce a quick burst of power.
BYD currently doesn't offer a PHEV. However, we're not closing our doors just yet. We plan to update our
Dual Mode (DM) hybrid system to help EVs achieve exceptional fuel efficiency, consuming as little as 2.9 liters per 100 kilometers.
This enhancement underscores BYD's commitment to improving and expanding our offerings so that they perform as effectively as traditional gasoline-powered cars.
Embrace the Future: Go Electric with BYD
EVs offer a fantastic opportunity to reduce carbon footprint while enjoying advanced vehicle features that enhance comfort and safety. Fortunately, the Philippine government's electric car coding exemption supports the growth of the local EV industry.
You can take the first step toward a greener future and experience the convenience and thrill of owning an EV with
BYD Pampanga. Our cutting-edge EV technology offers unparalleled performance and sustainability, helping you drive with ease without harming the environment.
