Post by : Meena Ariff

In 2024, around 19,000 electric vehicles (EVs) were sold in the Philippines. This was a small number compared to other countries in Southeast Asia. Even though sales are rising, the Philippines still lags far behind its neighbors, like Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, in adopting electric cars.

Across the whole region, nearly 400,000 EVs were sold in 2024. Vietnam led the way with close to 90,000 EVs sold, making up over 17% of all cars bought there. Thailand followed with over 70,000 sales, or 13% of its car market. Indonesia had around 49,200 EVs, which was over 7% of its total vehicle sales. The Philippines, by contrast, had EVs make up just 4% of new car purchases.

The country wants to improve that number fast. Many believe that with the right planning and support, the Philippines can still catch up. A big part of that effort includes working closely with electric car companies like VinFast.

EV Growth Plans Across Southeast Asia

Each country in Southeast Asia has its plan to grow its electric car industry.

Thailand is giving generous tax breaks to EV manufacturers and aims to make 30% of its cars electric by 2030. Indonesia, which has one of the largest nickel reserves in the world, is using this advantage to attract companies that make EV batteries. Vietnam is supporting its local car company, VinFast, to expand not only in the local market but also overseas.

The Philippines is trying too. In 2022, the government passed a law called the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA). This law encourages EV use through measures such as lower import taxes, reserved parking spots for electric cars, and a rule that at least 5% of vehicles in large companies' fleets must be electric.

However, the country still doesn’t offer much support to companies that want to build EVs locally. Because of this, even though EV sales are rising, they still make up only a small part of total car sales.

Why Electric Vehicles Are Important for the Philippines

One reason the country is pushing for more EVs is because of its heavy dependence on imported oil. A rise of just $10 per barrel in the price of oil could raise the country’s current account deficit by a full percent of its total economy, according to estimates by an international bank. That means higher oil prices can hurt the country’s finances quickly.

There’s also an environmental reason. The Philippines promised to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030 under the Paris Agreement. Shifting to electric vehicles is a big part of that promise. But for this to work, people need affordable EVs that are easy to use and maintain.

This is where private companies come in, especially those willing to offer more than just cars.

VinFast and Its Plan for the Philippines

VinFast, an electric car company from Vietnam, began selling cars in the Philippines in 2024. It opened its first three showrooms in July of that year. By 2025, the company had become a full member of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines. This allows VinFast to have a say in local policies and decisions, just like older and more established car brands.

What makes VinFast different is that it does not just sell cars. It is building what it calls a “green future” ecosystem in the country. This means offering everything a customer might need — from the car to after-sales service, from maintenance to charging stations.

Charging Stations and Free Charging

One of the biggest fears for people thinking about buying an EV is running out of power with nowhere to charge. VinFast wants to end that fear by building a nationwide network of charging stations. The company, through its partner V-GREEN, plans to install 15,000 charging ports across the country by the end of 2025.

To help encourage early buyers, VinFast also launched a free charging program when it introduced its small electric car, the VF 6. Anyone who buys the VF 6 can charge their car for free at VinFast stations until May 1, 2027.

Maintenance and Repair: A Big Concern for EV Owners

Another common worry for EV buyers is where to get their car repaired if something goes wrong. VinFast is solving this by working with local tire and service chains like Goodyear and Tire King. Together, they plan to open over 100 repair and maintenance centers for electric cars by the end of 2025. This should make it easier for people to get their vehicles serviced without having to travel far.

VinFast is also offering a buyback program. If customers want to return their car, the company is offering to buy it back for up to 90% of the original price. This is another way to make people feel safer about buying an EV for the first time.

Helping the Economy and the Environment

Even though VinFast has not yet built a factory in the Philippines, its activities are already creating jobs. People are being hired to work in showrooms, service centers, and charging station installations. This fits well with the goals of the EVIDA law. It also helps reduce air pollution in cities and cuts down the need for imported oil.

Getting People Familiar with EVs

There is also another barrier to EV adoption that is not often talked about: fear of the unknown. Some studies show that people are unsure about EVs simply because they have never driven or ridden in one.

To help solve this, VinFast is working with a local company called Green GSM, which launched the country’s first all-electric taxi service on June 10, 2025. All their taxis are VinFast vehicles. These taxis give people a chance to experience electric vehicles firsthand, not just see them on display or in ads. For many commuters, riding in one of these taxis may be the first time they experience what it’s like to be inside an EV.

Can the Philippines Catch Up?

While the country still lacks a local EV factory, VinFast’s all-around approach gives it a chance to move ahead quickly. The company is not just selling vehicles; it is building a full system — one that supports both the driver and the environment.

With more showrooms, wider service coverage, free charging, and new partnerships, the Philippines has a real chance to become a stronger player in Southeast Asia’s electric vehicle race. But the government will still need to do more, especially in terms of helping EV makers build factories locally and offering support for battery production.

For now, though, the early signs are positive. The country may be starting from behind, but with strong partners and a clear plan, it still has time to catch up — and maybe even take the lead in the electric future.