Electric vehicle adoption in the Philippines is moving into a new regulatory phase. On Sept. 9, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued Department Circular DC2025-09-0015, amending earlier EV Recognition Guidelines with the goal of creating a clearer and more harmonized classification system.
The update, which takes effect Sept. 20, 2025, is intended to align fully with the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) and streamline oversight as the market expands.
The circular builds on DC2023-05-0012, which first established a framework for EV classification. The latest update goes further by consolidating definitions and requiring stakeholders to provide more consistent data. Manufacturers and operators must now submit an EV Charger Monitoring Form quarterly, due on the 15th of each reporting month. EV models no longer offered in the market will be removed from the official Recognized EV List once reported, a measure designed to keep consumer-facing data current.
For vehicles intended only for promotional or non-commercial purposes, the DOE has created a new pathway: companies must file a specific notice and will receive either a Provisional Certificate or Non-Marketing Certificate. This provision aims to distinguish between commercial EV deployment and demonstration units, reducing potential distortions in market statistics.
The DOE also emphasized compliance verification. Physical inspections will now be conducted to resolve discrepancies in documentation. While manufacturers are permitted to revise certain submitted data, core specifications such as EV classification cannot be altered without filing a new application.
A key feature of the update is the harmonized classification system, which standardizes categories across the industry. By tightening classification and reporting requirements, the DOE seeks to address gaps that have complicated policymaking and infrastructure planning. With EVIDA setting the legislative framework for EV adoption, the circular ensures that implementation measures keep pace with evolving market realities.
For industry players, the changes mean more frequent reporting obligations and closer scrutiny of submissions, but also greater clarity in how products are categorized and presented to consumers. For policymakers, the revisions create a more reliable data base to track adoption rates, plan charging networks, and evaluate the effectiveness of incentives.
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