Following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East and tensions involving Iran, oil prices in the Philippines rose sharply.

With more than 90% of the country's oil imports sourced from the Middle East, concerns over energy security intensified. In response, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a State of National Energy Emergency on March 24th, 2026 through Executive Order No. 110.

The order directed government agencies to develop strategies to reduce petroleum consumption, including accelerating the adoption of renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs) within the transport sector. As the country moves towards greener transportation, questions remain about its readiness to support widespread electrification.

Green transportation

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), green or sustainable transportation refers to environmentally friendly mobility systems that utilise electric road transport and cleaner fuels. The objective is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimise air pollution, decrease dependence on fossil fuels, and provide safe, affordable and equitable mobility.

The UNDP stated: ''Sustainable transport is not a single solution, but a systems approach, integrating technology, infrastructure, planning, policy, and behavior change to reduce emissions while enhancing connectivity.''

Rise of e-mobility

The shift towards electric mobility is being supported by global trends. A report by a local daily noted that global electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid vehicle sales increased by 25% in 2024. Locally, BYD Philippines projects that the Philippine electrified vehicle market could reach 2.45 million units by 2028, driven by consumers seeking lower operating costs, reduced maintenance requirements and lower emissions.

Local e-mobility innovations

The transition extends beyond private vehicles. Supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), several locally developed e-mobility projects are already being implemented.

Among these is the M/B Dalaray, a solar-powered battery-electric passenger ferry developed by the University of the Philippines Diliman. The vessel is currently undergoing pilot operations along the Pasig River as an alternative to diesel-powered commuter boats.

On land, locally developed electric transport solutions such as the C-Trike, which consumes approximately 4.5 kWh over a 56.4-kilometre route, and standard electric tricycles are already operating in areas including Tuguegarao, Cauayan City, Batanes, Iloilo and Metro Manila.

Larger-scale projects include 23-seater electric jeepneys designed to replace older public utility vehicles, as well as a 20-metre Hybrid Electric Train (HET) developed in partnership with the Philippine National Railways (PNR).

Supporting these initiatives is CharM (Charging in Minutes), a fast-charging system developed by researchers at the University of the Philippines Diliman. The technology can charge electric tricycles and community transport vehicles in approximately 30 minutes.

Charging facilities using the CharM system are available at locations including the Quezon City Hall Compound, the University of the Philippines Diliman campus and several Megaworld developments such as Eastwood, Uptown Bonifacio Global City and Lucky Chinatown. Additional installations have been established in Antipolo, Cavite, Tuguegarao and Dapitan City.

Challenges facing the EV transition

Despite the potential benefits of electrification, industry observers note that significant challenges remain. An editorial published by a local daily highlighted the need for infrastructure development, power sector upgrades and broader transport reforms to support the transition effectively.

As of April 2026, the Department of Energy reported approximately 1,600 accredited EV charging stations nationwide. While the number continues to grow, concerns remain over whether charging infrastructure can keep pace with future vehicle adoption.

The editorial also pointed out that the Philippines continues to rely heavily on coal-fired electricity generation and faces some of the highest electricity costs in Asia. It noted: ''Charging EVs with expensive, coal-dependent power merely swaps one fossil fuel addiction for another. Locally generated renewable energy is not a complement to the EV transition it is a prerequisite.''

Urban planning also remains a key concern. Lower operating costs may encourage increased private vehicle ownership, potentially worsening traffic congestion in major cities. As a result, analysts argue that electric vehicles should complement, rather than replace, investments in public transportation systems such as modernised jeepneys, rail networks and protected cycling infrastructure.

Ultimately, achieving sustainable mobility requires more than replacing internal combustion engines with electric powertrains. It demands coordinated investments in infrastructure, energy generation, technology and public transport systems.

While the growth of private electric vehicles represents an important step, the infrastructure, policy reforms and energy-sector improvements needed to support long-term adoption must be developed alongside the vehicles themselves.