Government to regulate EV chargers with new safety, performance rules
dailyguardian.com.ph, 24 Apr '25
The Philippines now has 912 publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging stations nationwide, as announced by the Department of Energy (DOE).
As of 31st March 2025, this expansion reflects the Philippines' ongoing efforts to promote clean mobility, with most stations concentrated in the National Capital Region to meet rising demand.
To further support EV adoption, the DOE is introducing a regulatory framework through the Implementing Guidelines on Obligations of Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) Providers and EVCS Requirements, Specifications, and Interconnectivity (IG-ORSI), set for release this month.
The IG-ORSI guidelines will define installation requirements, safety protocols, and performance standards, particularly for Mode 4 chargers, which use direct current (DC) for rapid energy delivery.
These regulations are intended to streamline deployment, ensure user safety, and encourage private sector investment in the EV charging sector, according to a statement from the DOE.
Alongside these regulatory measures, the DOE will conduct nationwide public consultations in the second quarter to inform key decisions, including the strategic placement of EV chargers in petrol stations and other high-traffic areas.
The consultations will also address the integration of the Charging Infrastructure Development Plan (CIDP) with the Distribution Development Plan (DDP), ensuring that the electric grid can support increased charging demand without compromising stability.
Another priority is expanding charger access through installations in dedicated parking areas and commercial facilities to address range anxiety among potential EV owners.
This approach aligns with the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI), which targets the deployment of 7,300 EV charging stations by 2028.
The goal of deploying over 7,000 EV charging stations by 2028 is considered achievable, according to Energy Utilisation Management Bureau Director Patrick T. Aquino.
Through infrastructure development and public engagement, the transition to EVs can be advanced, supporting a more sustainable transport sector, he added.
As EV ownership increases in the Philippines, supported by tax incentives and zero import duties under the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), charging infrastructure has become a key factor in mainstream adoption.
The DOE's initiatives are intended not only to meet current demand but also to establish a transport system aligned with the country's energy transition goals.