Hyundai PH, EVAP Push for Electric Vehicle Adoption, Incentives

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) committed to ramping up the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Philippines at the first Landscape automotive industry briefing of 2019. The forum was organized by HARI and the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID).

Alongside Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (eVAP) Executive Director Jose Bienvenido Manuel Biona, who was invited to speak at the briefing, HARI called for increased collaboration among automakers, a viable roadmap for EV adoption, and competitive incentive packages from the government to encourage investment in the industry.

High time for EVs in the Philippines

Dr. Biona, a full-time professor at the Gokongwei College of Engineering of the De La Salle University, argued that it is high time to begin adopting EVs in the Philippines. In his presentation to auto industry executives, he discussed how the country’s ASEAN neighbors have already laid out ambitious EV programs.

For example, Indonesia has targeted 2.1 million electric motorcycles and 2,200 electric cars by 2025. Likewise, Thailand aims to have 1.2 million electric vehicles plying its roads by 2036. By 2030, Malaysia hopes to have 100,000 electric cars, 100,000 motorcycles, and 2,000 e-buses over the next 10 years.

While electric vehicles currently can cost more than their internal combustion counterparts, many governments, like South Korea, India, and China have introduced purchase subsidies, tax cuts, and incentives programs that encourage drivers to make the switch.

These countries have taken a stand for EVs because these vehicles benefit a nation’s economy apart from reducing emissions. More electric vehicles translate to reduced energy imports, as well as opportunities for job creation in parts and battery manufacturing.

When asked how to kick start the adoption of EVs in the Philippines, Dr. Biona noted that, apart from fiscal incentives and non-fiscal perks, China and South Korea innovated the development of “lead cities,” or communities where the government can meet the demand for transport by introducing electric vehicles and the accompanying infrastructure. Notably, he suggested Boracay as an area where the government can make a positive impact on tourism with EVs.

A comprehensive strategy on EV spearheaded by a capable government agency is underscored.

Hyundai’s EV push

The government is already working with South Korean automotive players like Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) to invest in the local electric vehicle industry. The two countries have also worked to forge a free trade agreement (FTA) seeking to increase market access. Over the past few months, HARI has made a concerted effort to help the administration foster a welcoming environment for investment in EVs.

In April 2018, Hyundai introduced the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid to the Philippine market, making it the country’s first mass-market hybrid. HARI then debuted the Hyundai Kona Electric, the country’s first commercially-available fully-electric vehicle, in April 2019.

Said HARI President and CEO Maria Fe Perez-Agudo, "We are encouraged by our government's increasing focus on the environment by inviting South Korean automotive players to invest in the promising local EV industry. Already, the Philippines and South Korea are working to forge a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) that will pave the way for increased market access, including automotive products. On our part, we continue to work closely with industry and government partners to help create an environment that will spur the development of the country's EV industry."

Agudo added that, outside of lowering import taxes and other fiscal incentives, government should also look into non-fiscal incentives such as free registration for hybrid/EV vehicles, parking, and toll fees to encourage the shift to more eco-friendly modes of transport.

"This goes beyond Hyundai's business," she said. "This is about leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. We believe in doing business right and through the EV space, we will boost the competitiveness and overall sustainability of our country for years to come."

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • Ford PH: no price increase for Ranger as of Jul. 2025
    Ford PH: no price increase for Ranger as of Jul. 2025
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 04, 2025
  • MG Motor PH to launch D90 early next year
    MG Motor PH to launch D90 early next year
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 04, 2025
  • BYD Cars PH launches limited-run Seagull in Seashell Pink hue
    BYD Cars PH launches limited-run Seagull in Seashell Pink hue
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 04, 2025
  • Mazda PH launches driver development program
    Mazda PH launches driver development program
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Honda Cars PH extends ‘Style Up & Drive Promo’ with special deals for City, City Hatchback, BR-V
    Honda Cars PH extends ‘Style Up & Drive Promo’ with special deals for City, City Hatchback, BR-V
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • 3 reasons why customers choose Toyotas
    3 reasons why customers choose Toyotas
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 03, 2025
  • Zigwheels PH Wrapup: Local vehicle launches in H1 2025
    Zigwheels PH Wrapup: Local vehicle launches in H1 2025
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 02, 2025
  • Let’s inspect the Omoda E5’s interior
    Let’s inspect the Omoda E5’s interior
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 02, 2025
  • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
  • BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    Paulo Papa . Jun 18, 2025
  • Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Paulo Papa . Jun 05, 2025
  • ELECTRIA: 2025 BYD Atto 3 - updates done right
    ELECTRIA: 2025 BYD Atto 3 - updates done right
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 05, 2025
  • Dongfeng Nammi: Stylish all-rounder
    Dongfeng Nammi: Stylish all-rounder
    Cesar Miguel . May 21, 2025