For an EV-competitive Philippines (L-R) Ateneo de Manila
Dean of the School of Social Sciences Dr. Fernando Aldaba, eVAP Executive Director
Dr. Jose Bienvenido Manuel Biona and HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo at
the 1st Landscape automotive industry briefing with the theme “Are we busted or
built for the future?” The forum was organized by HARI and the Association of Vehicle
Importers and Distributors (AVID) of which Ms. Agudo is president.
MAY 29, 2019. 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: High time for EV in the country’s lead cities.
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 (M) electric motorcycles and 2,200
electric cars by 2025. Likewise, Thailand aims to have 1.2 M 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
HARI President and CEO and AVID President Ma. 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...
Through the EV space, we will boost the competitiveness and overall sustainability
of our country for years to come.”
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 Ioniq Hybrid to the Philippine market, making
it the country’s first mass-market hybrid. HARI then debuted the Kona Electric,
the country’s first commercially-available fully electric vehicle, in April 2019.
Said HARI President and CEO Ma. 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.”
Ms. 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.”