Hyundai PH pushes for electric vehicle adoption

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has filed Senate Bill 2137, or the Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations Act.

AT THE 7th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit held on July 17-18 in Pasay City, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) — which displayed the electric-powered Hyundai Kona and hybrid Ioniq at the event — pushed for the adoption of electrified mobility in the country.

“Electric vehicles represent the future of Philippine mobility. It is clear that EVs have the potential to reduce our dependence on imported fuel, cut the nation’s carbon emissions, and create jobs for Filipinos in battery manufacturing, to name one example,” said HARI president and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo during the event organized by the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines.

HARI noted the hybrid Ioniq and fully electric Kona are now sold at its dealerships.

In a statement Perez-Agudo cited the need for a comprehensive EV roadmap that will set policy direction on regulations and procurement measures, as well as technical standards and protocols for the use of charging stations and registration procedures.

The executive said government should identify areas where EVs can make the biggest impact and to set up pilot test zones. She added that the administration should spur investment in battery manufacturing by developing an attractive incentive package.

“Benefits for investing can take the form of tax exemptions, subsidies and other non-fiscal support. We envision a future when electric vehicles like the Ioniq and Kona are attractive and sustainable options for every vehicle owner in the country, and we look forward to helping make that vision a reality,” Perez-Agudo said.

During the EV summit, HARI quoted Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as saying the “E-vehicles Act will put the house in order… as all the government actors will now be collaborating, fixing the bureaucracy, and promoting EVs.”

Gatchalian has filed Senate Bill 2137, or the Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations Act that seeks to create a national framework addressing charging station infrastructure, EV investment incentives and registration procedures.