Breaking Barriers: How to Successfully Import Electric Vehicles to the Philippines

Electric vehicle sales in the Philippines surged from 214 units in 2019 to 18,690 units in 2024 — a roughly 87-fold increase in five years. That growth didn’t happen by accident. It tracks directly with policy changes that made importing EVs dramatically cheaper and more practical for Filipino buyers. If you’ve been watching EV prices drop and wondering whether you can bring one in yourself, the answer is yes — but the process hinges on knowing which incentives apply to you, which vehicles qualify, and where the real costs still hide.

Three Types of EVs You Can Import — and What Each Means for Your Paperwork

The Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) of 2022 set the legal framework for importing, registering, and operating electric vehicles in the Philippines. But not every EV gets the same treatment at the Bureau of Customs. The type of vehicle you choose determines your tariff rate, your excise tax liability, and the documentation you need to prepare.

The government as of April 2025 had accredited 687 battery electric vehicles, 55 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, 88 hybrid electric vehicles, and 80 light electric vehicles. That list matters: only accredited models are guaranteed to clear the incentive process smoothly. If you import a vehicle not yet on the accredited roster, you may need to apply for certification before the tax breaks kick in.

How the Import Process Changes by Buyer Type

Importing an EV as an individual is a different process from bringing one in as a business — and the incentives are structured accordingly.

Individual Importers

If you’re a private buyer importing a single EV for personal use, you still qualify for the zero customs duty and excise tax exemption, provided the vehicle is a BEV and meets the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) technical requirements. You’ll need to secure an import permit from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), submit a pro forma invoice from the seller, and file the necessary customs declaration. The tax credit or direct subsidy mechanisms being developed under the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) program — still awaiting final approval — could eventually offer partial purchase refunds for individual buyers, but those are not yet in effect.

Business and Fleet Importers

Companies importing EVs for commercial use — delivery fleets, corporate shuttles, or public transport — have additional incentive layers. Customs duty exemption reaches up to 30% on certain vehicles, and VAT and local tax reductions apply. Businesses investing in the EV value chain can also access tax credits. DHL Express Philippines expanded its EV fleet with 13 e-utility vehicles and five e-motorcycles capable of traveling up to 250 km and 140 km per charge, respectively. Mober, IKEA’s delivery partner in the Philippines, introduced 10 electric vans and two electric trucks. These examples show the corporate path is well-tested. The government targets at least 5% of government and public corporation fleets to be EVs, which creates a parallel demand channel for importers supplying institutional buyers.

Incentives by the Numbers

The customs duty exemption alone can reach up to 30% on certain vehicles, according to government subsidy programs. The excise tax exemption for BEVs can reduce the final price by up to 50% depending on the vehicle category. For hybrids, the excise tax rate is set at 50% of the standard rate. These incentives are scheduled to run until 2028 for customs duties and until 2030 for excise tax exemptions on charging infrastructure components.

What Catches Most Importers Off Guard

Accreditation delays. Even if your EV model is widely sold elsewhere, it may not be on the government’s accredited list. The accreditation process for new models can stall due to legislative delays in finalizing technical standards. Without accreditation, your customs duty exemption may not apply at the time of clearing, requiring a refund application later.

Infrastructure concentration. The 912 public charging stations are overwhelmingly in urban areas. Expansion is underway through public-private partnerships involving Ayala Corporation’s ACMobility, SM Malls, and Shell Recharge, with up to $100 million in support from the Asian Development Bank. But for now, an importer outside major metro areas should budget for a home charging setup before the vehicle arrives.

Grid readiness. Fast DC chargers are expensive, and the grid in many areas needs upgrades to handle concentrated charging loads. The national technical directive for fast chargers is still being finalized. If you’re importing a BEV for commercial use — say, a small fleet of electric vans — you may need to coordinate with your local electric cooperative or distribution utility before installing multiple chargers.

Resale uncertainty. The EV market in the Philippines is young. Battery degradation, evolving battery technology, and the limited number of accredited service centers make resale values harder to predict than for conventional cars. The government’s target of 2.5 million EVs and 20,400 charging stations by 2040 under the Comprehensive Roadmap for Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI) suggests long-term commitment, but short-term resale data is thin.

Step-by-Step: How to Import an Electric Vehicle to the Philippines

The process below applies to individual importers bringing in a single BEV. Business importers follow the same sequence but with additional documentation for fleet accreditation and tax credit claims.

• 1
  Confirm the vehicle is on the accredited list

  Check the current roster of accredited EVs from the Department of Energy and the Bureau of Customs. If your model isn’t listed, you’ll need to apply for model certification — a process that can take weeks. Focus on models already accredited to avoid delays.

• 2
  Secure an import permit from the DTI

  The Department of Trade and Industry issues import permits for vehicles. Submit your pro forma invoice, vehicle specifications, and proof of compliance with BPS technical standards. This step applies whether the vehicle is new or secondhand.

• 3
  Prepare customs clearance documents

  Work with a licensed customs broker. You’ll need the bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin (to confirm the vehicle qualifies for the ASEAN or MFN tariff rate), and the DTI import permit. The zero-duty rate under Executive Order No. 12 applies automatically for accredited BEVs.

• 4
  Pay the excise tax (or confirm exemption)

  BEVs are exempt from the automobile excise tax. Hybrids pay 50% of the standard rate. Your customs broker will confirm the exemption code applies to your specific vehicle classification. If the system flags a tax due, you may need to escalate with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for a ruling.

• 5
  Register the vehicle with the LTO

  After customs release, register the EV with the Land Transportation Office (LTO). You’ll need the Certificate of Registration from Customs, the DTI permit, and proof of insurance. The LTO classification for EVs follows the same categories as conventional vehicles, but the registration fee schedule may differ — confirm with your local LTO office.

• 6
  Arrange charging at home or work

  With only 912 public charging stations, your primary charging location will be home or your business premises. Have a licensed electrician install a dedicated circuit or Level 2 charger. If you’re importing a commercial fleet, coordinate with the local distribution utility for load approval.

Frequently Asked Questions About Importing EVs to the Philippines

What to Watch For Next

The tariff exemptions run until 2028, and the excise tax breaks for charging infrastructure run until 2030 — so there’s no immediate rush. But the accreditation list grows, charging stations multiply, and resale data accumulates. Before you commit to a specific model, verify it’s on the accredited roster, confirm your home charging setup is feasible, and compare the total landed cost against an already-available local unit. The incentives make importing cheaper than it has ever been, but the logistical groundwork is still yours to do.

If this was useful, you might also want to read what unexpected challenges await EV drivers in the Philippines.

Sources

Cheapest EVs in the Philippines: Wuling vs Haima — A direct comparison of the most affordable EV models available locally.

Government initiatives driving EV growth in the Philippines — A deeper look at the policy framework behind the incentives.

Electric Vehicles Finally Plugging Into the Philippines. Power Philippines, 2025.