The influx of motorcycles that began over a decade ago changed the appearance of Philippine streets, but a new trend is now developing.

A shift in the country's transportation landscape is occurring. Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids are increasingly visible, influenced by government initiatives, increased environmental awareness, and the availability of relatively affordable models, many of which are manufactured in China.

This development aligns with both global and domestic efforts to support sustainable mobility and reflects the increasing presence of Chinese automakers in the Philippine market.

For decades, established automotive manufacturers from Japan, Korea, North America, and Europe maintained a dominant position in the global market. However, the move towards electrification has created opportunities for new market participants, including companies from China.

The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) projects that e-vehicle sales will reach 6.6 million by 2030.

Executive Order No. 12 is cited as a contributing factor in this growth, as it reduces tariff rates for certain EV types and their components to zero. EO 12 works alongside the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) or Republic Act No. 11697, which outlines policies for the growth of the local EV industry.

The move towards electric mobility corresponds with the Philippines' environmental targets, including a stated commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030 under the Paris Agreement. The adoption of EVs is anticipated to support this objective.

The increasing number of Chinese-made EVs and hybrids on Philippine roads has various implications.

It provides consumers with more options, typically at lower price points, which may increase EV adoption. This could result in lower air pollution and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. The entry of new brands may also influence the strategies of existing automakers.

The global expansion of Chinese EV and hybrid brands is the outcome of specific national policies, investment in research and development, and responsiveness to changing market conditions.

While other countries addressed the challenges of EV technology and infrastructure at varying paces, China invested in becoming a significant actor in this sector.

Affordability is one of the main reasons for the increased popularity of Chinese-made vehicles in the Philippines.

Chinese manufacturers use cost-effective production methods to offer vehicles with a range of features at competitive prices. Some brands also provide battery technologies with longer driving ranges and features such as AI-assisted systems.

Despite growth, the Philippine EV sector faces several limitations. A key issue is the limited charging infrastructure. Fewer than 1,000 charging stations exist nationwide, most of which are located in Metro Manila.

This creates accessibility issues for EV users, particularly outside urban areas and in emergency conditions such as flooding. Limited public knowledge of EVs also influences purchasing decisions. In addition, EV prices remain unaffordable for many consumers.

The shift towards electric mobility is progressing. The use of EVs is increasing in the Philippines, alongside the introduction of vehicles from Chinese manufacturers. This is taking place despite ongoing geopolitical issues between the two countries.

Established automakers are expected to respond to market changes, but the entry of Chinese-made EVs and hybrids represents a notable development in the automotive sector.

China's position in this industry may be affected by evolving global dynamics, including changes in trade policies, such as those associated with the Trump administration.

This trend may continue as more consumers in the Philippines consider environmentally focused transport options and as infrastructure expands.

Whether it is an electric jeepney operating in an urban centre or a Chinese-manufactured electric SUV in a residential area, current indicators suggest that electric vehicles will continue to play an increasing role in the country's transportation landscape, unless alternative technologies, such as hydrogen-powered vehicles, become widely accessible.