The Department of Energy (DOE) on Friday reassured the public about the safety and reliability of electric vehicles (EVs) and their charging infrastructure in the Philippines, following an incident involving a Nissan LEAF that emitted smoke while charging at a dealership in Metro Manila.
The DOE said it is working closely with Nissan Philippines, which is conducting a full investigation into the cause of the incident.
The department said it was monitoring the probe’s progress and would mandate any necessary corrective actions to ensure public safety. The DOE said it also conducts regular inspections of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) to ensure compliance with its Registration and Accreditation Guidelines.
“The safety of the public is our paramount concern,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said in a statement.
“While this isolated incident is concerning, this should not deter us from the national goal of transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable transportation. The Philippines has an existing regulatory framework under the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act [EVIDA] to ensure that all EVs and charging stations on our roads meet stringent safety standards,” said Garin.
The DOE affirmed that EVs are safe for use in the Philippines, as all vehicles sold undergo rigorous homologation and certification, adhering to international and Philippine National Standards covering battery safety, electrical systems and crashworthiness. EVs incorporate multiple built-in safety systems, including automated power cut-offs, to protect occupants and prevent electrical hazards.
The DOE also detailed the regulation of EV charging stations, saying they are subject to strict rules. The EVCS registration and accreditation guidelines set technical requirements for charging stations.
All public or commercial charging stations should be installed by accredited providers, inspected and registered with the DOE. The equipment itself, including plugs and cables, should have an import commodity clearance or Philippine Standard mark, and all electrical work should comply with the Philippine Electrical Code, the department said.
The DOE said it is actively monitoring the investigation by Nissan Philippines and its technical experts. The department mandated that the probe identify the root cause, and its findings would be reviewed by the agency.
If a product or system-level fault is identified, the DOE said it would take all necessary regulatory actions to ensure the issue is rectified for all similar units in the market and to prevent a recurrence.
Addressing concerns about EV battery fire risks, the DOE said that while all forms of energy storage carry inherent risks, EV batteries are housed in armored, sealed casings and managed by advanced battery management systems (BMS) that constantly monitor temperature and voltage to prevent overheating.
It noted that while thermal incidents are possible, they are statistically rare, and EV safety protocols are designed to minimize these risks.
The DOE advised that if EV users notice any unusual behavior from their vehicle, such as strange noises, error messages or overheating, they should stop the vehicle in a safe location and contact their dealership or the vehicle manufacturer immediately.
If a public charging station appears damaged or is malfunctioning, users should not use it and report it immediately to the property owner through official channels for inspection and repair, it said.
The DOE reiterated its commitment to implementing the EVIDA law and ensuring the safe, accelerated adoption of electric vehicles in the country, pledging to continue working closely with all stakeholders to strengthen regulations and provide a safe environment for all EV users.
