The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a new circular to create a clearer and more harmonized electric vehicle (EV) classification system to promote a “cleaner, more sustainable and future-ready transportation sector.”
DOE Department Circular (DC) No. DC2025-09-0015, which takes effect on Sept. 20, 2025, amends the EV Recognition Guidelines under DC2023-05-0012. It establishes a consistent framework for classifying EVs.
The updated circular introduces a harmonized EV classification system with detailed categories for Battery EVs (BEVs), Hybrid EVs (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid EVs (PHEVs), Light EVs (LEVs), Range-Extended EVs (REEVs) and Fuel Cell EVs (FCEVs). The framework aims to ensure consistency and provide clear guidance for stakeholders.
“The issuance of this policy is a critical step toward building a more organized, accessible, and future-ready EV market in the Philippines,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said in a statement.
“By harmonizing our EV recognition guidelines, we are reducing administrative burdens, increasing transparency and accelerating EV adoption nationwide,” she said.
The agency said the update ensures alignment with the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) and supports the nationwide effort to accelerate EV adoption.
The DOE requires EV stakeholders to submit the EV charger monitoring form quarterly, by the 15th of the month following the quarter’s end, to maintain up-to-date market data.
Revisions to data will be permitted, except for core specifications like EV classification, which will require a new application. EVs no longer marketed will be removed from the Recognized EV List once formally reported.
It said that for EVs intended solely for promotional or non-marketing purposes, applicants should submit a specific notice and may receive a provisional or non-marketing certificate. The DOE will also conduct physical inspections to address documentation discrepancies.
Recent data from the DOTr–Land Transportation Office (LTO) show the growing momentum for EV adoption, with 29,715 EVs registered from January to July 2025. This surpasses the full-year total of 24,286 in 2024.
EV registrations now represent nearly 5 percent of new vehicle registrations, a threefold increase since 2023.
