The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Friday owners of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) do not need to secure a separate certification from the Department of Energy (DOE) to be exempted from the country’s number coding scheme.
DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez made the announcement to “settle this issue once and for all,” saying the DOTr and Land Transportation Office (LTO) wanted to inform the public, traffic enforcers, and deputized traffic enforcers that DOE certification is not required for their vehicles to be used and to be exempt from the coding system.
The clarification follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure the proper implementation of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA). The EVIDA law mandates EVs and HEVs are coding-exempt to encourage motorists to use such vehicles to help address climate change and promote sustainable transportation, Lopez said.
The LTO noted that all EVs and HEVs come with a DOE certification as it is a requirement before they can be sold to the public. The DOE had said that EV and HEV owners do not need to obtain certification from the agency.
Meanwhile, the DOTr and LTO are coordinating with the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) to launch a crackdown on individuals selling and using fake green plates, which are designated for EVs and HEVs.
Lopez said they would “need the help of the PNP-HPG” to enforce against the “widespread or ongoing counterfeiting” of EV and HEV plates. He mentioned coordination with PNP-HPG director Colonel Hans Marantan.
The LTO warned that those caught using fake or unauthorized motor vehicle (MV) plates face a fine of P10,000 and imprisonment of six months to two years. They will also be issued a show cause order to explain why their license should not be suspended or canceled, he said.
