Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD expects EV adoption in the Philippines to expand sharply in the coming years, although growth is unlikely to match the volumes of traditional internal combustion engine models.
BYD Philippines country head Adam Hu said the Philippines is the sixth fastest-growing market for the brand in Asia, reflecting rising consumer interest in new energy vehicles across Southeast Asia.
The company’s Philippine sales hit a record 26,122 units in 2025, up 446 percent from 4,780 units in 2024, as demand for electric and hybrid models accelerated.
“In other Southeast Asian countries, they are also fast adopting new energy vehicles, and the Philippines is one of them,” Hu said during a press conference. “That’s why you can see our growth in terms of sales numbers.”
Hu said a similar trend is unfolding across the region but noted that the Philippines presents unique challenges due to its geography.
“With more than 7,000 islands, it’s quite a big challenge for us to establish the charging network in the Philippines,” he said. “In other countries, it may be easier to set up a nationwide charging infrastructure. Here, it’s more complex.”
He welcomed the efforts of private sector groups such as Ayala Corp. and SM Investments Corp. in rolling out charging facilities in malls and commercial centers. However, Hu said BYD has no immediate plans to directly invest in charging infrastructure.
