EVAP: Electric Vehicles Always Prioritized

A short history of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) and its ambitious and exciting plans for the future.

On August 1, 2009, Nissan unveiled the LEAF as the first mass market zero-emission electric vehicle (EV) in the world. Nissan chose the model name “LEAF” as a backronym that means “Leading Environment-friendly Affordable Family car”. By sheer coincidence, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines was established on that same year as one of the first electric vehicle industry associations in South East Asia. Its acronym, EVAP, could mean “Electric Vehicles Always Prioritized” as well because of the association’s vision and mission.

From the very start, EVAP envisioned the widespread use of EVs in the Philippines with the promotion, encouragement and support of the national government. Even though affordable EVs and the supporting infrastructure of charging stations were still just glimmers of hope and wishful thinking in 2009, EVAP was already envisioning a landscape where the Filipino’s electrified mobility is ecologically and economically one with the environment. To attain this long-term goal, EVAP worked tirelessly with the executive and legislative branches of government to create and implement laws that would encourage people to shift to EVs.

Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit

To showcase the EVs and related products of EVAP member-companies, the association mounted their very first event at the Meralco Gym in 2010. Encouraged by the enthusiasm despite the small turnout, EVAP mounted their second event in 2012, which featured more EVs, more exhibitors, and more media mileage. Now more popularly known as the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS), the event enticed existing carmakers to introduce their EV models into the local market as well as for EV startup companies from China and other markets to bring their products to the Philippines.

The PEVS grew from strength to strength each year with more and more exhibitors, participants and a growing number of attendees. It was instrumental in encouraging EV-related industries such as battery and charger manufacturers from other countries to see the Philippines as a highly-potential market. It encouraged foreign investors to put up EV-related businesses in the country, contributing to the increase in employment opportunities and industrial expansion. The 12th PEVS held in 2024 at the SMX Convention Center in MOA, Pasay City featured the largest number of exhibitors, EV models, participants and attendees since the summit’s inception. (To learn more about the 12th PEVS, click this link: https://powerwheelsmagazine.com.ph/12th-philippine-electric-vehicles-summit-sparking-the-change-to-drive-electric/ )

International Cooperation & Landmark Legislations  

By 2017, top-tier car brands with EV models were joining ranks with new upstart EV brands to form a bigger and stronger EVAP. In 2020, the Asian Federation of Electric Vehicle Associations (AFEVA) was founded to foster unity and technical cooperation between EV associations in the region. As one of the first EV associations in Asia, EVAP was instrumental in the formation and organization of AFEVA, which is currently presided over by EVAP President Edmund Araga.

In 2022, Republic Act No 11697, or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which was championed by EVAP from the onset, was enacted into law. EVIDA opened the gateway for EV manufacturers and charging infrastructure companies to invest in the growing local EV market. The next year, the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI) was released with the guidance of EVAP to align multiple policy directions and programs to address the challenges of the growing EV industry. EVAP worked tirelessly to secure government support with the TRAIN Law, Executive Order 12 (2023) and EO 62 (2024), CREATE Law, and EV Incentive Strategy.

Further Electrifying the Future      

As the popularity of EVs continue to gain ground and the population of EVs on the road continue to increase, the number of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) are also increasing. As of 2024, there are now 922 charging points nationwide with 147 accredited EVCS providers, generating 10,407 new jobs from investments amounting to P1.99 Billion. EVAP also espouses the establishment of manufacturing facilities for EVs, batteries and battery materials, such as nickel processing plants, amounting to another P1 Billion in investments.

More than just EVs, charging stations, batteries and manufacturing plants, EVAP aims to promote the joy of driving and the excitement of racing competitions with EVs. EVAP is laying the groundwork for an all-EV race series towards the end of the year. The association plans to conduct workshops on EV competition driving since electric motors produce almost instantaneous torque compared to gasoline-powered engines. Ultimately, EVAP plans to bring the ABB FIA Formula E races to the Philippines to boost local and foreign tourism, promote clean and green electric motorsports, and develop local talents.

With 88 active member-companies and an academe chapter with 7 pioneering university members, EVAP is moving forward to a brighter, exciting electrified future. And with an increasing number of EV brands and models now in the country, EVAP is also creating plans to award the “best of the best” in the EV industry to further espouse excellence among its member-companies. With activities aimed to put the EV industry in the forefront, there’s no doubt that EVAP truly stands for “Electric Vehicles Always Prioritized”.