The Philippines is undergoing a shift to electric vehicles, with increased investment in the sector from both public and private entities. The government has launched several initiatives to support the transition from fossil fuels. In 2018, there were about 7,000 registered EVs for local use in the country, according to Land Transportation Office (LTO).
Current Main Mode of Transportation
In the Philippines, public transportation is still the main mode of transportation utilized by citizens. This includes buses, jeepneys, taxis, and a variety of other forms of mass transit. While there are many private vehicles in the country, particularly in more affluent areas, public transport is still seen as the most practical and cost-effective option for getting around. Indeed, about 59.5% of Filipino citizens travel by public transportation, according to the latest Standard Insights study, which surveyed over 1,000 respondents in the Philippines in November 2022.
The NCR region, in particular, has the highest population density in the country, so it’s no wonder that its residents rely heavily on public transit. In the same study, we also found that 73.0% of NCR citizens prefer taking public transport as their primary means of commuting. Buses and other forms of mass transit are generally considered safer than motorcycles and have proven to be a reliable form of transportation.
Aside from public transport, motorcycle usage has also been steadily increasing over recent years. 14.5% of Filipinos have taken to riding motorcycles as an alternative transport. This could be attributed to their affordability compared to cars and other private vehicles, as well as their agility, making it easier to navigate tight roads and crowded streets. Their popularity has become especially evident in cities like Manila, where roads are heavily congested, and parking can be costly or challenging.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) recently launched a multi-year modernization program for public transportation throughout the country. The aim is to improve safety standards, technology, and infrastructure on buses and jeepneys across all regions to make them more efficient and cause less traffic congestion. There are plans to extend the Metro Manila subway system and new high-speed rail lines connecting urban centers with rural areas throughout the nation. These initiatives are likely to help further increase the popularity of public transportation in the Philippines and reduce reliance on private vehicles for daily commutes.
Positive Attitude Towards Electric Vehicles
The Philippines has a positive attitude towards electric vehicles as a transportation option. According to the survey, 50.8% of respondents somewhat agreed that electric vehicles are the future of the automotive industry, while a further 42.8% completely agreed with this statement. This widespread acceptance of electric vehicles is encouraging news for the transportation sector in the Philippines.
Men were found to have a higher acceptance rate than women. 50.8% of male respondents completely agreed, while only 33.3% of female respondents shared the same sentiment. This indicates a gender gap in the acceptance of electric vehicles as a transportation option in this country.
Given their enthusiasm, it appears Filipinos are ahead of their peers worldwide when it comes to embracing electric cars as an eco-friendly and sustainable form of mobility. The government has also responded positively to this development by introducing numerous incentives, such as tax exemptions and subsidies for electric vehicle owners, aimed at making electric cars more accessible and attractive to consumers. With such forward-thinking attitudes and public policies in place, Electric Vehicles will likely continue to grow in popularity within the country in the coming years.
Vehicle Purchasing Channels
In the Philippines, vehicle purchasing channels range from traditional physical dealerships to modern online platforms. This offers Filipino consumers a wide range of options when buying a new car or motorcycle. According to the same survey, 61.9% of respondents are likely to purchase their new vehicle online from a verified dealership or platform, with male respondents (67.0%) being more likely to do so than female respondents (55.9%).
On the other hand, 29.3% of all respondents indicated that they are not very likely to purchase their vehicles online. Despite this, the convenience and lower cost of online shopping continue to be an attractive option for many Filipinos looking for their ideal vehicle purchase experience.
Vehicle Purchasing Preferences
The vehicle purchasing preferences of the Philippines are increasingly leaning towards more eco-friendly options. According to the survey, hybrid vehicles remain the top choice among respondents, with 26.0% saying they use them, followed by diesel vehicles at 22.6%, and fully electric vehicles at 21.7%.
There is a noticeable gender gap in these results, as 28.2% of male respondents prefer hybrid vehicles, while 28.3% of female respondents prefer diesel vehicles for their transportation needs. The rise in awareness of environmental benefits associated with these alternative transportation options has likely been a driving factor in this trend.
More and more citizens are now turning to hybrid and electric vehicle options for their daily commute to reduce their carbon footprint on the environment. This shift in preference is seen particularly amongst younger people, who tend to be more conscious of sustainability and environmental issues than previous generations were. Additionally, many local governments are offering incentives such as discounts on registration fees and tax exemptions to those who switch from traditional fuel-powered cars to electric or hybrid ones, making it even easier for people to switch to greener vehicles if so choose.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, the Philippines is a country that highly favors public transportation as its primary mode of travel. They have a positive attitude towards electric vehicles and are willing to purchase them online from verified dealerships or platforms. Regarding purchasing preferences, hybrid vehicles are still the top choice, followed by diesel and fully electric vehicles. Despite this, fully electric vehicles are slowly gaining popularity in the market.
