Philippines Expands EV Classification System to 6 Categories Under New DOE Guidelines - CleanTechnica

The Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) has expanded its electric vehicle (EV) classification system from four to six categories under new guidelines effective September 20, 2025, as outlined in DOE Department Circular DC2025-09-0015. This update aligns with the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) and aims to support the country’s accelerating EV adoption. The new categories include Battery EVs (BEVs), Hybrid EVs (HEVs), Light EVs (LEVs), Plug-in Hybrid EVs (PHEVs), Range Extended EVs (REEVs), and Fuel Cell EVs (FCEVs). Notably, FCEVs are recognized despite no commercial availability in the Philippines due to lacking hydrogen infrastructure. The expanded classification reflects a broader range of vehicle types, from traditional electric cars to micromobility solutions like electric scooters and bicycles. Alongside the classification changes, the DOE introduced administrative improvements to enhance market data accuracy and reduce regulatory burdens. These include