UMVA has learned that a major electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure project in the Philippines has fallen short of its ambitious targets, sparking concerns about the country's readiness to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles.
The project, which aimed to install up to 15,000 charging ports nationwide by the end of 2025, has been delayed due to inconsistent local government permit requirements. VinFast Southeast Asia CEO Antonio Zara III attributed the delay to the varying classification of EV charger installations in parking lots by different local government units (LGUs), which has led to confusion and delays in the permitting process.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the regulatory hurdles faced by VinFast are not unique to the company. Rooftop solar installers and internet cable installers have been grappling with similar issues for years. The lack of a nationwide policy on permit fee schedules has resulted in a patchwork of regulations and fees across different LGUs, making it challenging for companies to navigate the permitting process.
In a bid to address these issues, the Department of Energy (DoE) announced a push to speed up net-metering permits for solar installations. However, EV charging stations have no equivalent protection, leaving them vulnerable to inconsistent permitting timelines and fees. This regulatory gap has significant implications for the growth of the EV industry in the Philippines.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that the permitting process for EV charging stations varies per LGU, with no hard deadline for approval. This lack of standardization has led to concerns about public safety, particularly with regards to fire risk and electrical load. EV fast chargers, in particular, pose a different fire-risk profile compared to conventional electrical installations.
The Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act and DPWH guidelines provide some technical construction guidelines for EV charging stations. However, there is a need for national clarification on how these guidelines apply to EV charger installations. Uniform classification standards and streamlined permitting processes are essential to ensure public safety and support the growth of the EV industry.
UMVA has gathered that the current situation has significant implications for the EV industry in the Philippines. The lack of standardization and inconsistent permitting processes may lead to a repeat of the "guerrilla solar" phenomenon, where installations are done without proper permits, posing risks to public safety. It is essential to prioritize safety and standardize regulations to support the growth of the EV industry.
The government's response to these challenges will be crucial in shaping the future of the EV industry in the Philippines. Rather than bypassing safety concerns through emergency declarations, the government should work towards standardizing regulations and streamlining permitting processes. This can be achieved by amending building, electrical, and fire codes to classify EV charger installations based on electrical load, fire risk, and structural impact.
