DOE expects approval of zero-tariff on all EVs this year

The Department of Energy (DOE) is hopeful that the incentives on the importation of electric vehicles (EVs) will be extended to two-wheeled and three-wheeled units this year to help boost EV adoption in the country.

- RICHMOND MERCURIO

A recommendation was earlier made to the Tariff Commission for the inclusion of two and three-wheeled EVs in the executive order that enforces zero-tariffs on EVs.

A zero tariff for EVs under Executive Order 12 signed by President Marcos in January last year applies only to fourwheeled vehicles.

“We have discussed this already with the Tariff Commission, and the Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB) is working with the Department of Trade and Industry in coming up with a cost benefit analysis. But we have already flagged this before the secretaries that we really have to extend the incentives to include hybrid, twowheeled and three-wheeled electric vehicles for friendlier zero tariff treatment,” DOE Undersecretary Felix Fuentebella said.

“Incentives that were given to pure EVs should be extended to hybrid, two-wheeled and three-wheeled,” he said.

A deliberation on the recommendation is slated to be held next month.