Manila:An official from the Department of Energy (DOE) expressed confidence on Wednesday that the Philippine government will meet its target of establishing 7,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country by 2028.

According to Philippines News Agency, Patrick Aquino, director of the DOE's Energy Utilization Management Bureau, stated in a media interview that five public consultations have already been conducted, with another planned, to gather input from property developers, building operators, and mall owners. The DOE aims to ensure that the new infrastructure mandate is practical and aligns with business interests.

Aquino highlighted the challenge of requiring private establishments to set up charging stations, which they may not directly benefit from. He noted that the forthcoming issuance, expected within the year, aims to promote the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) by next year. Currently, only about 20 to 23 percent of the target charging stations are operational.

Despite the current shortfall, EV registrations are on the rise, nearing 100,000 so far this year. Aquino is optimistic that the year will end with over 100,000 electric vehicles registered, with sales trends corroborated by reports from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA), and the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines.

Aquino attributes the positive outlook to a shift in perception of EVs as viable alternatives, spurred by the Middle East crisis affecting oil supply and prices, and the aggressive export of affordable EVs by Chinese manufacturers to Asian markets, including the Philippines.