The Philippines recorded a 629.2% increase in its electric vehicle (EV) stock from 2024 to 2025, according to the 2026 Global Innovation Index (GII), even as the country fell two places to 52nd in the global rankings.
The DOST (DOST) highlighted the figure on October 9, citing data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The increase covers battery-electric and plug-in hybrid passenger cars in use, bringing the country’s EV stock to more than seven times its previous level within one year.
The Philippines ranked 52nd among 139 economies in the 2026 GII, down from 50th in 2025. Its innovation input ranking fell from 59th to 69th, while its innovation output ranking remained unchanged at 49th. The index evaluates countries based on research, infrastructure, institutions, technology and other measures of innovation performance.
Separately, the Department of Energy (DOE) recorded 66,685 electric and hybrid vehicle sales from January to August 2026, representing 24.7% of estimated nationwide vehicle sales. Automotive industry data placed full-year 2025 electrified vehicle sales at 58,905 units, although the figures came from different reporting compilations.
The DOE also reported 1,876 registered EV charging stations nationwide and 949 recognized EV models as of August 2026.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said charging infrastructure, government policies and safety measures must keep pace with the growing EV market. The DOE has also been conducting safety training for motorists and emergency responders.
Under the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry, the government aims to increase electric vehicles’ share of the national vehicle fleet to 50% by 2040 under its more ambitious Clean Energy Scenario. The roadmap includes measures to encourage local manufacturing and attract investments.
Despite the substantial increase in EV stock, electric cars accounted for approximately 1% of passenger cars in the Philippines in 2025, according to WIPO. The figure indicates that electric vehicles remain a small portion of the country’s overall passenger car fleet.
