Putting Policy into Action: Unlocking the Road for More Electric Vehicles

It’s an exhilarating time to be leading the charge in facilitating sustainable delivery services in the country, especially knowing that there are now government initiatives introduced to further support the push for more electric vehicles (EVs). 

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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has recently proposed the temporary removal of tariffs on EVs for five years, taking a more proactive approach in line with its mandate to promote industry development and encourage sustainable transportation. The DTI aims to reduce the purchase price of EVs by eliminating tariffs.

This follows the signing of Executive Order No. 12 series of 2023 by Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in January this year aimed to lower EV prices and make them more affordable and accessible to a broader range of consumers. The EO complements the current Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law) that mandates the government and companies to meet a five percent quota on their vehicle fleets.

While it’s a move the EV industry welcomes, there’s one more vital piece needed to make them a tangible reality – an effective policy implementation.

One poignant example of policy implementation challenges can be seen in the experience of Mober. In 2022, we expanded our fleet with new EVs, acting in alignment with the government’s move towards sustainable transportation. However, despite the efforts, we faced significant challenges due to the lack of adequate integration of the policies.

The company’s electric delivery vehicles were apprehended multiple times due to conflicting regulations from different government agencies, specifically in accordance with the number coding scheme. Under the EVIDA Law or the Republic Act No. 11697, EVs are exempted from number coding or other similar schemes implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), local government units, and other agencies for EVs. This resulted in confusion, unnecessary obstacles, and operational inefficiencies.

Mober’s firsthand experiences underscore the need for a cohesive approach to policy implementation across all levels of government, from the highest legislative bodies down to local enforcers. A seamless integration of policy formulation, implementation, and review is crucial in providing a steady foundation for both businesses and consumers to confidently participate in the EV revolution, ultimately bringing us closer to a sustainable future.

Policy implementation is the linchpin that bridges the gap between policy formulation and the desired outcomes. It is essential for translating policy goals into concrete actions, addressing societal challenges, ensuring accountability, and fostering adaptive governance.

We look forward to seeing the government continue to pave the way for the wide-scale adoption of EVs through comprehensive and integrated policy implementation. The journey is just beginning, and we’re excited to be part of it. 

Together, we can accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation, contributing to the broader goal of a greener, cleaner future for our country.