LTO clarified that only vehicles “run by muscular effort or are manually propelled” may be exempted from registration and regulation.
All electric vehicles, therefore, are considered motor vehicles and require registration and regulation by the LTO.
“We are elated that LTO responded positively and said they will consider our suggestions. Finally, we have an LTO that is proactively consulting and communicating with the industry and its users,” Juan said.
The LTO presented its procedures and guidelines in registering electric vehicles on the heels of a recent crackdown on electric two-wheelers that were not registered due to the numerous accidents reported when these vehicles plied the streets.
EVAP vice president Edmund Araga said the electric vehicle industry welcomes this initiative of the LTO.
“Electric vehicles are the future of the automotive industry and the Philippines is on the right track. We thank LTO chief for giving special attention to this nagging issue and helping us tread closer to our goal of a greener transport system in the Philippines,” Araga said.
EVAP said its members have also reached out to the electric bicycle companies to help them register all their e-bikes, e-scooters and e-motorcycles.
The group recently unveiled a 10-year roadmap outlining the short, medium, and long-term action plans for the industry.
The roadmap seeks to empower the private sector to develop the local electric vehicle industry further in the coming years.
The roadmap also contains key initiatives like helping the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority craft a curriculum for the nationwide training program for electric vehicle maintenance, servicing and repairs, and formulation of standards for electric vehicle parts and components.
