Norway EV Policy vs. Philippines EV Policy

By: Francis Miguel M. Nacorda

EV Charging Stations [7]

Along with Norway, Philippines is also one of the countries that have unique ways of encouraging people to buy electric vehicles (EVs). It is already known for both countries that environmental problems and becoming less dependent on fossil fuels is much needed, but their policies are different in what they focus on and how well they work, which also needed different approach of solving it [1]. 

Norway’s EV Policies

            Norway is leading its way on encouraging more consumers for electric vehicles (EVs). This is mostly because the country is very serious about reducing its carbon footprint and encouraging sustainable transportation [1, 2]. The Norwegian government gives EV buyers tax benefits, subsidies, free parking, and free use of toll roads, among other things [2]. The country has built various charging stations to help EV owners in keeping their EVs on the go when needed to [1].

Through these policies, Norway has a lot more EVs on its roads now than it did before. The Norwegian Road Federation suggests that over 50% of all new cars sold in the country in 2020 will be electric vehicles (EVs) [2]. This report was recorded as the highest rate for electric vehicle adoption in the world. This has not only reduced the country's carbon emissions but has also given EV manufacturers and suppliers a market, which has created jobs and contributed to the economy [2].

Philippines’ EV Policies

Despite of the EV advancement in the Philippines being on its early stage, the RA 11697 is now a law [3]. It is the bill that explains how the government intends to regulate and develop EVs in the country [4, 5]. The country, having inadequate amount of EV charging stations finds it for the owners to charge their cars [6]. Also, Filipinos still find the EVs much costly, the reason for them to find it difficult to use [5]. The government recognizes it needs to promote EVs, but it hasn't implemented a full set of policies and incentives to do so yet [6].

One of the major challenges that the Philippines is facing, is the governments negligence for enough care about the growth of the EV market or put an investment into it. In defiance of the government, giving EV buyers some incentives, like tax subsidies, these have not been sufficient to encourage more people to buy EVs [6]. The insufficient amount of charging stations for EVs makes it hard for the owners to charge it. This makes it hard for them to use EVs as a practical way of transportation [6].

Conclusion

Both Norway and the Philippines recognize the importance of promoting the adoption of EVs, but their approaches and levels of success in achieving this goal differ significantly. With the incentives and development in infrastructures, Norway has successfully adopted EV's in the country. On the other hand, Philippines still have a long way to improve for its EV market, investing more and planning measure to further encourage consumers on using it.

References:

[1]	"Norwegian EV policy," 2023. [Online]. Available: https://elbil.no/english/norwegian-ev-policy/#:~:text=The%20Norwegian%20Parliament%20has%20decided,percent%20market%20share%20in%202022.. [Accessed 15 Feb 2023].
[2]	OECD, OECD Environmental Performance Reviews: Norway 2022, Paris: OECD Publishing, 2022.
[3]	"Duterte signs electric vehicle measure into law," 26 Apr 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2022/04/26/444782/duterte-signs-electric-vehicle-measure-into-law/. [Accessed 15 Feb 2023].
[4]	B. &. McKenzie, "Philippines: The Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), Republic Act No. 11697, lapses into law," BakerMcKenzie, 10 May 2022. [Online]. Available: https://insightplus.bakermckenzie.com/bm/tax/philippines-the-electric-vehicle-industry-development-act-evida-republic-act-no-11697-lapses-into-law#:~:text=The%20utilization%20of%20battery%20EVs,from%20the%20effectivity%20of%20EVIDA.. [Accessed 15 Feb 2023].
[5]	"Power Philippines," 27 Apr 2022. [Online]. Available: https://powerphilippines.com/ev-bill-now-a-law/. [Accessed 15 Feb 2023].
[6]	"Electric Vehicle Policy Analysis," 2021. [Online]. Available: https://pidswebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/EVENTS/pids_comments_araga_evap_final.pdf. [Accessed 15 Feb 2023].
[7]	"GreenTechMedia," 21 Aug 2018. [Online]. [Accessed 19 Feb 2023].