QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 11697)
Section 2 declares policies including: ensuring energy security by reducing imported fuel reliance; creating an enabling environment for EV development (including micromobility); promoting innovation in clean energy technologies; protecting public health from pollution and greenhouse effects; safeguarding and stabilizing the electric power grid; promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and private sector participation; generating employment for skilled local workers; protecting cultural heritage through transportation; and recognizing LGUs as partners with capacity-building support.
The law applies to manufacture/assembling, importation, construction, installation, maintenance, trade and utilization, research and development, and regulation of EVs, charging stations and related equipment, parts and components, batteries, and related support infrastructure.
A BEV is propelled only by a traction battery as the vehicle’s power source. A PHEV is an HEV with a rechargeable energy storage system that can be charged from an external electric energy source.
Charging fee is the amount imposed on EV users in exchange for using commercial use charging stations; its components must be unbundled pursuant to regulations issued by the DOE.
Own-use charging stations are used exclusively by an individual. They are not allowed to impose and collect charging fees (Section 20).
It is a natural or juridical person duly accredited by the DOE who sells, constructs, installs, maintains, owns, or operates charging stations (or components) for a fee. The accreditation requirement implies compliance with DOE standards and rules for operation and oversight.
CREVI is the Comprehensive Roadmap for Electric Vehicle Industry—a national development plan with an annual work plan to accelerate EV development, commercialization, and utilization. Components: (1) EVs and charging stations; (2) manufacturing; (3) research and development; and (4) human resource development.
DOE must: promulgate uniform/streamlined rules on charging station use and maintenance including accreditation requirements; convene a technical working group within two months; develop and update EV/charging stations component annually (completion by May 30); publish consolidated CREVI component (by Sept 30); conduct IEC/demonstration campaigns; accredit charging station service providers and publish annual inventory of accredited providers and list of commercial stations; require DUs to submit charging infrastructure plans by August 30; enforce compliance with installation and unbundling of charging fees; and consolidate EV/charging station data from relevant agencies.
ERC must: regulate rates charged by DUs on charging stations considering usage, efficiency, ERC rate methodology under RA 9136, charging station unique requirements, and distribution system impact; promulgate uniform/streamlined rules for self-generating charging stations and centralized vehicle-to-grid facilities; and perform analogous acts necessary for the policy objectives.
The DOTr is primarily tasked with EV demand generation and regulation/registration of EVs and franchising of EVs used for public transportation. Exception: light electric vehicles for exclusive private use are not required to register with DOTr and attached agencies.
LGUs must include green routes in Local Public Transport Route Plans; issue Certificate of Inspection to charging stations; provide segregated lanes for light electric vehicles; submit to DOE the list of commercial use charging stations in their localities; issue building permits/approvals for construction/renovation consistent with guidelines; and ensure compliance of public/private buildings with Section 18.
Dedicated parking slots are required for buildings and establishments constructed after effectivity of the Act (and per the National Building Code). The number must be proportional to total parking slots per CREVI. If there are 20 or more parking slots, at least 5% must be dedicated for EVs. Existing buildings must comply within the time frame indicated in the CREVI.
The owner of the private or public building or establishment has the first priority to install, operate, or maintain a charging station in its premises (either own-use or commercial use depending on CREVI guidance).
Charging stations must comply with rules, regulations, and standards issued pursuant to the Act. Own-use charging stations may not impose and collect charging fees. Commercial use charging stations may impose and collect charging fees, but the fees must be unbundled.
Fiscal incentives include evaluation for possible inclusion in strategic investment priorities for manufacturing/assembly activities (EVs, charging stations, batteries, parts/components, infrastructure like R&D/training/testing/waste treatment facilities), import incentives (e.g., exemption from duties on imported completely built EVs under TRAIN per conditions; and duty-free for imported charging stations for eight years), and utilization incentives: a 30% discount for BEVs and 15% discount for HEVs from LTO motor vehicle user’s charge and from vehicle registration and inspection fees for eight years from effectivity.