The Hidden Truth About Electric Vehicles in the Philippines

 

The Hidden Truth About Electric Vehicles in the Philippines

Almost everyone in my small circle of friends wants to own an electric vehicle (EV). They want one because it represents luxury, offers convenience, and is said to be good for the environment. But in this article, we’ll focus more on the environmental advantages—and perhaps challenge some assumptions.

Electric vehicles, or EVs, are powered by electricity instead of the traditional fossil fuels like gasoline and diesel. Rather than using a combustion engine as the heart of the machine, they use a motor powered by massive battery packs that move you from point A to B.

The number of electric vehicles on Philippine roads is rapidly increasing. In the past, you would only spot a handful of these oddly designed machines. But now, they're slowly taking up more space on our roads. There are big brands like TESLA and BYD, and smaller e-trikes that conveniently carry one or two passengers.

Electric Vehicles Are Good for the Environment

The number one selling point of electric vehicles is that they are good for the environment. Especially for a country like the Philippines, which immediately feels the effects of climate change through devastating typhoons—Filipinos genuinely want to participate in a movement that’s good for nature. Humanity’s goal is to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases so we won’t either be scorched or drowned by extreme weather.

To simplify, we want to reduce our carbon emissions—or carbon footprint. From extraction to the use of fossil fuels, carbon is emitted into the atmosphere. The machines that extract fossil fuels release carbon. The vehicles that run on fossil fuels emit carbon. And this is where electric vehicles find their value: they are sold as solutions to lower our carbon footprint.

On the surface, this narrative makes sense. EVs aren’t powered by fossil fuels, and they have no tailpipe emissions, so they must be good for the environment, right?

For a country repeatedly devastated by the effects of climate change, we simply want to be part of the solution. We want to own an electric vehicle.

But what is the one simple fact they’re not telling you?

We all know how sales work—they can be a bit sneaky. The goal is to sell the product. So they sometimes leave out small but important details that could make you rethink your purchase. And this is the part where I’ll share with you one important fact about the largest energy source in the Philippines.

Where Does Electricity Come From?

Electricity in the Philippines comes from two major sources: fossil fuels and renewable energy. The first group includes power plants that use natural gas, diesel, and coal. The second group includes renewable sources: geothermal, wind, solar, hydro, and biomass.

It’s important to understand this mix so what I’m about to share will make sense. I’m not against electric vehicles. But consumers should be fully informed. Transparency matters.

The Energy Mix in the Philippines

The Philippines Energy Mix

Let’s take a closer look at the energy mix from the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP). In their Market Highlights report, you’ll find a table in the lower-left corner of the energy mix image. It clearly shows that the majority of electricity in the Philippines comes from fossil fuels.

Coal and natural gas are the top two sources. When you add diesel to that list, fossil fuels make up about 70% of the energy supply in the Philippines.

So what does that mean?

It means that every time we plug in our electric vehicles to charge, we’re actually burning more fossil fuels behind the scenes. Even the most efficient EVs can only run up to 300 kilometers on a full charge. This means EV owners need to charge frequently. And if more electric vehicles are introduced into our roads, the demand for electricity increases—forcing coal and natural gas plants to burn more fuel.

This is especially true during nighttime when solar power is not available. So although EVs don’t emit carbon directly, the source of their power often does. For now, at least in the Philippines, the electric vehicle is not yet the win we hope it to be.

What’s the Future of Electric Vehicles?

I’m not entirely against the production and use of electric vehicles. They are great alternatives that give consumers more choices. Whether someone wants a car that runs on fossil fuel or electricity, that’s their decision. But one thing must be clarified: electric vehicles are not magic pills that will cure the damage caused by climate change. Not in the Philippines—not yet.

Because when we charge our EVs, we're still mostly relying on coal and gas.

So What Should We Do?

If the answer to that question were simple, we wouldn't be having this conversation. The road to a greener future is complex and full of debatable ideas. My solutions may never reach the headlines of major publications, but I offer them here with genuine concern for our planet’s future.

1. Strengthen Geothermal Energy Production - Geothermal is the only renewable source that can run as baseload power for 24 hours a day. Baseload means it can supply maximum energy both day and night. Solar shuts down at night, and wind is unpredictable. The Philippines is within the Pacific Ring of Fire—our geothermal potential is huge. The government should prioritize its development.
2. Push for Rooftop Solar Installations - Instead of massive solar farms that can displace agricultural lands, the government should promote rooftop solar systems for homes and businesses. This approach doesn’t compromise food production and reduces electricity demand from the grid—therefore, burning less fossil fuel.
3. Promote a Mindshift Among Consumers - The third solution is the hardest—changing how we think. We must reduce overconsumption. Buying things we don’t need, overeating, and unnecessary travel all burn fossil fuels. Every time we spend irresponsibly, we’re increasing demand for fossil fuels. Our individual choices add up. Our actions matter.

Final Thoughts

The Philippine government must actively promote actions to slow down the rapid devastation of climate change. There are effective ways, like the three mentioned above. As for us consumers, let’s not be fooled into thinking that electric vehicles alone are the answer. They’re part of the solution—but only if the electricity they use also comes from cleaner, renewable sources.