Contrary to what many Filipinos may have once thought, there already exists a significant interest and a growing demand for electrified vehicles within the local car buying market. (Electrified vehicles being defined as: hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and battery electric vehicles).
As a matter of fact, according to a recent study conducted by global research and analytics consultancy ‘Escalent’ last April-May 2024 under the directive of Ford Motor Company, and involving 1,470 respondents from countries which include: Australia, Saudi Arabia, new Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, the UAE, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines – about 44% of car buyers are already considering to purchase an electrified vehicle within the next 12 months! And the documented strongest preference was for hybrid electric technology.
The survey delves into the perspectives of Filipino drivers and car buyers, revealing a blend of optimism and apprehension. While over 70% of respondents believe owning an EV is practical in the Philippines, concerns about the availability of charging infrastructure remain a significant barrier. Nearly 39% cited inadequate charging stations as a primary deterrent, with many wishing for charging points to be as common as fuel stations.
Interestingly, the study sheds light on the personal appeal of EVs. Beyond environmental benefits, they’re seen as stylish and sporty lifestyle products. A striking 81% of respondents said they’d choose an EV to leave a good first impression, and many believed that owning one could even enhance their attractiveness and dating prospects. Conversely, more than half of the respondents admitted that they would be more likely to date someone who drove an electric vehicle.
Drivers in the Philippines who were included in the surveys claimed that they were familiar with electrified vehicles, and found them cool, fun-to-drive and even easy to own. Almost half of the respondents said they had already experienced riding in an electrified vehicle, and 33% claimed to have already tried driving one. And more than 70% agreed that the ownership of an electrified vehicle in the Philippines is practical.
Most respondents also agreed that they would more likely choose an electrified vehicle for purposes such as ride sharing or for making deliveries, and that they would be happy to take an electrified vehicle for their daily commute. Filipinos pointed out their wish to have electrified vehicles that could deliver a longer driving range and that could offer reduced maintenance costs. This is consistent with the study’s findings that while most respondents believe that electrified vehicles do save them a significant amount of money in the form of fuel savings, they also believe that the maintenance of electrified vehicles will cost them more in the long run.
Furthermore, there are also certain misconceptions that linger. For instance, nearly half of the respondents think that charging an EV at home is as expensive as filling up a traditional, gasoline-powered car.
Ford’s findings emphasize the need for public education about EVs and strategic investments in infrastructure to address these hurdles. With iconic models like the Mustang Mach-E, E-Transit and the Ranger PHEV leading its electrification efforts, Ford aims to make EV ownership more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. Ford wishes to ultimately deliver more of what car buyers love about electrified vehicles: their performance, capability and productivity.
Notably, almost 85% of all respondents claimed that they would be inclined to purchase an electrified vehicle with greater towing capacity, while a strong 85% said that they would like their first electrified vehicle to be off-road capable.
This shift toward electrified mobility signals a promising future for the Philippines and its neighbors, but achieving it will require a collective effort from automakers, policymakers, and consumers alike. As the survey suggests, the desire for sustainable transportation is there—it’s now a matter of paving the road for its success.
