THE Department of Energy (DOE) has backed calls for the inclusion of electric motorcycles in import tax breaks.
During a public hearing on the review of Executive Order (EO) No. 12, DOE Science Research Specialist Andre Reyes supported the stakeholders’ appeal to include e-motorcycles on electric vehicles (EVs) with lowered tariff rates, citing its possible effect in reducing the country’s carbon emissions.
“This proposed coverage expansion will send a clear price signal for consumers to switch to EVs, which are more efficient and cheaper to run per kilometer, and assist in energy self-sufficiency,” he said.
Data from DOE showed that using e-motorcycles helps avoid around 8.5 kilograms of carbon dioxide compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles.
Using e-motorcycles is also more efficient, as they only cost P0.34 and save 1.72 liters of fuel per kilometer compared to their ICE counterpart, which burns P1.20 per kilometer.
The Energy department also wants to increase the country’s EV fleet by 50%, or an additional 2.4 million units.
On March 13, the Tariff Commission of the National Economic and Development Authority started its public hearings on the mandatory review of EO 12.
EO 12 also complements the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) to create an industry for EVs in the country and help reduce carbon emissions, in compliance with the Philippines’ commitment to the Paris Agreement.
Currently, e-motorcycles or two-wheeled electric vehicles with maximum speed of over 25 kilometers per hour are still subject to a 30% tariff rate. (GMA Integrated News)
