As the Philippines works to catch in the race for Southeast Asia’s electric vehicle, companies such as Winfast, while selling around 19,000 EV in 2024, are stepping to solve major challenges such as charging infrastructure, maintenance support and strength.
While the emerging Asian EVs were seen to be close to 400,000 units sold in 2024 in 2024, varying in development countries. Vietnam led more than 70,000 units (13% shares) and 49,200 EVs with Indonesia, along with the sale of about 90,000 EVs of its total car market, led the sale of more than 7% national car by Thailand.
The Philippines lags behind. In 2024, less than 19,000 electrified vehicles were sold, causing only 4 percent new car purchases.
Can the Philippines draft a catch-up strategy in the EV sprint of Southeast Asia? The brief answer is yes, but it needs to work closely with all stakeholders, especially the OEMs such as OEMs, which are bringing a comprehensive ecosystem designed to overcome the major concerns of potential EV buyers.
ASEAN EV Race
Regional competitives are deploying aggressive strategies to dominate electrical infections. Thailand provides large multi-year tax holidays by 2030 and targets 30 percent of domestic EV production. Indonesia takes advantage of its world-agronic nickel reserves to attract battery manufacturers. Vietnam is using homegron vinfast as a launchpad in export markets.
Manila is still not standing, as the 2022 Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) gives a roadmap for EV adoption that includes low import tariffs, EV-cavalry parking slots, and 5 percent is a requirement for large fleet that is for electricity. However, the policy provides some supply-side incentives, and therefore when EV has been sold in recent years, they are still responsible for only the part of the single-rke sales.
The country’s oil dependence adds pressure. MUFG estimates that the growth of 10-dollars per barrel in crude oil will increase the current-cost deficit of the Philippines to more than 4.5 percent of GDP. This is a complete percentage-point increase, which is largely inspired by fuel imports.
The Philippines promised to trim the greenhouse-gaid emissions up to 75% by 2030 under the Paris Agreement. And EV is a major part of it. But electrification transport means that consumers require more affordable, serviceable zero-furnace options. More than this, the government needs partners who can support full ecosystem, including infrastructure, services and education, not only vehicles.
Winfast’s entire-Shastri approach
Vinfast vehicles are already on the Philippine streets. In July 2024, the company opened its first three showrooms. Nearly a year later, OEM became a full member of Campi, making it a seat in the local policy table along with other traditional automotive brands.
What is notable about the view of Winfast is that “an attempt to make a wide” ecosystem for a green future. The company has participated with local dealers to open more than 60 new showrooms by the end of the year. For the end of the year, the company has partnered with local dealers. For more than 2025 to cooperate with tires and maintenance chains like Goodyer and Tire King, more than 100 outstanding works with tires and maintenance chains for more than 2025 for more than 2025. Sale will expand the sales coverage. “Who fixes my EV, and where is the concern.”
Vinfast has also launched a free charging program with the introduction of its VF 6 subcompact model. This initiative allows customers to charge free on their dedicated network by 1 May, 2027. The network operated by V-Green aims to roll 15,000 charging ports across the country in 2025.
Winfast’s strategy targets three major EV adoption obstacles at once. It reduces anxiety through accessible charging, deal with the possibility of maintenance with a comprehensive service network, and addresses upfront cost concerns through policies such as a buyback program that provides up to 90 percent of the basic value of the vehicle.
Even without the construction of a local factory, the ecosystem of Winfast works in sales, repair, software and charging infrastructure. It supports Manila’s EVIDA targets, helps reduce urban pollution, and contributes to reducing oil dependence.
Another hidden challenge for EV adoption and lack of familiarity to solve a winfast, according to some studies, is actually the greatest barrier. An American study found that once drivers experience EVS first, worry about range, cost and charging drops.
To help bridge the interval, Winfast is working with various B2B partners and mobility service providers who are helping to make electric vehicles more visible and accessible in everyday life, including the first all-electric taxi service of the Green GSM, Philippines, which recently launched 10 June 2025.
By interacting with Green GSM drivers, all of which operate winfast vehicles, everyday passengers are introduced a practical and less frequent introduction to EVS. These conversations can help the public understand how EVS works, what it seems to make them a drive, and why they can be considered. After all, this exposure can encourage more people to switch.
In the e-domination race of South East Asia, there may be a domestic factory deficiency in the Philippines. Nevertheless, Winfast’s ecosystem-centered approach gives a real opportunity to catch the country and probably pulls forward.
