# DC2023-05-0012 — Guidelines on the Electric Vehicle (EV) Recognition and Adoption of EV Standard Classification on Road Transport for Incentive Eligibility Pursuant to the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act **Department Circular No. DC2023-05-0012** Signed: 12 May 2023 | Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla Effectivity: 15 days after complete publication in at least two national newspapers of general circulation; copy filed with UP Law Center – Office of the National Administrative Register Legal basis: RA 7638 (DOE Act), RA 11285 (EEC Act), RA 11697 (EVIDA); Rule III Section 9 and Sections 5, 20 of EVIDA-IRR **Scope limitation:** Road transport vehicles only. Separate issuance to cover air and water vehicles and other land vehicles (e.g., heavy equipment). Public consultations: 20–22 March 2023 and 20 April 2023 (NCR, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao) --- ## Section 1. Title This Department Circular shall be known as the "EV Recognition Guidelines." --- ## Section 2. Scope and Application This DC applies to all road transport vehicle **manufacturers, assemblers, importers, and rebuilders (MARs)** for the classification and recognition of road transport EVs, with the purpose of harmonizing the types of EVs and providing easy identification among national government agencies (NGAs) and the EV Industry. --- ## Section 3. Definition of Terms In addition to terms defined under Section 4(k), Sections 4(l) and 5 of the EVIDA and EVIDA-IRR: 1. **Electric Vehicle (EV)** — A vehicle with at least one (1) electric drive for vehicle propulsion. 2. **EUMB** — Energy Utilization Management Bureau of the DOE. 3. **EVIDA Incentives** — Fiscal and non-fiscal incentives granted under Chapter IV and Rule VII of the EVIDA and EVIDA-IRR, respectively. 4. **Importer** — Any individual, partnership, corporation, or other entity incorporated, organized, and existing under Philippine laws, engaged in the importation of completely built units of EVs, EVCS and related equipment, parts and components, and batteries. 5. **Manufacturer or Assembler** — Any individual, partnership, corporation, or other entity incorporated, organized, and existing under Philippine laws, engaged in the manufacture and assembly of EVs, EVCS and related equipment, parts and components, and batteries. 6. **Platform** — The online platform system where the recognized EVs are listed and updated. 7. **Recognized EV** — EVs and conversion kits described, advertised, or promoted by road transport vehicle MARs that have undergone the process determined by DOE, are listed in the DOE website, and therefore may qualify for EVIDA incentives. 8. **Road Transport Vehicle** — Land vehicle conveying cargo or passengers, regardless of size or weight classification, designed to operate on a road. 9. **Unrecognized EV** — EVs described, advertised, or promoted by road transport vehicle MARs intended for sale in the Philippine market that are ineligible to avail of EVIDA Incentives. --- ## Section 4. Adoption of EV Classification To provide a harmonized adoption of EVs in line with CREVI targets, the DOE shall recognize EVs defined under the EVIDA and EVIDA-IRR, classified as follows: - **4.1 Battery EVs (BEVs):** Electrically propelled vehicles with only a traction battery as power source for propulsion. Pure electric vehicle (PEV) shall also be defined as BEV for this DC. - **4.2 Hybrid-EVs (HEVs):** EVs with both a rechargeable energy storage system and a fueled power source for propulsion. - **4.3 Light EVs (LEVs):** EVs used in micromobility providing alternative modes of transportation including electric scooters, electric bicycles, electric personal transport, and other similar vehicles weighing **less than 50 kg**. - **4.4 Plug-in Hybrid-EVs (PHEVs):** HEVs with a rechargeable energy storage system that can be **charged from an external electric energy source**. EVs may be further classified and determined by DOE upon notice from road transport vehicle MARs, provided the vehicle has at least one electric drive used for propulsion. --- ## Section 5. Road Transport Vehicle Classifications Classification of transport vehicles shall be per **Annex A — Road Motor Vehicle Classification**, adopting the Department of Transportation (DOTr) road vehicle classification defined under **PNS 1891 — Road Vehicles — Classification and Definition**. --- ## Section 6. EV Recognition Documentary Requirements All road transport vehicle MARs shall notify the EUMB of all claimed EVs and submit: - **6.1** Notice to DOE through EUMB (Annex A) - **6.2** Duly accomplished Specification Form (Annex B) --- ## Section 7. Processing of EV Recognition Application - **7.1** All road transport vehicle MARs who intend to apply for EV recognition shall send an application to the EUMB **for every EV claimed for sale in the market**. Complete applications shall conform with Section 6. Applications submitted through EUMB's official email address; EUMB will develop a platform to facilitate ease of application (to replace email submissions when announced). - **7.2** Within **20 working days**, EUMB shall process the application; recognized EVs shall be included in the **official EV listing/database**. Incomplete applications or applications not conforming to Section 7.1 will be returned. - **7.3** The official EV listing/database serves as the **basis for the grant of EVIDA incentives**. - **7.4** Recognized EVs made available to the public via the **DOE website**, subject to regular update. - **7.5** Recognized EVs **not marketed for 90 calendar days** shall be removed from the list by road transport vehicle MARs through the platform. - **7.6** For duplicate submissions, EUMB will process **only the first submission within 6 months** for a particular EV type and its variants. - **7.7** For revisions of data/information from submissions: file request through platform or official email; acted upon by EUMB within **7 working days**. The following data **cannot be revised** (changes treated as new EV Recognition application): - a. EV Classification - b. Model Number/Code - c. Type of Transmission - d. Body type - e. Electric motor rating - f. Traction battery energy - g. Charger connector --- ## Section 8. Recognized EV List Pursuant to Section 11(m) of the EVIDA-IRR, the DOE through EUMB — after consolidation and data centralization from concerned NGAs and LGUs — shall update the list of recognized EVs and make it available to them and to the public for reference and easy access. --- ## Section 9. EV Classification Harmonization For harmonized regulations related to the EV Industry, **all concerned NGAs and LGUs shall adopt the classification of EVs** provided in Section 4 of this DC. All unlisted vehicles shall be deemed as **unrecognized EVs**. --- ## Section 10. Review Clause DOE shall periodically review, update, and issue the necessary rules relative to the CREVI **every 2 years** from the date of issuance, or earlier as the need arises. --- ## Section 11. Separability Clause If any section or provision is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other parts shall continue in full force and effect. --- ## Section 12. Repealing Clause Provisions of other circulars, orders, issuances, rules, and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this DC are hereby repealed, amended, modified, or superseded accordingly. --- ## Section 13. Effectivity This DC shall take effect immediately within 15 days after its complete publication in at least two national newspapers of general circulation. A copy shall be filed with the University of the Philippines Law Center – Office of the National Administrative Register. Issued: May 12, 2023 | DOE, Energy Center, Rizal Drive cor. 34th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla