PH, ASEAN EV Groups and Government Unite to Advance Regional Electric Mobility Industry

The ASEAN EV Conference 2026 opened in Makati City on November 11, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, and electric vehicle associations from across Southeast Asia to strengthen regional cooperation and accelerate electric mobility adoption. Jointly organized by the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), the Department of Energy (DOE), MERALCO, Meralco Power Academy, and the e-mobility ASAP Project through Clean Air Asia, the two-day event carries the theme “Driving ASEAN Forward” and takes place during the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship. EVAP President Willy Tee Ten emphasized the need for a unified regional approach, highlighting that countries must work together to develop EV supply chains, prepare future-ready workers, and build a resilient and sustainable electric mobility industry.

Asian Federation of Electric Vehicle Associations (AFEVA) President Edmund Araga echoed the call for stronger collaboration, stressing that electric mobility can improve air quality, strengthen energy security, generate jobs, and attract investments. DOE Secretary Sharon S. Garin presented the latest figures on EV adoption and charging infrastructure, emphasizing four key areas for ASEAN cooperation: charging interoperability, harmonized standards, technology transfer, and cross-border supply chains. Representatives from the Department of Transportation, Board of Investments, TESDA, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization also joined discussions on aligning energy, transport, industrial, fiscal, and climate policies to support the region’s transition to electric mobility.

The conference continued on November 12 with four roundtable discussions covering transport modernization and business models, policy and social readiness, grid integration and charging infrastructure, and supply chains and sustainability. These sessions aimed to translate regional priorities into practical partnerships, investments, and measurable commitments. Beyond encouraging greater EV adoption, the ASEAN EV Conference 2026 underscored the importance of building a connected regional ecosystem that supports consumers, strengthens local industries, creates opportunities for businesses, and makes electric mobility more accessible and sustainable across Southeast Asia.