EV sales surge while gas-powered cars drop as overall auto market weakens
Electric vehicle sales in the Philippines surged by 133 percent in the first half of 2026, even as the overall automotive market experienced an 11 percent decline. The growth was driven by strong demand for hybrid and battery-powered models despite a broader economic slowdown in vehicle purchases.
Why it matters
This shift highlights a significant transition in consumer preference toward sustainable transport in emerging markets, despite broader economic headwinds.
Sales of electric vehicles (xEVs) more than doubled in the first half of 2026, while overall automotive industry sales declined by 11 percent as elevated fuel prices continued to dampen demand.
Based on the latest joint report of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA), total vehicle sales of member firms fell to 204,557 units from January to June, compared with 230,912 units in the same period in 2025.
Commercial vehicles, which accounted for over 80 percent of total sales, declined by 11 percent to 164,054 units from 185,265 units last year.
Passenger car sales likewise dropped by 11 percent during the same period to 40,503 units from 45,647 units a year ago.
While total sales were lower, xEV sales expanded by nearly 133 percent to 31,381 units by the end of June from 13,488 units last year.
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