MANILA -- The Philippines now has 912 EV charging stations that are publicly accessible as of the end of March, according to the Department of Energy.

The DOE however also acknowledged that most of the EV stations are concentrated in the National Capital Region, which is why the government is aiming to introduce new guidelines meant to further accelerate EV adoption.

"Recognizing the need for a robust regulatory framework, the Implementing Guidelines on Obligations of Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) Providers and EVCS Requirements, Specifications, and Interconnectivity (IG-ORSI) will be published this month," the DOE said.

This will provide clear installation requirements for charging stations, particularly for Mode 4 chargers, which use direct current for rapidly charging EVs, the DOE added.

Range anxiety, or concern over whether EVs will have enough battery life to carry them through a particular, has been cited as a factor that's been holding back auto consumers from switching to EVs, aside from the relatively higher cost of electric vehicles.

The DOE said it will also hold public consultations this second quarter on key initiatives, such as strategic placement of EV charging stations in gasoline stations. This is meant to enhance accessibility and convenience for EV users, integration of the Charging Infrastructure Development Plan (CIDP) with the Distribution Development Plan (DDP) to optimize grid capacity, prevent strain on the power system, and ensure reliable charging services, and installation of EVCS in dedicated parking areas and related facilities to expand charging access and reduce range anxiety among potential EV owners, the DOE added.

The agency aims to deploy 7,300 EV charging stations all over the country by 2028, based on the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI).

"Our goal of deploying over 7,000 EV charging stations by 2028 is ambitious but achievable. By combining infrastructure development with public engagement, we can accelerate the transition to EVs and build a cleaner, more sustainable transportation sector," said Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Patrick Aquino.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said that he wants half of cars on the road to be electric by 2040. The government has since rolled out a raft of incentives meant to increase EV adoption, such as tariff cuts for electric vehicles as well as exemptions from number coding traffic rules.