In early May 2026, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry announced a major policy development that could reshape the country's electric vehicle landscape. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, speaking during a fireside chat at the ASEAN Summit 2026 in Mactan, Cebu, revealed that the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy — a flagship program aimed at boosting local EV manufacturing — is now awaiting approval from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The program targets the production of four million locally manufactured electric vehicles over the next 10 years, including two-wheelers, e-trikes, and e-public utility vehicles.“ Once we get approval for that, then it is ready to go. This is to incentivize manufacturers, including Toyota and Mitsubishi, and other companies to set up a manufacturing and assembly plant here in the Philippines for electric vehicles,” Roque said.
To accelerate the transition, the DTI, through the Small Business Corporation, is offering a PHP 2-billion E-Transport Loan program. The initiative provides up to PHP 1.5 million per unit (maximum PHP 3 million per borrower) with a five-year repayment term, zero percent interest for the first year, and a one-year grace period.“And they are really looking forward to shifting from combustion vehicles to electric vehicles, especially with this loan that the Small Business Corporation is rolling out. There is a high demand of wants to shift to EVs. In fact, they have already started to talk to suppliers for the tricycles, jeepneys, and buses,” Roque said. She noted that savings can range from 33 percent to 80 percent for operators.“ Especially since there is a fuel crisis now, it is very timely to shift,” she added.
For electric tricycle manufacturers targeting the Philippine market, this policy framework creates substantial opportunities. As transport groups actively seek suppliers for e-tricycles, they will prioritize vehicles that offer long-term durability, especially given the country‘s tropical climate and coastal conditions where ordinary steel tricycles rust quickly.
Guangxi Dachuan Vehicle Co., Ltd. manufactures stainless steel electric tricycles engineered for exactly these conditions. With a 12,000㎡ modern facility in Guigang, Guangxi, and a monthly production capacity of 3,000 units, the company delivers fully rust-proof e-trikes that maintain their structural integrity even in high-humidity and salt-spray environments. The 1.5m and 1.6m stainless steel cargo e-trikes — including the Silver Loong series with a premium silver finish — are available for both passenger and goods transport applications.
Guangxi Dachuan also offers comprehensive OEM/ODM customization, enabling Philippine buyers to specify battery configuration, cargo bed accessories, and branding to match local requirements. As the Philippine government moves forward with its EV manufacturing plan and loan program, transport cooperatives and fleet operators can secure reliable, durable e-tricycles ready for the road.
Fred
