DOE, HPG: No need for certification for hybrid cars in EV list
Recognized electric vehicles are not required to secure certification from the Department of Energy, the agency said.
The DOE’s EV Industry issued an advisory on Oct. 8 regarding the Highway Patrol Group's previous advisory on exempting electric and hybrid vehicles from the number coding scheme.
The energy agency said that there's no need for certification for EVs listed in its database at EVIndustry.ph.
On the same day, PNP's Highway Patrol Group also released a clarification.
"The earlier statement of the Acting Director was intended to emphasize the Group’s commitment to ensuring that only legitimately recognized electric and hybrid vehicles enjoy the benefits provided by law," the statement read.
"It was not meant to imply that owners are required to personally obtain certification from the Department of Energy," they added.
PNP-HPG Acting Director PCOL Hansel Marantan stressed that the agency cannot ignore reports of vehicles using fake or unauthorized green plates, noting that only the DOE maintains the official list of legitimate hybrid and electric vehicles, which will enjoy exemption from the number coding scheme.
Marantan added that if a vehicle with green plates is not on DOE’s list, the HPG will inspect documents and coordinate with LTO for verification.
He also assured the public that apprehensions or inspections would be based on proper grounds or evidence. The procedure would be done to "prevent the misuse or falsification of green license plates, protect legitimate vehicle owners, and uphold the integrity of the EVIDA Law’s implementation."
"The PNP-HPG fully supports the implementation of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law) or (Republic Act No. 11697), and recognizes the coordination between the DOE and the Land Transportation Office in identifying vehicles entitled to green plates and their corresponding privileges, including exemption from the number coding scheme," the HPG said in a statement
Under the EVIDA Law, electric vehicle users are entitled to various incentives, including priority in vehicle registration and renewal, special license plates issued by the LTO, and exemption from traffic reduction measures such as the number coding scheme and similar programs enforced by the MMDA or local government units.
Check the recognized EVs here.
